Condo Interior Design Tricks of the Trade

Condominiums are as much a part of life in Florida as the beach, sun, and key lime pie.

If you moved from a single-family residence to a condo, however, you may not have as much space as you’ve become accustomed to. Or maybe you have large rooms in your condo but not as many as in your old space. If you’ve chosen condo life, there are a few tricks you can use to maximize your space, celebrate the view, and enjoy the Florida condo experience. Read on to learn pro tricks for condo interior design.

You may be able to get away with one or two large pieces in a small room, but more than likely, you’ll limit your negative space, which may make the room feel claustrophobic. It can also make it difficult to move around. For instance, this Natuzzi 5-Piece Reclining Sectional from the Astuzia Collection is over 9 x 9’. Because it’s a recliner, you’ll also need space behind the two sides. Trying to place it in a condo living room that’s only 15’ feet wide might not be your best choice — although this is a beautiful piece.

Instead, consider the Bliss Fabric Loveseat from the Bernhardt Plush Collection. This loveseat comes in two versions, Left Arm and Right Arm. If you buy one of each, you can have a lot of versatility. It’s only 7’ in width, which makes it much friendlier for narrow condo floors.

If you have a smaller master bedroom or are putting a bed in a second room — which tend to be smaller in condominiums — you can still have a truly attractive bedroom. Minimalist bedframes adhere closely to the dimension of the mattress. For instance, a standard queen-sized mattress is 80” x 60”. The dimensions of this stunning Bernhardt Axiom Panel Bed are 88.56” x 65.5”, which means that the bed only takes up a few extra inches on each side. The Axiom Panel Bed is also available in king size if you have a little more space and want a larger bed.

Many condos in Florida have a short hallway by the front door, which is a perfect location to place a cabinet. While this might seem like an unnecessary usage of space, a hallway chest can help you remove clutter from the rest of your home. 

This Contemporary Accent Chest has a refined, contemporary look, a narrow profile (only 22” deep), and a decent amount of hidden storage. The fluted sides and door panels give it a uniform appearance. The interior is roomy enough for board games, pet supplies, blankets, etc.

The floor area in condos is at a premium, so before making any purchase, take down the floor measurements of each room. This will help you determine when you’re considering a piece that’s simply too large for your space. Most furniture retailers have the dimensions of their products listed, but you can also bring a tape measure with you when you shop. At Baer’s Furniture, if you forgot your tape measure, we will give you one. 

Of particular importance is the overall length and depth of the piece. If you’re measuring this Tommy Bahama Home Shoreline Sofa, you would want to measure from one rolled arm to the other since they protrude to the sides by a few inches, and at the base for the depth since it tapers inward.

Most condos have a dining area as opposed to a separate dining room. If you get a full-size dining room table, it may encroach on the rest of your living area. Unless you plan on hosting large parties — a problem that many condo buildings have solved by designating a community activity room — a four-seat dining table will probably be sufficient for your needs. The Contemporary Glam Round Dining Table has a 54” diameter, which makes it perfect for dinners, luncheons, and game nights. If you happen to need a little extra table surface, there is an 18” leaf included. With a couple of extra chairs, dinner for four can just as easily be dinner for six.

Baer’s Furniture has 16 showrooms throughout Florida. A large percentage of our customer base lives in condominiums. If you need advice for furnishing your condo, stop in at your local Baer’s Furniture. Our dedicated staff will be happy to help you find the right furniture for your space.