Improving sound in less-than-ideal (i.e., 'crappy') space

I have two mid- to lo-fi systems (winter and summer), somewhat similar. The problematic one has a tube-integrated (which I won’t id but which I like), and small Focal speakers w/ sub. The problem is the room is about 12 x 15.   Right now, head of bed is in the sweet spot, but the Focals are (desperately) mounted on wall (the 15’ one), and there is barely space to walk in front of them. When I returned to my other space (equally tiny room, but with Focal Arias mounted on stands away from wall, Jolida 102) I experience what many of you experience all the time: I suddenly can’t believe music can sound so good.

OK. So problem is what do I do to get closer to this at ‘home’. It will never be great, but it ought to improve. I’m guessing as first step speakers ABSOLUTELY need to be off the wall and onto stands, probably placed along or near the narrower wall where I can walk past them half-asleep without risking knocking them over, and that there is no way sound will improve as long as speakers are mounted directly on the wall.  Sorry I can’t try this out now. Just am experiencing how great things sound in my other space.

Please don't revile for having dealt with this question in other threads.  'Everything worth saying must be said again.' (I'm quoting, of course, but I won't reveal the source!)

Thanks.