A focal point in interior design is the object or grouping that attracts the eye when you walk into the room. It can be the inspirational element of the room; the design is tied to that focal point.

A fireplace is a common focal point. Seating will be directed toward the fireplace and the style of the room follows suit; a colonial fireplace with its large mantel is complimented by two large wing chairs with a piecrust table set between them.

A guideline in interior design, though by no means is it a rule, is to place your focal point across from the entrance to the room. If the inspiration for your room is a large oil painting, and you want the painting over your couch, then place the painting and couch along the wall across from the entrance.

Another example of a common focal point is a chandelier. In a formal dining room the furnishings are larger in scale and the traffic pattern limited. The sightline is level around the room; the table and sideboard are the same height. A chandelier hung over the center of the dining table adds a needed dimension to the sightline and balances the scale of the furnishings.

The trick with chandeliers, though, is to ensure they are the right size. Too small and they are ineffective as a focal point. Too large and they overpower, causing a sense of imbalance.

A focal point need not be something that jumps out at you the minute you walk into the room. It can be subtle, and something of a surprise. A collective display of photographs, paintings or antique books can serve as a focal point in a room.

Suppose you have an impressive collection of hockey pucks and you want to display them in your home office. Placing them in a custom cabinet on the wall to the left or right of your desk makes for an unusual and interesting focal point.

By creating an off center focal point, and supporting it with a few select accessories, you do not detract from the purpose of the office, yet the room is personalized, taking the hard edge off the business like atmosphere.

The architecture of a room can provide you with a natural focal point, such as an oversized window that is opposite the entrance of the room. The view out the window is fabulous. Dress the window to compliment the view, and the view, not the window, is the focal point.

Suppose the view out the large window isn't so fabulous. Then dress the window with a layered treatment, hiding the view with sheers. Bold colors and patterns will make the window treatment a focal point.

If you wish the window would disappear, dress it down, using a solid colored fabric that coordinates with the wall color. Then create your own focal point using the window treatment as a backdrop.

Dress the window down and place a sofa table in front of it. Create a vignette that is in keeping with the room's style. If your furnishings are modern and edgy, place an abstract sculpture on the table and beside it a group of coffee table books on modern art.

Focal points don't just happen; they are made. Take control of your design scheme and set the focal point where you want it to be.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to find a focal point in a room?
We want to hear your view. Write now!