Creating a focal point in a room is so easy and with just a little design know-how will change the entire look of a room. Did you know it is one of the basic elements of design! Beautiful, appealing rooms have this important design feature. Today let’s learn the basics!
In our series of 7 ELEMENTS OF DECOR focal point is number four.
Here at StoneGable, every room has a focal point! For awhile I struggled with the living room because it really did not have any “built-in” focal point. I learned that creating design element for a room is simple.
It was really a place to show off my personality! Easy- peasy!
A focal point is one of the most basic elements of decorating. Even if you do not know you have this element in each room of your home you probably do to some degree or another!
However, it is very important to not only be aware of an attention grabbing area in your home but to enhance them as well.
WHAT IS A FOCAL POINT
Think of the actors in the Shakespeare play Hamlet (I love this play). Hamlet is the star of the play and the rest of the cast are supporting actors that move the plot along.
Your focal point is Hamlet! Everything else in a room are supporting actors!
This design element is something in a room that draws our attention in a big way! It is ideally the first things we see when we enter a room and is directly across from the room’s entrance.
It should be the big attention grabbing thing the rest of the room is built around.
Many rooms have natural focal points such as
- a fireplace
- natural architectural elements like french doors, vaulted ceilings or bookshelves
- large art or something large on the wall
- large windows with a breathtaking view
- dining room table
- large piece of furniture
WHY HAVE A FOCAL POINT IN A ROOM
This important design element helps to give our eyes a place to start as they travel around a room so we can enjoy the rest of the decor in a room.
And the rest of a room should work and play well with it too!
It’s really a VERY important, yet simple decorating element!
WAYS TO CREATE A FOCAL POINT
Not every room has a built-in design element. Sometimes it’s better to create one of your own. That way you can position it to be the first thing seen when anyone walks in a room.
Here are some things to help create a focal point…
- wallpaper or paint to distinguish a focal point wall
- a large mirror
- a large wall clock
- a display of plates hung on a wall in an interesting pattern
- a gallery of art
- a large piece of furniture
- a spectacular vignette
- an outstanding vintage find
WHAT TO AVOID
Although a focal point is a pretty straightforward concept, there are just a couple things to avoid…
- more than one BIG focal point in a room
- a center of attention element that is so different from the rest of the room it does not make sense
- awkwardly positioned focus of attention in a room
This is a decorating no-brainer! Easy to create and a must in every room. Check each room in your home and make sure it has the very important focal point!
You might like these other DECOR ELEMENTS OF DESIGN and how to incorporate them in your home…
- SPACE- ELEMENT OF DESIGN
- COLOR- ELEMENT OF DESIGN
- BALANCE- ELEMENT OF DESIGN
- SPACE AND PROPORTION – ELEMENT OF DESIGN
Good morning!! I love your home ! It is absolutely gorgeous!!! I got VERY lucky and bought the same chairs as you have in your living room ofc FB marketplace! Looking for a sofa to compliment the soft colors. Could you tell me where you got yours? Looks like it would be perfect for my room!?!? Thank you so very much!!!
Yay, Kathy! You were very lucky to find those chairs! My sofa is from Smith Brothers. I got it at a local furniture store. Ask around your area for a dealer that sells Smith Brothers. This sofa is a keeper!
I love the mirrors ,where did you find them and the spindle white chairs in the living room
Hi Patricia, the spindle chairs are from Ethan Allen. They were a splurge but one I’ve never regretted. I’ve had them for almost 10 years and they look as nice as the day I got them. Hope this helps.
Yvonne, Your lovely new home Tanglewood gives you such a great new opportunity to reinforce all your great decorating teaching you showed us at Stonegable. A focal point is such an important part of a room and needs to be special. In our family room it is our fireplace and I always change it to reflect the season and have fun coming up with something a little different each year. Right now I am planning my summer mantle. Lots of greenery, a little beach
and a couple of new wooden laterns.
Hi Kathy, it’s a good idea (if possible) to make the fireplace the focal point. And it’s not all about the fireplace but what you put on it too! Sounds like you know that! I’d love to see you summer mantel!
