If your living room is cramped and cluttered, the last thing you'll want to do is hang out there. That is, unless you trick your eye into thinking your room is bigger than it appears. It's not magic; it's just smart styling. Get ready to get all these tips.

Keep walls and floors all white to brighten up the space. A gallery wall with wide-matted art and white frames blends in with the wall, so the effect is eye-catching — yet not a bit cluttered. That way you can make a colorful piece of furniture the focal point of the room, so it's not like the walls are closing in on you.

Light curtains and shade help maximize the light in a small living room. It's even better if you can match them to your wall color.

Choosing a larger rug — even in a bold pattern — is a trick that makes a room feel bigger. Unlike smaller rugs, the large size doesn't visually break up the floor.

Use two small tables to take the place of one big coffee table. They're better for traffic flow and easily moved to wherever else you may need them.

Don't be afraid of oversize chairs. Lots of little things in small spaces can make the room feel cluttered, so stick to a few larger pieces for comfort.

When the space is lacking, you've gotta get creative. This desk can become a dining table, making it perfect for entertaining.

Choose lighting that can be attached to the walls or hung from above to save room on floor space. Swing Arm lamps also free up space on side tables.

A lower couch creates the visual effect of higher ceilings. Just add pillows to make it more comfortable for lounging.