Early test version. The cost and inflation figures are real official statistics. This page shows measured changes only; the weights that combine the cost series into a category are our own estimates.
Furniture and appliance costs over the last 3 months
What the latest data shows: input costs for furniture makers rose 1.2% over the 3 months to September 2026; general consumer prices rose 0.9% over the same time.
On a $1,000 sofa, the same change in costs is about $11; the change in general prices over the same time is about $9.
This page describes the past; it does not say what prices will do next. Open a category to see where the cost change comes from.
Household furniture: cost and official prices, last 3 months
Cost increase The measured rise in this category's production costs over the last 3 months: a weighted average of official price series (materials, labour, and import prices or the exchange rate), using cost shares we assume. It is the maker's cost, not a shelf price; shop prices are measured and shown separately. How to read →computed, mean of 4 categories+1.2%
Inflation The rise in general consumer prices over the same 3 months. A category's costs may have risen faster or slower; this shows the past only. How to read →general prices+0.9%
Shop prices (official) Official consumer price index change for household furniture over the last 3 months: a measurement of the prices paid in shops. It is a different thing from the cost bar; we draw no cause-and-effect link between the two. They are prices measured in the past, not a forecast. In the US the index is “furniture and bedding” and includes mattresses. How to read →furniture and bedding, consumer price index (September 2026)-1.8%
-2-1012
Cost shows the makers' expense, the official price shows the shop price; they are different things.
Major appliances: cost and official prices, last 3 months
Cost increaseThe measured rise in this category's production costs over the last 3 months: a weighted average of official price series (materials, labour, and import prices or the exchange rate), using cost shares we assume. It is the maker's cost, not a shelf price; shop prices are measured and shown separately. How to read →makers' computed cost+3.5%
Inflation The rise in general consumer prices over the same 3 months. A category's costs may have risen faster or slower; this shows the past only. How to read →general prices+0.9%
Shop prices (official) Official consumer price index for major appliances in the US and, within it, the laundry equipment item (washing machines and dryers). They are prices measured in the past, not a forecast. The subgroup moves more from month to month than the total, partly because of sales; the 12-month change is the calmer figure. Official statistics do not publish refrigerators, dishwashers or ovens separately. How to read →major appliances, consumer price index (September 2026)-1.2%
Laundry applianceswashing machines and dryers+1.2%
-2-101234
Cost shows the makers' expense, the official price shows the shop price; they are different things.
over 12 months
over 12 months
over 3 months
Laundry applianceswashing machines and dryers
+6.7%
+1.2%
Major appliances (total)
-2.3%
-1.2%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer price index for major appliances and its laundry equipment item (washers and dryers), not seasonally adjusted. BLS publishes no separate figure for refrigerators, dishwashers or ovens.
What pushed prices up and what held them back
Shelf prices depend on production costs, but also on how much people buy and on the exchange rate. Import prices are already part of the cost figure above. These are the latest measured figures sorted by the way they point; each row shows its own month. They do not say what prices will do next.
▲ Pushing prices up
Costs of furniture makers +1.2% on average over the 3 months to September 2026; general prices +0.9% over the same time. The breakdown is above.
▼ Holding prices back
Consumer sentiment below its 2015-2019 level (index 51.7; 2015-2019 average 95.2; August 2026). Usually between 90 and 98.8 in 2015-2019.
– Within the usual range
Close to their usual level: this period they are not clearly pushing prices up or holding them back.
The dollar against other currencies +0.6% over 12 months (October 2026); a stronger dollar makes imported furniture and parts cheaper. Usually between −3.1% and +12.8% in 2015-2019.
No usual range yet for these series
Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores +4.9% in dollars over 12 months while furniture prices changed −2.4%, so about +7.3% in volume (September 2026)
Shown as context. We have not found that any of these predicts prices on its own. Sources: US Census Bureau, BLS, University of Michigan, Federal Reserve (via FRED). Each row is the latest measured figure, with its own month. "Usually between" is the range where the middle 80% of the 2015-2019 values lay (10th to 90th percentile), before the pandemic. A row sits under pushing or holding back only when its latest figure is outside that range; a series without such a range sits apart. The rows are context: we have not found that any of them predicts prices on its own. How to read →
Recent official decisions
Recent decisions by public bodies that affect furniture and appliance prices: interest rates, minimum wage, tax, tariffs, credit rules and energy. Each line links to the official text.
Scheduled · Applies January 1, 2027 Section 232 tariff on imported upholstered wooden furniture rises from 25% to 30% (the rise planned for 1 January 2026 was moved to 1 January 2027) A tariff is added to the cost of imported goods and parts. Importers' costs rise, and domestic makers can move their prices toward the new level. Source: Federal Register ↗▲ adds to the pressure
September 16, 2026 Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target range by 0.25 points to 3.75–4.00% Higher rates make loans and paying in instalments dearer. Big purchases such as furniture and appliances can be put off, and with less demand sellers find it harder to raise prices. Source: Federal Reserve ↗▼ holds prices back
The direction describes the decision's first effect on costs or demand; it does not say what prices will do or how much. Last checked: October 20, 2026. The arrow shows the decision’s first effect on costs or demand: ▲ adds to the pressure, ▼ holds prices back. It does not say how much prices will change; other factors work at the same time. How to read →