UK inflation remained unchanged in February 2026, while furniture prices declined, reflecting continued pressure on the home furnishings sector.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) held at 3.0% year-on-year, with a monthly increase of 0.4%. Price movements across categories largely offset each other, with clothing rising and fuel costs falling.
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Within home furnishings, overall prices edged down by -0.3%. Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -0.9%, marking a sharper decline than the previous month and reversing last year's growth. Garden furniture saw a significant drop of -9%, continuing a downward trend.
In contrast, carpets and floorcoverings rose by 1.8%, while household textiles, including curtains and bedding, declined by -0.7%.
ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said the unchanged inflation rate reflected balancing factors, noting that rising clothing prices were offset by lower petrol costs and promotional activity on alcohol.
The data suggests ongoing volatility within the furnishings category, as shifting consumer demand and broader economic pressures continue to influence pricing across the sector.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
