Furniture poverty: where can you get help?

Going without a bed, sofa or dining table is a reality for many families struggling to make ends meet.

New research shows the scale of furniture poverty in the UK, and why so many people are suffering in silence.

What is furniture poverty?

Many people across Britain are living without essential furniture because they can’t afford it.

Research from DFS found three in 10 UK adults (30%) have gone without essential furniture because of financial pressures.

• 55% have eaten meals without a dining table
• 37% have slept on a mattress without a bed frame
• more than one in five have slept directly on the floor
• a quarter have had to sit on the floor because they had no suitable seating
• 24% have continued using furniture that was broken or unsafe

For parents, the worry can be even greater. Four in 10 say they have worried, or would worry, about not being able to replace their child's bed if it broke.

Despite its impact, furniture poverty remains largely invisible.

The DFS research found 76% of people had never heard the term 'furniture poverty' before taking part in the study.

What's more, 69% had never considered that as many as one in seven households could be living without essential items such as beds, sofas and dining tables.

A DFS spokesperson said furniture poverty "can be happening behind any front door".

They added that shame often prevents families from telling even their friends and relatives that they are struggling, allowing the problem to remain hidden.

How BBC Children in Need is helping families

BBC Children in Need 2026 takes place on Friday 13 November, when thousands of people across the UK will come together to take part in fundraising challenges and events.

Ahead of the charity's annual Pledge Night, DFS is working with its longstanding charity partner to shine a light on furniture poverty and support families experiencing hardship.

Every pound raised by DFS goes towards the Emergency Essentials programme, which provides vital household items, including beds, sofas and cookers, to children and families who need them.

The support helps give families the essentials they need to feel safe, comfortable and settled at home.

Where can you get help if you're experiencing furniture poverty?

If you or someone you know are struggling without essential furniture, there are organisations and schemes that may be able to help you access the items you need.

Here are some places to start:

Check what help your local council offers

Many councils run emergency crisis support to help people on low incomes pay for essential household items.

You can also use the End Furniture Poverty Welfare Assistance Finder to see what support is available in your area.

Search for charitable grants

The Turn2us grants search tool lets you check whether you qualify for help from more than 1,500 grant-giving charities. Some provide financial support towards furniture and essential household appliances.

Contact specialist charities

A number of charities offer help to families experiencing financial hardship:

• The Salvation Army: some local branches offer practical support to people in crisis, including help accessing essential household items.
• Emmaus: provides affordable, pre-loved furniture and household goods through its local communities and shops.
• Buttle UK: offers grants to support children, young people and families facing crisis. Applications are made through a supporting professional or support worker.
• Family Fund: provides grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children, helping with essential items and everyday needs.

Remember, asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of, and there may be more support available than you realise.