Article: Your First Visit to The Sofa Store: What to Expect at Our Towson Showroom
Your First Visit to The Sofa Store: What to Expect at Our Towson Showroom
Walking into a furniture showroom for the first time can feel like a lot. There are dozens of sofas, chairs and sectionals, and more fabric and leather choices than you can count. This guide walks you through what a first visit to our Towson showroom looks like, what to bring, and how to make the most of your time, so you leave with a clear idea of what's right for your home.
Before you come in
You don't need to have anything figured out before you come. But a few things make the visit go faster:
- Your room measurements. The length of the wall where the piece will go, plus doorways, hallways and stairs on the way in. Our guides on how to measure your room for a sectional and how to measure for furniture delivery show you how.
- Photos of the room on your phone. Flooring, wall color, and the pieces you're keeping all help us point you in the right direction.
- Any color or style ideas you've saved. Screenshots, a pillow you love, a paint chip. Anything helps.
- The people who'll use it. If two of you will share the sofa, both of you should sit in it.
None of this is required. If you just want to look around, come as you are.
When you arrive
Someone from our team will say hello and ask a few simple questions: what room you're furnishing, who uses it, and how you use it. Movie nights, kids and pets, a formal living room that rarely gets sat in. From there, we'll steer you toward the pieces that fit. If you'd rather wander on your own first, just tell us. There's no pressure.
Sit in everything
Our showroom is a working floor, so most pieces are out where you can sit on them. This is the most important part of the visit. Two sofas that look alike in a photo can feel completely different. Pay attention to:
- Seat depth. With your back against the cushion, your feet should rest comfortably on the floor.
- Cushion feel. Some people like to sink in; others want firm support. Try a few to find your preference.
- Arm height and style. Do you lean on the arm, or put your head on it for a nap?
- Motion. If you're looking at recliners, run them all the way back and up again. Our power recliner sit-test has a full checklist.
See the fabrics and leathers in person
Most of what we sell is custom-ordered, with over 1,000 fabric and leather choices across our brands. That sounds overwhelming, but you won't be flipping through all of them. Once you've found a frame you like, our team will pull a handful of swatches that fit your household and your style, and lay them right on the piece so you can see the real color in real light.
Not sure which way to go? Our guide on leather vs. fabric and the best sofa for families with kids and pets cover the tradeoffs.
Don't forget the accent chairs
A good accent chair can finish a room. While you're here, look at chairs that pair with the sofa you're considering. It's much easier to judge how two pieces work together when they're side by side on the floor.
Why you'll get a quote here, not online
You won't find prices on our website, and that's on purpose. The price of a custom piece depends on the frame, size, fabric or leather, and options you choose, so a single number online wouldn't tell you much. In the showroom, we can price the exact piece you want. We also match the price of any authorized retailer on the same piece, configured the same way, including the same white-glove delivery and setup. Read more in why you won't find prices on our website.
If you're ready to order
We'll go over every detail with you before anything is placed: the frame, the configuration, your cover, and any options. Custom pieces take time to build, and we'll give you an honest timeline for the specific piece you choose. Our guide on what to expect when you order custom furniture walks through each step from order to delivery.
And if you're not ready, that's fine too. Plenty of people visit once to look, go home to think it over, and come back.
Questions worth asking on your first visit
- Will this fit through my doorway and up my stairs?
- What other sizes or configurations does this frame come in?
- Which covers hold up best with kids or pets?
- How long will this piece take to arrive?
- What's included with delivery?
Come see us
The best way to shop for furniture is in person. Stop by our Towson showroom, take your time, and sit in as many pieces as you like.
The Sofa Store
1125 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Towson, MD 21286
Mon–Sat 11am–7pm · Sun 12pm–5pm · Free parking
