Consumer spending on kitchens remained buoyant in 2018, +6% to reach £3,929 million, helped by continued strength of demand at the higher end of the market and the tendency for people to regard a kitchen makeover as adding value to their property. In 2019 we forecast that market growth will slow to 2.5% because of a slower housing market and uncertainty surrounding Brexit. We expect spending in 2019 to reach £4,027 million.

New homes tend to have smaller kitchens and this is driving demand for kitchen plans that cater for small spaces. But, at the same time there is a trend for creating spacious, open plan living as householders knock through or extend in order to accommodate larger kitchens which can be used for gatherings, shared family time and multi-purpose living. At the high end of the market households are investing in extra storage fittings such as roll-out larder shelving and swing-out shelving for corner cupboards. Other factors driving market growth include steadily rising household numbers. Retailers had mixed fortunes in 2018 with winners including IKEA and Wren Kitchens but the DIY chains lost ground as B&Q axed its fittings services and as more share went to trade-focused businesses including Howdens, Magnet Trade and Benchmarx. In the five years from 2019-24, consumer spending is forecast to rise by 28% to reach £5,170 million.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:

This Report monitors the consumer market for kitchen furniture through all channels. Estimates include retail sales to consumers plus trade sales via local traders, including builders and interior design specialists. Market sizes reflect this clarification of the Report’s definition.

The Report addresses fitted and freestanding kitchen furniture, including:

• Storage units such as cupboards, shelving and dressers

• Work surfaces

• Tables

• Chairs and stools.

The kitchen furniture market consists of both single furniture items and complete fitted systems. The latter frequently includes non-furniture items, such as sinks and taps (plumbing supplies), as well as appliances bought as part of a kitchen and installation costs. Nevertheless, these non-furniture items are integral to the price charged for a fitted kitchen, and are covered in this Report. Inevitably it is not straightforward to separate out retail and trade sales; the data shown in the Report represents Mintel’s best estimates of the consumer market for kitchens. There is also an element of unquantifiable overlap with dining room furniture in the area of tables and chairs.

• Furniture sold for non-domestic use

• Kitchens and constituent parts sold to the building trade for installation in new build homes and redevelopments

• Appliances, except those integral to a fitted kitchen

• Second-hand furniture.

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Value figures throughout this Report are at retail selling prices unless otherwise stated. Market sizes at 2019 prices are calculated using Mintel’s Household Goods deflator.