How to Choose a Focal Point
Creating visual impact and setting the tone and style of each room, a focal point is a necessary addition when it comes to your interior design.
But whether you choose to style a fireplace, feature wall, dining table, or bay window — there are some design principles you should be following for a cohesive and balanced space. Learn how to create a stunning focal point in every room with our guide.
But whether you choose to style a fireplace, feature wall, dining table, or bay window — there are some design principles you should be following for a cohesive and balanced space. Learn how to create a stunning focal point in every room with our guide.
What is a Focal Point?
Focal points in interior spaces are design elements that emphasize a singular point in any room.
A focal point does not necessarily mean the center of a room, but rather a prominent feature that is designed to draw the eye or act as a gathering place.
Focal points are created through the arrangement of your space, from a fireplace in the living room, to a chandelier in the dining room.
A focal point does not necessarily mean the center of a room, but rather a prominent feature that is designed to draw the eye or act as a gathering place.
Focal points are created through the arrangement of your space, from a fireplace in the living room, to a chandelier in the dining room.
How to Create a Visually Appealing Focal Point
Typically a focal point faces the main entrance of a room so it can be the first thing your eye alights on when entering. Here are a few more tips for making a visually appealing focal point:
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Look for elements that are visually interesting, such as wall art with rich colors, decorative accents with abstract shapes, or furniture with unique textures.
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Consider the size and shape of the focal point. A large, bold focal point can be used to create a sense of drama, while a smaller, more subtle focal point can create a more peaceful and serene atmosphere.
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Think about the location of the focal point. One placed in the center of the room can create a sense of balance, while ones placed off-center can create a more dynamic and interesting composition.
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Consider the Rule of Three. When creating a focal point, the rule of three is a simple but effective principle that can be used to create a more visually interesting and engaging design. For example, you could use three different colors, shapes, or objects to add a sense of depth.
Choosing a Focal Point for Each Room
With a little thought and planning, you can use focal points to create distinct areas of your home that are both stylish and functional.
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Living Room
Common focal points in the living room include sofas or sectionals, a feature wall, a fireplace, bay window, or other decorative accents. When designing your living room, use a variety of furniture shapes and sizes to create visual interest. Group furniture together in clusters to create conversation areas, while leaving some open space in the room to allow for movement and circulation.
Rugs, pillows, plants and other decorative items can also be used to add personality and interest.
Rugs, pillows, plants and other decorative items can also be used to add personality and interest.
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Bedroom
Focal points in the bedroom include a grand bed frame, a large window with a beautiful view, or a statement piece like a fireplace or light feature. Make sure the focal point is visible from the doorway as you want it to be the first thing you see when you enter the room. Be sure to balance the focal point with other elements in the room and feel free to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that you like.
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Dining Room
Focal points in the dining room include an elegant and eye-catching light fixture as well as a statement piece of furniture, like a dining table or sideboard. Complement your focal point with accessories and decor, like a large painting, rug, or centerpiece for the table.
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Open Floor Plans
Create distinct areas in the home with the use of focal points like rugs, sofas, lighting fixtures, or other types of furniture. Create natural gathering areas by using a focal point, like a feature wall or fireplace, to draw the eye.
Other Common Focal Point Ideas
There are many different types of focal points you can employ in the design of your home’s spaces. Here are a few of the most common.
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Furniture
A statement sofa with a tufted back and scroll arms, an elegant rich cherry brown dining table, or a luxurious suede settee can all easily serve as focal points in your living spaces. To help your furniture pieces stand out, look for prominent architectural features, lush textures, or rich colors and materials.
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Wallpaper or Pop of Color
A distinct print or pop of color can make for an accent wall that immediately draws the eye. Color accents can also help create contrast with more classic and neutral pieces in the room, like a leather sectional.
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Windows
Centering your furniture around a wall of bay windows is a serene way to add balance and calming atmosphere into your space. Not only does a beautiful window let in natural light, but it also acts as an anchor that ties the space together.
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Fireplace
A fireplace is a natural focal point in many rooms. Style your fireplace with a patterned tile hearth or wooden beam for extra appeal. Center your furniture around the fireplace for extra comfort.
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Lighting
An elegant chandelier or drop pendant lighting fixture can act as a beautiful focal piece. Not only does it draw the eye up, elongating the room, but it also adds a warm ambience to the room.
How to Choose More than One Focal Point
You can have more than one focal point in a room, as long as they work together to add interest and balance to the room.
For example, an exposed beam can tie in very beautifully with a large bay window and elegant chandelier. Especially for larger rooms, such as a living room, multiple focal points complement the complexities and multipurpose aspect of the room, while still conveying a sense that they create a cohesive unit.
For example, an exposed beam can tie in very beautifully with a large bay window and elegant chandelier. Especially for larger rooms, such as a living room, multiple focal points complement the complexities and multipurpose aspect of the room, while still conveying a sense that they create a cohesive unit.
Elements to Avoid in Your Focal Point
Here are some things to avoid when creating a focal point in your home:
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Don't make the focal point too small. A focal point should be large enough to be visually interesting, but not so large that it overwhelms the rest of the room. Look for balance.
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Don't put the focal point in a dark or cluttered area. The focal point should be in a well-lit area where it can be easily seen, especially from the entrance of the room.
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Don't put the focal point in a place where it will be blocked by furniture or other objects. The focal point should be in a place where it can be seen from all angles, wherever you are in the room.
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Don't use too many different colors or patterns in the focal point. A focal point should be visually interesting, but not too busy. Otherwise it may lead to a visually overwhelming and unbalanced room.
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Don't use too many different textures in the focal point. A focal point should have a variety of textures, but if there are too many it can actually detract from the overall vibe of the room.
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Don't use too much furniture in the focal point. A focal point should be uncluttered. When using furniture, try to create a balanced scene.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a focal point that is cohesive and balanced.
Create A Stunning Focal Point With furniture.com
At furniture.com, we have all the elements you need to craft a focal point that is a stunning addition to your home. From furniture and artwork, to lighting fixtures and decorative objects, browse our curated collection of pieces you love from all your favorite retailers and brands.