According to the Office of National Statistics, Furniture input costs are now at more or less normal levels with a rise in the year to April of 2.1%, down from 5.5% in March. In April 2022, for example, costs were running at 22.2%.

The annual rise in the retail price of household furniture for the domestic market recorded it lowest rate of growth in April since August 2021, but at 8.6% it is still high by historical standards.

The latest output figures are for March. Total UK furniture output and orders for March this year increased by 0.1% compared to that month a year ago, and in so doing posted a record value of £1004.6 million. However, the index of furniture production was down by 12% by the same monthly comparison.

This difference must be a reflection of increased trade prices, which were up on an annual basis to April for all domestic furniture by 10.5%.  However, mattress makers lag behind other furniture sectors in price rises, recording a rise of just 1.5% compared to April last year.