In the decades between 1930 and 2020, the size of the average living room in newly built houses in Britain has risen from 16 square meters in the 1930s, to 24.9 square meters in the 1970s, before falling to 17.1 square meters in recent years. The reason for the increase in living room size (and house sizes in general) between 1950 and 1980, was due to Britain's economic recovery after the Second World War. However, decreasing family sizes caused the demand for larger houses to drop from the 1980s onwards, and today, newly built living rooms are closer in size to their pre-war levels than their size in the previous decade.

Between 1930 and 2020, the average size of master bedrooms in newly-built houses in Britain has remained relatively consistent throughout the decades. In the 1930s, the average master bedroom was approximately 15.3 square meters, before dropping to 13.7 square meters during the Second World War and the immediate recovery period. By the 1960s, it had risen again above 15 square meters, before gradually dropping over the next five decades to 13.4 square meters in the 2010s. The total fluctuation is just 1.9 meters, which is significantly lower than the that of living room sizes during this time.

This statistic presents the floor space of the one-bedroom flat in England as of 2011, listed for selected house building companies. As of 2011, Persimmon ranked highest with regards to one bedroom or maisonette flat sizes, building spaces that were on average ** square meters in size.

This dataset provides Census 2021 estimates that classify households in England and Wales by household size and by number of rooms. The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021.

It is inappropriate to measure change in number of rooms from 2011 to 2021, as Census 2021 used Valuation Office Agency data for this variable. Instead use Census 2021 estimates for number of bedrooms for comparisons over time. Read more about this quality notice.

Area type

Census 2021 statistics are published for a number of different geographies. These can be large, for example the whole of England, or small, for example an output area (OA), the lowest level of geography for which statistics are produced.

For higher levels of geography, more detailed statistics can be produced. When a lower level of geography is used, such as output areas (which have a minimum of 100 persons), the statistics produced have less detail. This is to protect the confidentiality of people and ensure that individuals or their characteristics cannot be identified.

Coverage

Census 2021 statistics are published for the whole of England and Wales. Data are also available in these geographic types:

• country - for example, Wales
• region - for example, London
• local authority - for example, Cornwall
• health area – for example, Clinical Commissioning Group
• statistical area - for example, MSOA or LSOA

Number of rooms (Valuation Office Agency)

A room can be any room in a dwelling apart from bathrooms, toilets, halls or landings, kitchens, conservatories or utility rooms. All other rooms, for example, living rooms, studies, bedrooms, separate dining rooms and rooms that can only be used for storage are included. If two rooms have been converted into one, they are counted as one room.

The number of rooms is recorded by address, this means that for households living in a shared dwelling the number of rooms are counted for the whole dwelling and not the individual household.

This definition is based on the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) definition.

Household size

The number of people in the household.

Visitors staying at an address do not count to that household’s size.

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Europe Ready To Assemble (RTA) Furniture Market Size 2025-2029

The Europe ready to assemble (RTA) furniture market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.57 billion at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The European Ready To Assemble (RTA) Furniture Market is experiencing significant shifts, driven by the reduction in average urban living space and the robust growth of online sales. With space at a premium in European cities, RTA furniture's modular design and ease of assembly have made it an attractive option for consumers. This trend is further amplified by the convenience of purchasing online furniture, allowing consumers to save time and space in their homes. However, the market faces challenges, including a shortage of high-quality raw materials related to RTA furniture production. This scarcity can lead to increased production costs and potential supply chain disruptions.
Companies in the RTA furniture industry must navigate these challenges by implementing efficient sourcing strategies and exploring alternative materials to maintain competitiveness and meet consumer demand. By capitalizing on the market's growth drivers and addressing the challenges, RTA furniture manufacturers can effectively cater to the evolving needs of European consumers and thrive in this dynamic market.

What will be the size of the Europe Ready To Assemble (RTA) Furniture Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The European RTA furniture market exhibits dynamic trends, with industrial design playing a pivotal role in shaping contemporary furniture styles. Circular economy principles are increasingly influencing the industry, as consumers demand more sustainable solutions. Assembly difficulty varies among furniture types, with some opting for simpler designs and others prioritizing durability and weight. Fabric types, furniture upholstery, and furniture colors are key considerations for buyers, reflecting personal preferences and design aesthetics. Furniture trends lean towards sustainability, with a focus on furniture upcycling, recycling, and lifecycle management. Space optimization, functionality, and multifunctional furniture are essential aspects of modern design, with furniture dimensions tailored to urban living.
Furniture materials, including wood products, metal, plastic, and leather, offer diverse aesthetics and functionalities. Mid-century modern, rustic, and Scandinavian designs remain popular, while glass furniture adds a touch of elegance and minimalism. Furniture finishes, from matte to high-gloss, cater to various tastes and preferences. Assembly time and furniture trends continue to evolve, with an emphasis on space-saving, easy-to-assemble designs. Furniture sustainability and furniture storage solutions are also gaining traction, as consumers seek eco-friendly and efficient options.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Home RTA furniture
  Office RTA furniture


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Price Range

  Economy
  Mid-range
  Premium


Geography

  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Sweden
    UK

By Product Insights

The home RTA furniture segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The European RTA furniture market encompasses various segments, including living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, kids room, and garden furniture. Living room furniture, which consists of sofa sets, tables, chairs, entertainment units, decorative side tables, and shelves, is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing preference for luxury RTA options. Bedroom furniture, comprising beds, sofa sets, dressing tables, wardrobes, and study tables, is witnessing innovation and design trends that are driving its expansion. DIY furniture, smart furniture, and modular furniture are also gaining popularity, necessitating efficient supply chain management for furniture wholesalers. Furniture certifications ensure safety and durability, while furniture maintenance, cleaning, and repair services cater to the needs of customers.

