Room Place

When Mariah and David bought their first home, they were excited but overwhelmed by the prospect of furnishing it. They had a tight budget, little time, and no idea where to start. Through online reviews, Mariah mentioned a local furniture store that promised stylish, affordable, and convenient options: The room place Intrigued, the couple visited the nearest location that weekend. Walking through the showroom, they found full-room sets, unique pieces, and flexible financing options at prices that fit their budget. Within days, their once empty home was warm, inviting, and perfectly suited to their style. They realized that The RoomPlace wasn’t just about furniture—it was about helping families like theirs make a house feel like home.

For over a century, The room place has offered exactly what Mariah and David experienced: an opportunity for homeowners to furnish their homes with high-quality, stylish furniture at affordable prices. The RoomPlace has evolved from its early days as a small furniture shop in Chicago to a regional leader in the furniture retail industry, with locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In this article, we’ll explore how The RoomPlace has maintained its popularity, discuss the types of furniture it offers, and examine the reasons behind its growing appeal in the highly competitive furniture market.

The RoomPlace: A Brief History

The room place was founded in 1912 by Sam Berman, who opened a small furniture store in Chicago. Originally known as Harlem Furniture, the company’s mission was simple: provide affordable, stylish furniture for local families. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include more products and services, eventually rebranding as The RoomPlace to reflect its core business model of selling complete room packages.

Today, The room place operates 28 stores across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin (The RoomPlace, 2023). Its mission remains the same: offering customers the convenience of buying whole-room furniture sets rather than piecing individual items together. This approach has helped The RoomPlace differentiate itself from other furniture retailers, enabling customers to furnish an entire room quickly and affordably. According to a report by Furniture Today, The RoomPlace generated an estimated $225 million in revenue in 2022 (Furniture Today, 2023), solidifying its position as a key player in the regional furniture market.

The RoomPlace’s Unique Selling Proposition: Room Packages

RoomPlace is best known for its complete room packages, which allow customers to purchase furniture for an entire room—whether it’s a living room, bedroom, or dining room—all in one go. This “one-stop” approach has particularly appealed to busy homeowners or those unsure how to piece individual furniture items together to create a cohesive look.

According to a Home Furnishings Association (HFA) survey, 62% of furniture buyers struggle with selecting pieces that complement one another (HFA, 2022). The RoomPlace simplifies this process by curating room sets designed to work together in style, scale, and function. By providing pre-designed room setups, customers save both time and money, as these packages often come at a discounted price compared to buying each item individually.

For example, a typical living room set at The room place might include a sofa, loveseat, coffee table, and end tables, all for under $2,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers (The RoomPlace, 2023). This model also appeals to new homeowners or renters who may not have the time or expertise to curate their designs from scratch.

Furniture for Every Style and Budget

One reason The room place has maintained its popularity is its wide selection of styles and price points. The company offers furniture in various design categories, including modern, traditional, transitional, and rustic. Whether a customer is looking for a sleek, minimalist sofa or a more classic dining table, The RoomPlace has options that cater to different tastes and preferences.

The RoomPlace also caters to different budgets, offering furniture that ranges from basic, affordable options to more high-end, luxurious pieces. In a 2023 report by Statista, it was noted that American consumers spent an average of $8,176 on home furnishings annually, with price sensitivity being a critical factor for many buyers (Statista, 2023). The RoomPlace has captured a broad audience by offering affordable yet stylish furniture that appeals to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing quality.

In particular, their customizable furniture options have also gained popularity. For example, customers can choose different fabrics or finishes on certain pieces, allowing them to personalize their furniture to match their home decor. This flexibility in design, combined with affordability, has helped The RoomPlace attract a diverse customer base.

Flexible Financing and Payment Options

For many consumers, spreading out the cost of a large furniture purchase over time is essential. According to a survey by Furniture Today (Furniture Today, 2023), 45% of U.S. furniture buyers prefer retailers that offer flexible financing or payment plans. RoomPlace has addressed this need by offering various financing options, including interest-free financing for up to 60 months, layaway programs, and in-store credit cards.

These payment plans make it easier for customers to afford high-quality furniture without paying the full amount upfront. This has been particularly helpful for first-time homeowners, young families, or renters who may not have much disposable income but still want to invest in their living spaces. The flexibility in financing has made The RoomPlace an attractive option for those looking to furnish their homes without significant financial strain.

Fast and Reliable Delivery Services

Another advantage that sets The room place apart is its next-day delivery service. In an industry where delivery wait times can often stretch into weeks or months, The RoomPlace has streamlined its logistics to ensure that many of its products are available for next-day delivery. This fast turnaround has become a major selling point for customers needing furniture quickly—whether moving into a new home or redecorating a space.

According to a report by Furniture World, 72% of furniture shoppers cited delivery time as a key factor in their purchasing decisions (Furniture World, 2023). The RoomPlace’s ability to meet this demand for fast delivery has not only improved customer satisfaction but has also helped the company stand out in a crowded market where wait times for furniture can often be frustrating.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

As consumers become more eco-conscious, they increasingly seek companies that prioritize sustainability. According to Nielsen, 73% of consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact (Nielsen, 2023). The RoomPlace has recognized this shift and has taken steps to offer more sustainable and ethically sourced furniture options.

The company has partnered with manufacturers who follow environmentally responsible practices, including using sustainable wood and low-VOC finishes. Additionally, RoomPlace has implemented recycling initiatives in its warehouses and stores to minimize waste. These efforts not only help reduce the company’s carbon footprint but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who want to make responsible choices when furnishing their homes.

Expanding Into E-Commerce

As more consumers shift toward online shopping, The room place has embraced e-commerce as a growing part of its business model. According to a 2023 report by eMarketer, 25% of all U.S. furniture sales were conducted online, a figure that continues to grow as consumers prioritize convenience and ease of shopping (eMarketer, 2023).

The room place online platform allows customers to browse its full catalog of products, customize furniture options, and even receive financing offers—all from the comfort of their home. The website features high-quality images, product descriptions, and virtual room previews, making it easier for customers to envision how each piece will look in their space. This blend of in-store and online shopping has helped The RoomPlace cater to traditional shoppers and a new generation of digital-first consumers.

Conclusion: Why The RoomPlace Stands Out

For over a century, The room place has been a trusted destination for homeowners looking to furnish their homes with stylish, affordable, high-quality furniture. The company has built a loyal customer base across the Midwest by offering complete room packages, flexible financing options, and fast delivery. The RoomPlace’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers—whether through customizable designs, eco-friendly options, or a seamless e-commerce platform—has allowed it to remain competitive in a fast-changing industry.

For families like Mariah and David, The room place offers more than just furniture—it provides a convenient and affordable way to transform any house into a home. As the furniture market continues to evolve, The RoomPlace is well-positioned to continue offering value, style, and convenience for the next generation of homeowners.