do monitors require a subwoofer?

I always found small speakers less than satisfactory, sounding thin and lacking bass. But in a post-divorce apartment, meaning a smaller room, the bass, or at least the room-reinforced parts, is too much, so I must consider smaller speakers, perhaps monitors. I can't really imagine being satisfied with inadequate bass, never really understood the attraction of using only small stand-mounted monitors. Many instruments just do not sound "right". No opportunity in Houston for in-home demos, have to buy to try. Never heard an eq that didn't veil the sound. So what do you do? Get monitors and a sub with lots of adjustability? Get small floorstanders and count on that reinforcement? thanks in advance for advice.