A small living room does not need to feel cramped. A few layout and lighting choices can make a huge visual difference.
Float the furniture
Pulling seating a few inches away from the walls, rather than pushing everything flush against them, often makes a room feel larger and more intentional.
Use vertical space
Tall, narrow bookshelves and curtains hung close to the ceiling draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher.
Mirrors and light
A single well-placed mirror opposite a window can double the sense of natural light in a small space.