posted September 19, 2022, by Rent in Ottawa

Apartment decor is a personal reflection and expression of your sense of style. You might draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, like social media, your favourite home goods store, or even while visiting your friend’s new place. While all these options give you plenty of ideas, creating a cohesive theme when decorating an apartment can be challenging. This is especially true if you have limited square footage, which is common for most city dwellings. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your style. With a few smart choices, rest assured that there’s enough room for you and your designer imagination.

Reflect and Build Depth with Mirrors

A mirror is a great way to reflect natural light and make a room feel larger than it is. Consider tucking tall mirrors behind shorter shelves or placing them at the end of hallways. Wall-hanging mirrors can work where you don’t have enough floor space, but you still want to give an illusion that can reflect natural light and make any area seem bigger. You could also do a spin on an art accent wall with these objects, showcasing different frames, heights, and sizes for a unique focal point.

Opt for Multipurpose Furniture

In smaller spaces, you need your furniture to earn its keep since these items tend to take up a considerable amount of square footage. Pick pieces that serve multiple purposes, like a coat rack that has an attached area for shoes at the bottom. Choose stools and floor cushions that are places to sit but could also become tables if you are entertaining. The more purposes for one thing, the less you will need multiple things.

Declutter for a Minimalist Approach

Minimalism aims to avoid the look of cluttered spaces and instead embraces the freedom that comes with less. While this might not be possible in every area, try to tackle one surface or corner and give it a minimalist makeover. The more open space the eyes see, the larger the room will feel. 

Work with Weird Angles

Maybe you love the oversized chair you got at a discount sale or the awkward side tables you bought online. There’s no reason to get rid of these pieces just because you think they won’t fit in with your apartment decor. Try arranging the room where they are meant to go in a more horizontal, vertical, or angular way. You might just find that they can create a nice flow.

Stick with a Neutral Colour Palette

Bold colours can make a room feel smaller by bringing your focus to one area. Try to fill smaller rooms with neutral tones like creams, ash greys, and soft browns. The space will feel light and airy and capable of complementing any style.

Lighting Makes All the Difference

Bright, harsh overhead lighting can make your living room or bedroom feel like a fishbowl. Lamps can emit a soft light and illuminate rather than overwhelm. Use warm-toned light bulbs and place floor lamps in various corners of the room. Smaller lamps work great at different heights on shorter surfaces or behind your TV. 


Finding the right apartment for your needs means determining the right location and the proper amount of square footage that you can live in. With these small space decor ideas, you might be inspired to start searching for a new place to call home. At Rent In Ottawa, we list all the details you need to know about our apartments, including how many rooms they have. Are you interested in learning more about a particular listing? Reach out to us, and we’d be happy to help!