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A small room can be an interior design challenge. Small rooms do not need to feel cramped and unusable. A solution in decorating a small room is to create a focal point so that the room looks larger and feels more functional.

The focal point is what is emphasized in a room. This feature or area is what is noticed at first glance, not the size of the room. Color and furniture can create this focal point. A minimalist design technique, using multi-functional pieces of furniture, is a key ingredient in creating a sense of space.

Clutter -- in the form of several pieces of furniture jammed into the room -- will make a small room appear even littler. It is a better design plan to use just one or two key pieces of furniture in order to make the small room feel clean and more spacious. With a small room, you will want a clear walkway or pathway. Be sure that furniture is not blocking this area. To create the illusion of more space, place tall furniture or large furniture against one of the walls instead of in the middle of the room.

Look for basic furniture that offers hidden storage. Some beds, ottomans and benches are designed with compartments suitable for storing everything from linens to books or tableware. Instead of buying something new, a family heirloom trunk can make a great coffee table and conversation piece. Obviously, the trunk can also serve as a storage area. Shelves and end tables often have built-in drawers for storage, but make sure that the room is not crowded with too many pieces of this type of furniture.

Futons are a fantastic furniture option for decorating small rooms. Available in dozens of styles and sizes, some futon models come with storage built into the sides. If storage is not as critical an issue as space, Fu-Chests offer a workable decorating solution. A Fu-Chest is an attractive faux chest that opens into a bed. It will not take up as much room as a couch, bed or futon. Place a lamp, plants or decorative items on top of the chest when it is not in use to create a focal point.

Inexpensive yet colorful accessories can be used to create a focal point. Colorful wall art or a vibrantly colored rug will definitely accomplish this. Colorful slipcovers or throw pillows on sofas and chairs can also draw the eye. If using futon furniture, there are hundreds of affordable futon cover designs, ranging from bold, solid colors to artistic patterns. Many of these futon covers are machine washable, so an occasional spill will not result in costly upholstery cleaning services.

Creating a focal point by strategically placing functional furniture in a room and adding a dash of color can transform the 'smallness' of a room into a comfortable, open and usable space.

Remember the slogan, 'You've come a long way, baby?' Well, futons have also come a long way! Futons no longer have the 'cheap' look that they used to have. Contemporary designs and styles have transformed futons into handsome furnishings that can compliment any interior decor. Futon Heaven's online shopping gallery features dozens of futon designs, as well as complimentary ottomans, covers and throw pillows that can be used in decorating a small dorm room or a spacious home. Visit http://www.futonheaven.com to get more decorating ideas and to see the latest in futon designs.