A focal point is an important design element in any room. It is the first thing that your eye is drawn to when you enter the room, and it can set the tone for the entire space.
In most rooms, the focal point is the largest or most visually stunning piece of furniture. But it doesn’t have to be something that takes up a lot of space. Statement armchairs for your house can make just as much of an impact as a sofa.
There’s no question that a focal point in a room can be really helpful in terms of design. But how do you go about creating one? Here are some tips on how to create a focal point in your room, no matter what your style might be.
Choosing A Focal Point
Every room has a different focal point, depending on its layout and purpose. When you’re trying to figure out what your focal point should be, it’s important to think about how you want the space to feel.
Living room
The living room is often the most difficult room to choose a focal point for. In many cases, the TV is the obvious choice. But if you don’t want your TV to be the centre of attention, you can try placing a large piece of art above the fireplace or a console table behind the sofa.
Bedroom
Headboard, window or bed? The choice is yours. In a small room, the bed might be the best option. But in a larger room, you have more options. You can use the headboard as your focal point and frame it with two nightstands, or you can use the window as your focal point and place the bed beneath it.
Dining room
The dining table is the natural focal point of this space. But if you have a large or open floor plan, you might want to consider using the buffet or sideboard as your focal point and placing the dining table off to the side.
Kitchen
The most common focal point in the kitchen is the island. But if you don’t have an island, or if you want to use something else as your focal point, you can try the stove, the sink or even a large piece of art.
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the few rooms where the focal point is often not the largest piece of furniture. In many cases, it’s the mirror that takes centre stage. But you can also use the sink, the tub or even the toilet as your focal point.
Tips for Making Your Focal Point Pop
Once you’ve chosen your focal point, it’s time to make it stand out. Here are some tips for making your focal point the star of the show:
- Lighting: Try to place your light source so that it casts a shadow or highlights your focal point in the best possible way. You can use spotlights, track lights or even sconces to highlight your focal point and make it the focus of the room.
- Colour: A pop of colour will draw the eye, choose a hue that complements the rest of your room’s palette. Or you can contrast colour to stand out against the background.
- Location: Position your focal point carefully. It should be the first thing you see when you enter the room, and it should be visible from as many vantage points as possible.
- Texture: Incorporate different textures into your design to add interest and dimension. A smooth surface can be contrasted with a rough one, or a light colour can be paired with a dark one.
- Repetition: Using the same element multiple times will help to create a sense of cohesion and unity in the room. If you have a large piece of furniture as your focal point, try to repeat its shape or colour elsewhere in the space.
- Grouping: Arranging elements in a group will help to create a sense of balance and visual stability. So, if you have a large piece of art as your focal point, try hanging it above a console table or grouping it with other objects.
- Scale: Make sure your focal point is the right size for the space. If it’s too small, it will get lost in the room; if it’s too big, it will dominate and overshadow everything else. To get the proportions just right, it’s often helpful to use a piece of furniture or art as your starting point and then build the rest of the room around it.
Conclusion
A focal point is a necessary design element in any room. It adds interest and can be used to highlight your personal style.
When it comes to choosing a focal point, think about what you want the room to achieve. Do you want it to be a relaxing oasis? A place to entertain guests? Or a functional space for everyday living? Once you’ve decided on the purpose of the room, you can choose a focal point that will help you achieve your goals.
