Creating a Focal Point That Stands Out

Each room in your home likely has a natural focal point. It's the place where the eye first comes to rest when entering the room — making it one of the most important features for the well decorated home. We have tips on creating the perfect focal point, plus photos to show you how the room pulls together around the focal point for a beautiful presentation.

Finding the Main Feature

According to decorating experts Mary Ann Young and David Nussbaum, "It [focal point] could be a naturally beautiful piece such as a fireplace, a piano, or a tall, antique armoire — or even a spectacular window view." Or, as in many modern times, it's often the television.

The first step in creating a focal point is deciding what will attract the most attention. Sometimes, a room will have a distinguishing feature built right in that you can highlight, such as a great rug, a beautiful mirror or a large coffee table.

If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace in a room, then that will be the focal point. Try dressing up the fireplace by hanging one of our large mirrors or wall sculptures above the mantel. Look for fireplace screens and decorative touches among our fireplaces & accessories for a simple way to draw attention to your fireplace.

If your home has no distinguishable feature, then get ready to be creative! This is the perfect chance to explore your decorative side and create your own focal point. An elegant area rug instantly draws attention. You're sure to find a floor covering to suit your taste with our vast selection of area rugs.

A large armoire or tall cabinet will become the center of attention because of its height. It not only lends style to your living room or dining room, but it is great for keeping the home organized. Search our attractive selection of living or dining room cabinets, available in various decorating styles.

Decorating around Your New Focal Point

Once you've identified your focal point, arrange your furniture so that everyone sitting in the room can appreciate it.

Larger seating pieces such as sofas or love seats should be placed in the room first because these are bolder room-shaping pieces. Adding smaller items such as a round end table or a storage ottoman can complement the larger furniture.

Ideally, there should be enough seats for six to eight people. Make sure that there is sufficient space to move freely through the seating area.

After your seating is in position, you can begin to bring in accessories, such as plants, artwork, shelves, and tables. "All seating should have occasional tables close by for drinks and books," says Young and Nussbaum. If your focal point is an eye-catching area rug, consider a glass-top table for optimum viewing.

Now that your comfortable seating and accompanying decor pieces are in place around your focal point, you're well on your way to an inviting living room.

Beyond the Living Room

Focal points in other rooms should be much easier to find than in the living room. For instance, in the dining room, it's usually the dining table. In the bedroom, it is the bed. Make sure that these items are beautifully adorned, perhaps with a striking linen tablecloth, a handsome headboard or a richly patterned comforter set.