Three in 10 Brits have gone without essential furniture due to financial constraints, according to new research by DFS. The survey of 2,000 adults found that 55% have eaten a meal without a table, while 37% have slept on a mattress without a bed frame.
Hidden crisis in UK households
The data also reveals that 34% have slept on a sofa because they couldn't afford the furniture they required, while more than one in five (21%) have been forced to sleep on the floor. One in four have continued using broken or unsafe furniture because they couldn't afford replacements.
DFS is shedding light on the reality of furniture poverty for children and families as part of its ongoing partnership with BBC Children in Need, as its Lead Furniture Partner for Emergency Essentials.
Shame surrounds the issue
Chief people officer for the furniture brand Cherie Donnelly said: "Furniture poverty is one of those problems that can be happening behind any front door."
"What's particularly concerning is how much shame surrounds it: when people feel too embarrassed to tell even their friends and family that they're struggling, it becomes incredibly easy for the problem to remain hidden."
The furniture giant has been partnered with BBC Children in Need since 2013, raising over £8m throughout that period. Claire Hoyle, CEO at BBC Children in Need, said they are 'incredibly grateful' for DFS' continued support.
Children's wellbeing at risk
Three quarters of respondents had never even heard the phrase 'furniture poverty' prior to participating in the research. This is despite one in seven households potentially living without basics such as beds, sofas or dining tables.
One in 10 adults have been without a bed at some stage, while 15% have gone without a sofa and 21% without a dining table and chairs. More than half (53%) of adults confessed they had never contemplated that some youngsters in the UK may routinely sleep without their own bed.
The OnePoll.com research found 82% of respondents believe going without one could affect a child's sleep, while 75% think their mental wellbeing could suffer and 71% feel their physical health could be impacted. More than two thirds (67%) believe it could affect concentration at school, with others highlighting confidence and self-esteem (58%) and behaviour (57%).
Emergency Essentials programme
The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme delivers urgently needed household items to children and families living in furniture poverty across the UK.
Whether it's a sofa to bring a family together, a bed to sleep in, a cooker to prepare hot meals, or essential clothing, these items can make a significant difference to a child's daily life and wellbeing.
Claire added: "Together, we want to shine a light on furniture poverty and help more families access the everyday essentials that can have such an important impact on a child's life."
