Have you ever walked through a furniture store and still walked out thinking, “I just didn’t find what I was looking for”?
You’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations guests share with our team.
But here’s the surprising truth: The issue usually isn't the furniture. It's that most shoppers don't have a clear picture of what they actually need yet.
These five simple questions will help you get crystal clear—before you shop—so you can spot the right pieces instantly, whether you're choosing a new sofa, a mattress, or the perfect dining table for your family.
Every great solution starts with a problem. When you name what’s not working, the right answer becomes much easier to recognize.
Real guest examples:
“Our bedroom feels cluttered instead of relaxing.”
“We have six people for dinner every night, but a table that only seats four.”
“My mattress leaves me more tired than rested.”
Pro Tip: Write a one-sentence “problem statement” in your phone before you shop. This becomes your starting point—not a style, color, or brand.
If your “what’s not working” includes sleep struggles, our guide to choosing the right mattress can help you understand which options support your needs best.
Think beyond looks. What job does this furniture need to perform in real life?
Guests tell us things like:
"We need a sofa that is easy to clean and seats our whole family.”
“I’m a hot sleeper. I need a mattress that keeps me cool.”
“Our dining space is small, so the table needs to expand but not overwhelm the room.”
Quick checklist:
Extra seating
Storage
Comfort
Durability
Easy-to-clean fabric
Kid- and pet-friendly materials
Space-saving features
When you know what the furniture needs to do, you can instantly filter out the pieces that won't work.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for long-lasting upholstery, learn about easy-to-clean, kid- and pet-friendly fabrics so you know exactly what materials can stand up to real family life.
Your home is lived in—by people, pets, routines, spills, snacks, naps, and homework sessions.
Before choosing anything, ask:
“Who will use this every day, and what do they need from it?”
Guest examples:
“Two toddlers who spill juice like it’s their job.”
“Our dog sleeps at the foot of our bed every night.”
“My teen does homework at the kitchen table.”
Quick Tip:
Make a list of who uses the space and what they need from it.
Pro Tip for Busy Families:
If your home sees spills, pets, or heavy daily use, check out our simple guide to keeping fabric looking great in high-traffic homes.
You’re not just buying furniture—you’re shaping the feeling of your home.
Do you want the space to be…
Calm and relaxing?
Bright and energetic?
Warm and cozy?
Clean and modern?
Guest inspiration:
“I want our bedroom to feel like a quiet retreat.”
“Our dining room should feel open and welcoming.”
“Our living room needs to feel more put-together.”
Pro Tip:
Choose one word to guide your choices—calm, cozy, modern, bright, warm, clean, layered, grounded. Your word becomes your filter.
If you're refreshing a living room or bedroom, the right rug can completely change the feeling of a space. Use our rug size guide to help define the room and support the mood you’re trying to create.
This question takes all the pressure out of shopping.
If you’re gathering ideas:
Bring screenshots or Pinterest boards
Grab room measurements
Explore and ask questions—no pressure to choose
If you’re ready to decide:
Bring dimensions, a budget range, and your must-haves
Your specialist will help you narrow it down quickly and confidently
Helpful Tip:
There’s no “right” answer. Knowing where you are helps us meet you where you’re at.
Before you shop, ask yourself:
What’s not working in your space?
What needs to be solved?
Who needs to live with this piece?
How do you want the space to feel?
Am I browsing or ready to choose?
These questions turn “I’m overwhelmed” into “Oh Yeah—this is exactly what I needed.”
If you’ve ever thought, “I just couldn’t find what I was looking for,” the truth is that you might not have had the right questions yet.
Bring your answers with you—on your phone or written down.
Our Home Solution Specialists and Sleep Specialists will walk through them with you and show you options that truly fit your family, your space, and your lifestyle.
At Furniture Mall, we don’t just show you furniture or mattresses. We help you create a home that works beautifully for your real life.
Bring your answers to these five questions into any Furniture Mall location in Topeka, Olathe, or Lee’s Summit. Our specialists will help you turn your ideas into a solution that makes your home more comfortable, more beautiful, and easier to live in every day.
Visit us in-store or explore more guides at TheFurnitureMall.com.
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