Three in ten Brits have gone without essential furniture because they couldn't afford it, according to new research by DFS of 2,000 adults. The study found 55% of people have eaten a meal without a table, while 37% have slept on a mattress without a bed frame.
Impact on daily life
The figures also show 34% have slept on a sofa because they couldn't afford the furniture they needed, while more than one in five (21%) have had to sleep on the floor. Additionally, one in four have continued using furniture that was broken or unsafe because they couldn't afford new ones.
Partnership with BBC Children in Need
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. 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.”
Donnelly added: “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 brand has partnered with BBC Children in Need since 2013, raising over £8m during that time. Claire Hoyle, CEO at BBC Children in Need, said they are 'incredibly grateful' for DFS' continued support. She added: “Every child deserves to have a home where they can feel safe, secure and comfortable, but sadly we know that isn’t the reality for every family.”
Awareness gap
Three quarters of those polled had never even heard of the term 'furniture poverty' before taking part in the study, despite one in seven households possibly living without essentials such as beds, sofas or dining tables. One in 10 adults have been without a bed at some point, while 15% have gone without a sofa and 21% without a dining table and chairs.
More than half (53%) of adults admitted they had never considered that some youngsters in the UK may regularly sleep without their own bed. The OnePoll.com study found 82% of those polled 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 pointing to confidence and self-esteem (58%) and behaviour (57%).
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."
