Furniture prices decreased slightly in December, while carpets and overall inflation rose.

According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to December 2025, up from 3.2% in the 12 months to November. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.4% in December 2025, compared with a rise of 0.3% in December 2024.

Alcohol and tobacco, and transport made the largest upward contributions to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates.

For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices fall -0.9% in December, from its fall of -0.7% the previous month, while compared to last year, prices were down -0.5%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.

Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -1.4%, compared to a decline of -0.9% the previous month, and from a 0.5% increase compared to the same month last year.

Garden furniture prices fell by -9.7%, compared to a decline of -8.8% on last month, and from a decline of -11.7% compared to last year.

Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased by 2%, compared to a rise of 1% the previous month, and from a decline of -2.5% last year.

Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices fall by -0.2%, compared to its fall of -0.1% the previous month, and from a rise of 0.6% on last year.

Commenting on the inflation figures for December, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation ticked up a little in December, driven partly by higher tobacco prices, following recently introduced excise duty increases.

“Airfares also contributed to the increase with prices rising more than a year ago, likely because of the timing of return flights over the Christmas and New Year period. Rising food costs, particularly for bread and cereals, were also an upward driver.

“These were partially offset by a fall in rents inflation and lower prices for a range of recreational and cultural purchases.

“The annual increase in the prices for goods leaving factories was unchanged this month while the increase in the cost of raw materials for business slowed, driven by lower crude oil prices.”