One of the most asked questions I’ve come across over my years of being in the design business is, “What is a focal point and how do I know if I have one?”
I thought I would share some advice to help answer that question.
Having a focal point in a room really can help ground your space, give it personality and make it pleasing to the eye.
Here are three ways you can create a focal point in your room:
Architecture
Using the room’s architecture is the first step in creating a focal point in your space. Does your room have a fireplace or a nice window? If so, either one can act as your natural focal point to build the room around.
If by chance your room doesn’t have any of these, don’t worry! You can create a focal point by working with these options:
- A large piece of art or a gallery wall
- Use a bookshelf or a large piece of furniture to ground the space
- Select a fabulous wallpaper or colour for an accent wall
- Or you can even use a TV
Furniture
A large piece of furniture, such as a couch, bed or dining table can serve as a focal point and you can build your room around it. Furniture placement can also be used to highlight an existing focal point. For example, by placing sofas, chairs and tables around a fireplace, it will encourage people to gather around it, making a cozy, comfortable space.
Accessories – Texture, Shape & Pattern
Even when a focal point is clearly noticeable, you can use accessories to enhance the focal point. This might include window furnishings, molding, artwork or bookshelves. A work of art can serve as a focal point or can be hung above a fireplace to emphasize the existing focal point. A couch or chair can be emphasized by accents such as cushions and throws. A textured rug on a floor will stand out, and even live plants such as ferns will add texture to your space.
Have fun creating your own focal point in your space!
Submitted photos
