If you’re empty nesters downsizing from the large family home in the suburbs to a smaller condominium, it soon becomes obvious that the large sofa that accommodated sprawling teenagers or the dining table that was great for large family dinners will look out of place in your new, more compact space.

Fortunately, the furniture industry is realizing that more and more people are choosing the condominium or apartment-living lifestyle, especially as boomers get older, and that they are in need of furniture that fits their new space.

“They’re manufacturing sofas that are between 71 and 76 inches in length to suit the size of condos,” says Bradley Nieforth, of Nieforth Furnishers in Dartmouth. “It took a while for them to catch on, but we’re now starting to see it.”

He says he’s also seeing end tables and coffee tables that are smaller, to accompany the sofas. Also, armchairs are being manufactured with narrower arms so they are less overpowering in the condo’s living room or den.

“They’re also veering away from armchairs with skirts,” he says. “The exposed legs give the illusion of more space – they’re more airy, and not as heavy looking.”

It’s also easy to incorporate items such as ottomans, with built-in storage, to keep things neat and tidy, which can be paired with a nice tray to serve as an impromptu coffee or drinks’ table, or as extra seating.

Another great investment is nesting tables, which can be used when company comes to call and then slid back under the main table after everyone has gone home.

The choice of lighting can also be adapted for a small space through the use of wall-mounted or ceiling lights or sleek, streamlined table lamps.

Dining tables are smaller and he says kitchen tables are being produced to suit the smaller kitchens in apartments or condos.

“Many have drop leaves, so you can put them down between meals to increase your available space,” he says.

One area, though, where people aren’t scaling back, is in the bedroom. The queen-sized mattress is still the most popular choice, even if there is less room to maneuver around it.  But then, Nieforth says, many couples are choosing twin beds when they move from the family home to a condo or apartment.

“Some suites are coming with smaller dressers and bedside tables to fit smaller bedrooms,” he says.