My living room is 15 1/2 feet wide and 19 feet long. The 5′ wide entry is on one of the 19 ft walls. There is a 4′ pony wall to the left of the entry so the foyer is very visible from the living room. The fireplace and a 4′ window are on the other 19′ wall. The 9′ long fireplace would be a natural focal point except it starts in the corner and ends in the middle of the long wall expanse. The firebox is not centered under the mantle or on the wall! When we moved in it was red brick and the mantle was only 7″ deep. Four years ago I had it a wooden surround built over the brick. The new mantel is 20″ deep. The firebox looks centered because we did a niche between the deep mantle and the wall. The white millwork and new tile are very pretty but because of the layout of the room, the fireplace still isn’t the focal point! The focal point of the room is the 15 1/2′ wall with the 6′ picture window. The drapery rod is 8′ long and I used a heavy drape that leaves most of the north-facing window exposed. Since that window faces the street, I put up sheers to provide some privacy. There is an 8′ sofa and matching end tables on that wall. The coffee table has drawers so it looks substantial and helps to ground the sofa. There is an occasional chair and tall table on each sidewall. There are two matching armchairs with ottomans and an antique table on the wall across from the sofa. There is still about 6′ between the coffee table and ottomans but after 35 years in this house this is the closest I’ve come to the perfect furniture placement!
Yay! I’m thrilled you are enjoying your wonderful furniture placement Nancy. Thanks so much for sharing how you did it!
Although the windows are the focal point, it might be nice to have a secondary and smaller focal point in the room too! Your windows sound like a gorgeous architectural feature but maybe a basket with a pretty vignette in it could focus the attention to a “point” in your room and then have the eye move out and up to the windows.
Sounds like you are very happy with your home and that is such a blessing!
Yuvonne, My living room has always been a struggle!! My living room is 11 x 14 with a small sun room on the end with French doors. I guess my focal point is the large wall behind my sofa and the French doors that lead to the sunroom. However, when entering the room nothing seems to grab your attention. I was thinking maybe paint the French doors a soft white color. I currently have an old school house clock with scones on each side looks nice but still missing something!!!
Yvonne, we are doing custom build with a great room that has a vaulted ceiling and fireplace. My husband is set on having the tv over the fireplace which makes me cringe. I’m thinking somehow to cover the tv when not in use so I can still have a plant and candle sticks…etc. Suggestions or Opinion please.
Hi Michaelina, a tv is a hard thing to place in a room. Sometimes the only option is above the mantel. If I placed my tv above the mantel I would cover it with a barn door for tv kit. See one here:https://rstyle.me/+ac5JeQjnTKHrfe7TmS2T8w
Hi, So inspired by all you do. Can you tell me where the hanging coat rack is from in you entry. I have searched online and can’t find anything like it.
Thanks.
Hi Grace, I found the vertical coat rack at The Pottery Barn years ago. Check to see if they have one there.
What are all the 7 or 8 Elements of Design/Decor that you refer to? I have read your posts on Balance, Space, Color, Focal Points, and Scale and Proportion. They are really helping me in decorating my home. What are the other elements and have you posted blogs on all of them? I have also taken your online class.
Thanks! Love your blog!
Hi Beverly, I’m so thrilled you took the course. I’m in the middle of updating it. So check it at the end of summer for new content.I’m adding more than 8 elements. Look for posts on layering, pattern, repetition, and contrast.
Do you ever list on like to know it where you purchase your items.
Hi Joan, I’m working on one!
You, by far, are my most favorite interior designer. I wish I could just pack you up in a suitcase and transport you to my home to help bring it into 2021. I love my home but it’s very traditional and at my age can’t just ditch everything and start over so I live vicariously through your beautiful decor. Thank you for sharing all your expertise.
Hi Karen, oh how nice! If you can find a suitcase big enough I’ll come!
You never disappoint. I love these ideas , and each post always blows my mind when I am able to make something work for me, because if your designs and excellent taste.
I love your ideas. Know faux flowers are ok, makes me feel better. However, do you have a place to suggest for ordering? thanks
Linda, look on Etsy. Some of the faux blooms are just beautiful. I’ve had good luck at Pottery Barn too.