Everything You Should Know When Decorating Your Small Condo

Okay, so a lot of people live in small condos—and I was one of them for over 2.5 years. So, let’s talk condo decorating. Maybe you’ve just moved into a shoebox-sized space, and you’re ready to start planning how to furnish and decorate it.

Well, let me tell you: when it comes to small condo design, you have to be intentional with every piece and every sq inch. These days, most of us are living in more compact homes, so smart design matters more than ever.

Let’s dive in. Here’s everything I, as a designer, consider when approaching a condo decorating project.

Zoning For Small Condos

Knowing your habits, your routines, and how you actually like to live plays a huge role in interior design—especially when you’re working with limited square footage in a condo. When I work with a client, I spend just as much time getting to know them as I do getting to know their space. Why? Because a well-designed home should reflect and support your lifestyle

Start by identifying what you need to zone for. Ask yourself questions such as:

Do I work from home regularly?

Do I like to take naps on the sofa?

Do I like to host friends for dinner?

Do I need a spot to do my makeup each morning?

Do I like to do Zumba at home?

Will I have overnight guests who need a place to sleep?

Do I have enough storage space?

How often do I have people over?

What sized bed am I comfortable in?

What can I live without?

Etc.

You really need to think about your habits and lifestyle.

Once you have your list of must-haves, ask: What can I combine or simplify? For example, it might not be practical to have a separate desk, dining table, and vanity in a one-bedroom or studio condo. Instead, maybe one well-chosen table can function as all three—a workspace by day, dining area in the evening, and a vanity with a mirror propped nearby. This is where intentional design shines: every piece you bring in should earn its keep.

Prioritizing Zones in a Small Condo

You might realize through this process that you won’t have space for everything—especially if you’re downsizing. At some point, you’ll have to start bargaining with yourself and prioritizing what’s truly important.

Maybe you want a large table, but you also want a big sofa. In many condos, both won’t fit—so you’ll need to choose. Maybe you start thinking smarter and plan for a table with extendable leaves. Maybe you want a separate zone for doing your makeup, but you also want space for your walking pad. There comes a point where you’ll have to pick between the two.

That’s why knowing what matters most to you is so crucial. Designing your space around your real needs makes all the difference.

Once you have your list of zones, or at least, have some sort of idea, you can move onto the next step in getting down to the nitty-gritty in planning for the furniture.

How To Plan For Furniture In a Condo

What I find funny is how many people buy furniture without measuring their space first. Sure, if you’re furnishing a huge house, it might not be a total disaster (still a bad idea, but you’ll probably get away with it). But in a small condo? Absolutely not. You cannot skip planning. Every inch counts. ALSO, please make sure to check your elevator height – rookie mistake.

You have to be detail-oriented. That means measuring your space—twice. Then, you need to create a to-scale floor plan. Sounds intimidating? It’s actually super easy thanks to technology. There are some amazing tools out there that make this accessible to anyone.

My favourite? I found the best app for the average person—check it out here: I Tested The Best Interior Design AI Phone App

Once you’ve created your to-scale floor plan, you can start playing around with different furniture layouts. It’s a great way to see what fits, what flows, and what feels right in your space. Honestly, it’s kind of like playing The Sims—except this time, it’s your real-life home!

Every Inch Matters…

Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail—especially when it comes to furnishing a small space. You need a solid floor plan before you start shopping for furniture. Once you know exactly what size sofa (or any piece) your space can accommodate, you can confidently narrow down your options. And let’s be real—if you’re in a small condo, chances are you’ll be working with a condo-sized sofa or love seat, which, thankfully, a lot of brands offer these days.

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time for the fun part…SHOPPING.

My Go-To Brands For Small Condo Decorating

Shopping for a small condo is very different than shopping for a larger home. Personally, I shop at different stores depending on the style and size of the space because I’ve found that some brands cater better to compact living, while others simply don’t. So, where do I go when I need to find stylish, space-saving pieces?

I find that Wayfair and Ashley have a lot of great furniture options for small condos.

I love Samsung’s TV options, such as the Frame TV, and Sero. Sleek and amazing for saving space/ having dual functions. I also really like LG’s Stand By Me TV as well!

Umbra and Bed Bath & Beyond have amazing solutions for organizing – which is also critical for a condo.

Remember To Plan For Only What You Need

Another important note when it comes to small condo design: only plan for what you actually need—there’s no room for fluff. Every piece should have a purpose and be functional. That also means decluttering, staying organized, and maintaining that organization over time.

In a small condo, you don’t have the wiggle room that a house might offer to accommodate unnecessary extras. There simply isn’t enough space. You need to free yourself from clutter and design a space that works smart for your lifestyle.

And hey—if you’re still feeling stuck, you can always give me a call.