I can't stress enough what a fantastic place this is for young professionals, college students, and…read moremoderate-income folks to pick up quality furniture. If you're like me, you enjoy finding deals on Craigslist but do sometimes get drawn into Ashley Furniture or much nicer places looking for a furniture set that isn't used. My advice would be to check out CORT's offerings before you head to IKEA or some stranger's house for cheap or used furniture.
I would not call CORT's selection "used" so much as "refurbished." When I entered I was immediately greeted by a kind saleswoman (Dee) who asked if she could tell me a little about the business. I agreed, and she gave a brief (~2 minute) explanation: CORT rents furniture to corporate office/housing clients, and if the furniture can no longer be rented but is in good shape, it enters their clearance outlets. Before it does, however, it is sanitized, cleaned, and repaired to ensure it is in the best shape possible. Of course, some furniture is immaculate while others show some sign of wear: pricing reflects this accordingly.
Unlike most furniture shops, I was never hassled by the staff and could browse without being badgered or "assisted." When I did have questions, the staff was quick to answer them and wait on me if I had further inquiries or concerns. The selection at Catonsville is pretty extensive: everything from lower-end couches and loveseats to some very high-quality sofas, sectionals, sleepers, etc. are available. They also have a sizeable collection of office furniture, bedroom sets, and TV stands in stock, all of which were in good to excellent condition and reasonably priced. Because the furniture has to be rented out, most of it is at least moderate quality--cheap items don't last long and are a poor investment for a place like CORT.
I ultimately chose two Burton sofas--one of which was a sleeper--and a complementary coffee and cocktail/end table set. The sofa was in mint condition while the sleeper had a few blemishes noticeable only to someone inspecting the furniture for purchase (which you obviously should always do, hah). Regardless, when the time came to make a deal, Dee, always the professional, was willing to slash the price by 50 bucks as I'd pointed out these minor stitch jobs.
On that end, I couldn't have been more pleased with the buying process. Many furniture stores will boast about "this weekend only" sales or claim that they cannot come down a cent further on furniture. CORT's prices were already more than competitive, but Dee was willing to meet my out-the-door price (which was reasonably close to her offer) to get my business. The staff helped me load the furniture into my pickup, and I went away a happy customer. I plan on coming back soon for a bookshelf and some other office equipment.
Please consider giving your custom to CORT (there are several around the DMV area too) before you blow a month or two's salary on an expensive (but not necessarily high-quality) new furniture set or scour the local Craigslist for heavily used stuff. Come with your own truck or be ready to hire their on-call contractor to move it for you for about 100-150 bucks. The people are nice, the deals are even nicer, and this furniture needs a home.
