What Makes for a Good Focal Point in Any Room

Linge Roset pink sofa — *Image Credit: Linge Roset*

A good focal point in any room will elevate the space, making it feel considered and sophisticated. Whether a fireplace, an architectural feature, or simply a key piece of furniture, a focal point will draw the eye and will serve as the lynchpin of the rest of the room’s aesthetic. But, just what makes for a good focal point and what type of focal points should you consider for your own home?

fireplace garland christmas — *This fireplace becomes even more of a focal point with this beautiful floral garland by florist Philippa Craddock.*

Architectural Features

Many homes come with distinct features that already work well as focal points. Large windows, period fireplaces and wall mouldings lend a specific character that furniture and accessories can’t compete with. Unfortunately, many new build homes might not come with distinct architectural features, but it is possible to add in modern focal points that are more in keeping with the age of the property. Sleek fireplaces that don’t require a working flue - like those available from providers like GR8 Fires - can transform a bland wall into a key focal point.

Texture

If your room feels like a bland box, lift the room by adding layering and depth via a textural wall or 3D surface covering. Grasscloth wallpaper can be placed in alcoves for visual appeal, reeded panels add some modern interest, while brick slips can add both warmth and character to a space.

statement red armchair — *Merlot armchair by* *Six The Residence*

Statement Furniture

A vintage armchair upholstered in a rich, rusty-coloured fabric, or a sofa in a bold stripe print will command attention and will carry the whole scheme of a room.

striped sofa — *A vintage sofa upholstered in* *Colours Of Arley* *fabric doesn’t shy away in the background!*

Compose A Vignette

A vignette can be just what you need to tie the theme or story of a room together. In basic terms, a vignette is a collection of decorative objects gathered and arranged carefully in one space to create a thematic centrepiece. For some, it might be a collection of framed photos on a table, a curated set of books, or a collection of ornamental figures. A good vignette starts with a single central piece, like a lamp, vase, or figure, which you can slowly build from, using complementary items or different heights and textures, but all sticking within the same theme.

Add Plants or Flowers

A huge vase of tall cut flowers placed centrally on a table is an easy and affordable way to create a good focal point. Generally, bigger is better, so include lots of foliage or twisted willow branches to give height and scale to the arrangement.

fiddle leaf fig plant — *A giant Fiddle Leaf Fig in the home of stylist* *Kerry Lockwood*.

Alternatively, plants are often used as good focal points. Large banana leaf plants in the corner of a room create a real statement, while fiddle-leaf fig trees from providers like Beards & Daisies are easy to look after and bring the outside, in. Plants add a natural splash of colour that stands out from their more artificial surroundings and they are great for improving the air quality within a home.

Group Your Furniture

Group and arrange your furniture to make the most of the room and draw the eye the full length of the area. Try not to block any natural light and place your furniture away from the walls to create the illusion of more space.

ligne roset — *The low back sofas and the addition of stools for extra seating mean this furniture arrangement flows well and refrains from blocking the wood feature wall. Image credit:* *Ligne Roset*.

Add Shelving or create A Bookcase Wall

Open shelving that can be used to display books or decorative objects can create an instant focal point and elevate a room, giving it more personality and a sense of individuality. Open shelving allows for the arrangement of trinkets, ceramics and treasured items that can be changed up regularly for a whole new look. The key to open shelving is not to play it safe - mix up the levels and install over doorways to make the most of every inch of space.

pink bookcase — *Image credit:* *Wood Works Brighton*

Should You Make The TV A Focal Point?

For a lot of people, the TV naturally serves as the focal point, but this is not the most aesthetic option if your TV is a standard black box. I’ve seen some fantastic ideas for disguising TVs within hand-painted cabinets on Instagram, like the fish painting TV cabinet by A Modest Semi, but, if you are not as creative, how about investing in a Samsung Frame TV? When switched off, the TV looks like a piece of digital art upon which you can choose your own picture from the online catalogue, plus swap out the colours of the removable, magnetic frame bevels.