Assembly tools and instructions facilitate the self-assembly process, and hardware kits are essential components of RTA furniture production. Furniture design, pricing, and technology are key factors influencing market trends. Sustainable furniture, recycling, and upcycling are increasingly important considerations for consumers. E-commerce platforms and online retail have transformed the industry, offering a wide range of options for furniture customization and personalizati

Dataset population: Households

Household composition

Household composition classifies households according to the relationships between the household members. Households consisting of one family and no other usual residents are classified according to the type of family (married, same-sex civil partnership or cohabiting couple family, or lone parent family) and the number of dependent children. Other households are classified by the number of people, the number of dependent children, or whether the household consists only of students or only of people aged 65 and over.

Number of bedrooms

The number of bedrooms in a household's accommodation.

A bedroom is defined as any room that was intended to be used as a bedroom when the property was built, or any room that has been permanently converted for use as a bedroom. It also includes all rooms intended for use as a bedroom even if not being used as a bedroom at the time of the census. Bedsits and studio flats are counted as having one bedroom.

The number of bedrooms is not available for household spaces with no usual residents.

Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is expected to inch upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% to £15.8 billion. A solid housing market has bolstered the industry's performance as the government has battled against housing shortages across the UK. As house prices swell and the housing stock ages, more consumers choose to refurbish their homes or decorate newly acquired properties, boosting sales for home improvement products. However, the flourishing rental market has shaken up homeware and furnishing retailers as shoppers are deterred from investing in high-value pieces until they find their forever homes. In 2024-25, revenue is expected to slump by 0.5%. Furniture, lighting and homeware retailers face intense external competition from their online-only counterparts, department stores and clothing retailers that have expanded into the homeware arena. Supply chain disruptions and high interest rates complicate the market, making financing harder despite buy-now-pay-later options. While inflation is easing, retailers must adapt to evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures. This has narrowed profitability and revenue growth in the industry. Retailers from other industries will continue to pose a threat. Still, growth opportunities prevail. Government initiatives to stimulate housing activity (think Shared Ownerships and First Homes Scheme) are set to support demand from new homeowners. With the shift to e-commerce and click-and-collect, retailers must enhance in-store convenience or risk losing customers. Augmented reality apps offer a digital edge, letting shoppers visualise furniture at home. Sustainability is also reshaping the industry, with buy-back schemes and repair services becoming popular as eco-consciousness grows. Younger generations, valuing individuality and transparency, push for unique, upcycled pieces. Retailers must adapt logistics to meet faster delivery demands and embrace small-format stores to stay competitive. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is anticipated to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.1% to £17.5 billion.

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Home Furnishings Market Size 2025-2029

The home furnishings market size is forecast to increase by USD 538.8 million at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing interest in interior design and the rise in demand for eco-friendly home furnishings. Consumers are investing more in enhancing their living spaces, leading to increased sales in this sector. Additionally, there is a growing preference for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products, presenting a valuable opportunity for companies to cater to this trend. However, the market faces challenges, including uncertainty in the prices of raw materials. This volatility can impact the profitability of businesses in the home furnishings industry, necessitating effective supply chain management and price strategies to mitigate risks and maintain competitiveness.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively should focus on offering innovative, eco-friendly home furnishing solutions while managing their raw material costs and ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

What will be the Size of the Home Furnishings Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic trends shaping various sectors. Customization, such as fire pits and minimalist furniture layouts, gains popularity, while promotions and fabric selection cater to diverse consumer preferences. Scandinavian and bohemian styles coexist with furniture rental and assembly services, ensuring flexibility for modern living. Outdoor furniture and eco-friendly options, like area rugs and sustainable materials, prioritize comfort and environmental consciousness. Furniture pricing and repair services address affordability and longevity, while design trends incorporate smart home technology and space planning. Bedroom and kitchen furniture, along with bathroom accessories, showcase quality materials and innovative design.
Furniture distributors and wholesalers adapt to these trends, providing a seamless supply chain. Furniture stripping and painting add a personal touch, while furniture retailers cater to various styles, from rustic to mid-century modern. Space planning and furniture comfort are essential considerations, with furniture trends embracing contemporary and traditional styles. Furniture financing, leasing, and subscription services offer flexible solutions for Home Renovation projects. Handmade and industrial furniture, along with furniture brands and Office Furniture, cater to unique tastes and professional environments. Furniture guarantees, delivery, and installation ensure customer satisfaction, while online shopping and catalogs provide convenience.
Furniture recycling and sourcing initiatives promote sustainability, with patio sets and Home Decor adding the final touches to living spaces.

How is this Home Furnishings Industry segmented?

The home furnishings industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Home furniture
  Home textiles
  Floor coverings


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Material

  Wood
  Fabric/Textile
  Metal
  Plastic
  Glass


End-user

  Residential
  Commercial


Decorative Accessories

  Wall Art
  Rugs and Carpets
  Lighting Fixtures


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The home furniture segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The home furniture market is a significant sector, accounting for over half of the total market share due to its essential role in residential buildings. APAC, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, is experiencing rapid growth in this market. This expansion is attributed to the increasing average dual-household income and population growth. Multifunctional and ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture are popular choices in this segment, catering to consumers' demand for space efficiency and affordability. Living room, bedroom, and kitchen furnishings are the primary categories, while bathroom furniture is gaining prominence. Consumers are increasingly valuing country and rustic styles for their bathrooms.

Design trends include minimalist and Scandinavian styles, as well as the integration of smart home technology. Furniture customization, restoration, and repair services are also on the rise. Fabric selection, color palettes, and eco-friendly materials are essential considera

In the 3 years to March 2023, 25% of households from the Arab ethnic group were overcrowded, compared with 2% of White British households.