How to Create a Focal Point in a Room

Design Inspiration

May 23, 2018

5 min read

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When it comes to designing your home, you may know how to choose the colors and patterns you like, but do you know how to create a focal point in a room? Creating a focal point is a design principle, meant to tie each area together by drawing your eye to a specific point in a room.

Every room needs a focal point. Ideally, it should be something attractive since it will draw attention. Determining a focal point is important as it will influence your furniture arrangement and create the vibe for the entire room. It will highlight the best features of each room. We’ll offer some design ideas to show how focal points can work in any room in your home.

foyer of home with unique wood and stone entry table and large mirror hanging on wall

Foyer: Make a good first impression

We all want to make a good first impression when people visit. Your foyer is the first area guests will see when entering your home, so make sure you have something that will immediately grab their attention in an inviting way. Choose a wall to spotlight and decorate it with something that represents you and your family. Maybe this means a wall of photos; perhaps it will be a wall of mirrors or abstract wall decor. Whatever it is, make sure it sets the tone for the rest of the home.

contemporary formal dining room that have bottom half of walls painted white shiplap and top plain walls painted grey

Dining room: Choose a stunning light fixture

Though you may not use your dining room every day, it is often one of the most elegant rooms in a home. It’s the perfect place to have a striking, beautiful light fixture to draw the eye and showcase your style. To be a good focal point, the light fixture will have to be large enough to command attention. Because the table sits in the middle of the room, dining rooms are great places to have chandeliers. Choose something that will guide the selection of items for the rest of the room and complement the table, chairs, and any other furniture you’ll display.

guest bedroom with accent wall painted with horizontal stripes in denim blue and dark khaki

Living room: Create an accent wall

The living room is where you and your family will likely spend most of your time together, so why not kick up the style with a gorgeous accent wall? If the paint color in your home is neutral, this is a great way to have a little fun by choosing a bold color that will create a nice contrast and be an instant point of focus when someone enters the room. You may also choose to add texture with an interesting wallpaper pattern or add artistic flair with a stencil. Choose the wall that is the natural place to highlight in the room. Don’t be afraid to be different to make an impact!

master bedroom with white shiplap accent wall

Bedroom: Display an eye-catching piece of art

Bedrooms are meant to be calming sanctuaries, places where we can go to relax after a long day. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Complement the soothing atmosphere of the rest of the room by placing a beautiful piece of art behind the bed, as that wall is typically the first glimpse you have when entering. This piece can guide the decor for the rest of the room, creating a place where you will be happy to spend your nights.

open-concept transitional white kitchen with beige granite countertops, brick style tile backsplash, tall windows

Kitchen: Beautiful backsplash

The kitchen is an interesting area when choosing a focal point, as much of the design is inherent in the choice of countertops and cabinets. However, the room still needs a focal point for grounding. You can highlight the simplicity of its beauty by celebrating the backsplash, either playing up the current one you have through complementary decor choices or selecting one that really stands out. The important thing about choosing a focal point in the kitchen is to keep your focus on one area. There’s already a lot happening in the kitchen, and you don’t want to overwhelm anyone with too much.

home office with accent wall painted in charcoal grey with text that reads 'take time to create every day'

Office: Spotlight a piece of furniture

Sometimes the office is the room that lacks the most foresight when it comes to interior design, but it is a vitally important area since it’s where you work! You need to feel inspired, and the best way to ensure this is with a space that is conducive to productivity. A nice, attention-commanding piece of furniture will work wonderfully in an office. This may be a desk, couch, or bookcase, depending on your work style. Since this piece will likely be the most important in the room, you can use it to guide the rest of your choices.

Remember, a focal point is meant to accentuate the most striking part of a room. Feel free to experiment and come up with your own based on your home’s unique style. Have fun, make bold choices, and create a home that brings you joy.