Choose tall shelving units to make the room appear taller. An old armoire painted a light color can be used in the living room to store a television, as well as books, and has the right feeling for cottage style.
Pick armless chairs instead of overstuffed armchairs. Use a love seat instead of a full-size couch. The furniture should all be the same base solid color to act as a backdrop for a smaller room.
Buy furniture with slim legs showing instead of fabric flowing to the floor. The light will show under the furniture and give the appearance of openness to the room.
Convert an old bench into a coffee table to keep the room open. Cottage style furniture is often restyled or re-purposed from its original intention. The smaller-scale coffee table will give an illusion of more space in the room.
Drape soft throws on chairs or sofas to give the furniture the cozy look of cottage style. Using soft colored pillows or cushions also gives furniture a comfy feel.