The rising cost of furniture is increasingly affecting the overall expenses of homeownership in the United States, adding significant financial pressure on buyers beyond the purchase price. Since February 2020, bedroom furniture, including beds, dressers, and nightstands, has risen by 11%, while living room, kitchen, and dining room furnishings have surged by 25%, translating into thousands of extra dollars for homeowners. The pandemic-driven spike in demand for home office and patio furniture, combined with higher shipping costs, contributed to this escalation, although overall furniture price growth has lagged behind general inflation.
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Several factors have amplified these cost increases. Many furniture components are imported to the U.S., as domestic production can be more expensive due to labour and environmental costs. The imposition of tariffs on imported items has further pressured prices, compelling companies like Ashley Furniture to raise costs across their product lines. Consequently, consumers are faced with trade-offs between imported and U.S.-made furniture, as the latter may offer a price advantage due to lower tariff exposure but may not always meet demand or variety needs.
The impact of these rising costs is compounded by broader increases in essential living expenses, such as health insurance, groceries, and utilities, leaving less disposable income for home furnishings. As a result, many buyers are delaying or forgoing furniture purchases, highlighting the complex interplay between global supply chains, trade policies, and domestic financial pressures. Rising furniture prices now form a critical consideration for anyone budgeting for homeownership, influencing both consumer behaviour and retail strategies in the U.S. market.
Source: www.san.com
