One of the things that make Bromeliads so popular for indoor color is the many different varieties available  along with the many different looks. This image is of two different hybrids of Neoregelia . It's easy to see how open one plant is and the other much more compact.

This is one reason you should find out the names of the plants you purchase.  Just becuase it is a Bromeliad does not mean it will always have the same look or space requirements.