How to Prepare for a Bed or Sofa Showroom Visit: What to Measure and Bring

By the Cambridge Beds & Furniture team, 199 Thames Street, Morrinsville. Updated October 2026.

Most people walk into a furniture showroom with a rough idea and walk out unsure. Not because the choice was wrong, but because they didn't have the details they needed to decide. Ten minutes of preparation at home makes the visit faster, and makes it far less likely you'll end up with a bed that doesn't fit or a sofa that won't go through the door.

What should I measure before I go?

• The room: length and width, plus where windows, doors, heaters and power points sit.
• The path in: front door, hallway width, tight corners and stairs. This matters most for sofas and large bases.
• Your current bed: the mattress size and height, and the base or frame you plan to keep. Check it against our bed size guide.
• Clearance: leave enough space to walk around the bed and open wardrobe doors and drawers.

Write the numbers down or save them on your phone. Guessing is how a king bed ends up in a room built for a queen.

What should I photograph?

Take a few photos of the room from the doorway, plus close-ups of the flooring, wall colour and any furniture that's staying. They help our team suggest sizes, colours and styles that suit the space.

Who should come with me?

If you share a bed, bring your partner. Two people feel the same mattress very differently, and testing together avoids a second trip. For a family sofa, bring whoever uses it most. For a child's bed, bring the child if you can.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and shoes you can slip off. You'll want to lie on mattresses in your normal sleeping position for a few minutes each. Our mattress testing checklist explains how to make that time count.

How should I plan the budget?

Decide on a comfortable range rather than one fixed number, and think about the total, including a base, protector and pillows if you need them. If the upfront amount is the sticking point, look at our finance options before you visit. We offer:

• Afterpay: four equal payments every two weeks, with no added interest when you pay on time.
• GEM Visa: a revolving credit card accepted in store.
• Finance Now: NZ-owned finance with flexible repayment terms. Ask about current interest-free periods.
• Q Mastercard: a flexible card for your purchase and everyday spending.

Most applications are approved on the spot in store. Terms and criteria are set by each provider. If Work and Income is helping with the cost, ask us for a WINZ quote during your visit.

What about the old bed or sofa?

Decide before you go whether you're keeping, selling or getting rid of it. If it needs to go, our old bed removal service can take an old mattress or base away when the new one arrives, as long as you add it at the time of purchase.

Bring a short list of questions

Warranty, comfort guarantee, delivery timing and after-sales support are all worth asking about. Our list of 10 questions to ask before buying covers them, so you don't forget anything on the day.

Your pre-visit checklist

1. Room, doorway and stair measurements
2. Current mattress size and base details
3. Photos of the room
4. Your partner or main user
5. Comfortable clothes
6. A budget range and a preferred payment option
7. A plan for the old furniture
8. Your list of questions

Check before you come

If you've seen something online, call 027 823 4445 or send us a message and we'll confirm it's on the floor. Our showroom is at 199 Thames Street, Morrinsville, open seven days.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring when shopping for a bed?

Bring your room and doorway measurements, your current mattress size, photos of the room, your partner if you share a bed, and a budget range.

How do I measure for a new sofa?

Measure the space where it will sit, then the front door, hallway, corners and stairs it has to pass through, and compare them with the sofa's width, depth and height.

Should I test a mattress with my partner?

Yes. Partners often feel the same mattress differently, so testing together helps you choose one that suits you both and avoids a second visit.

Can I sort out finance before I visit?

You can check our finance options online first. We offer Afterpay, GEM Visa, Finance Now and Q Mastercard, and most applications are approved on the spot in store.