A focal point is an area in the room that immediately draws your eye to it. It could be an architectural feature of the room, like a fireplace or beautiful view out the window. Or, it could be something you add into the room that makes a visual statement, like a gallery wall or bold furniture piece. Every room needs a focal point, or wow factor, and it needs to be clear to someone walking into the room for the first time. Sometimes we have an existing focal point in our room, but we just aren’t doing a good enough job of emphasizing it. If your focal point isn’t grabbing attention the way it should, here are 10 ways to emphasize your existing focal point.

#1 – Accent it with a bold color

Painting your fireplace wall a bold color will immediately draw more attention to it. It’s a great way to accent an existing fireplace that just isn’t providing enough drama.

IMAGE SOURCE: THRIFTY DECOR CHICK

#2 – Use lines to move your eyes toward the focal point

As your eyes move around a room, they move upward or downward based on what they see. Lines can be used to help move your eyes around a room in an intentional way. For example, ceiling beams can be used to lead the eyes toward a fireplace, and shiplap can be used to draw your eyes around a room horizontally.

But, there is more to it than using actual lines. You can also create the perception of a line by using objects. For example, a set of pictures hung vertically can direct the eyes upward. A chair with a tall plant next to it can create a diagonal path for your eyes to follow. In this picture, you can see that diagonal lines (represented by the orange lines) are formed by the lamps and mirrors leading your eyes to the artwork.

IMAGE SOURCE: JONATHAN ADLER

Take a glance around your room and notice the path that your eyes follow. How can you use real or perceived lines to draw your eyes to your focal point?

#3 – Position your furniture in a way that draws the eye toward the focal point

This is a great technique for leading the eyes toward a fireplace or a great view out the window! In the image below, rather than having a sofa face the fireplace directly, you can orient two sofas (or a sofa and two accent chairs) perpendicular to the fireplace and create a more direct visual pathway for the eyes to follow.

#4 – Use lighting to highlight a focal point

If you have some fabulous art on your walls, you want it to be noticeable! You may need to use additional lighting to really highlight the art or any other wall display, to ensure it remains a focal point in dim lighting conditions. You can use special track lighting or library lights for artwork, or install two sconces on either side of it. If your art hangs over a sofa, it might be as simple as adding two table lamps on either side of the sofa to help brighten up your masterpiece.

IMAGE SOURCE: LIGHTOLOGY

#5 – Play up what is already there

If you already have some beautiful moulding in your room, see if you can paint it a fresh new color to enhance it more. For fireplaces, you can extend tile or stone to the ceiling or add a new mantle for a larger, more dramatic look. If you have a gorgeous dining table, perhaps you just need a bigger or more colorful centerpiece to bring attention to the table.

The key is to think of ways to further enhance or add to what you already have to make it more visually enticing.

#6 – Use a pattern, texture, or pop of color

Placing a pattern, texture, or pop of color that can act as that initial eye-grabbing feature, can help you draw more attention to your focal point.

Placing two brightly colored bench seats in front of a fireplace will bring the eyes immediately to the fireplace area. Using a bold color or pattern for a pillow might help draw the eyes to the amazing artwork hanging above the sofa. Plants (color and texture) on either side of a fireplace mantle can capture attention.

IMAGE SOURCE: TARGET

#7 – Use ceiling feature to emphasize a chandelier

There are lots of ways to enhance your ceilings. If you want a chandelier to be the focal point in your dining room, think about ways to more effectively highlight it. Beams or other ceiling features are a great way to do this. Painting or wallpapering a ceiling can also help draw more attention to it.

IMAGE SOURCE: JULIE HOWARD HOME DESIGN

#8 – Add plants or lamps on either side to frame a feature or display

When it comes to design, framing a focal point is a foolproof technique for enhancing it. Our eyes love the symmetry of framing, and it helps define a specific place for us to look. Great ways to frame include lamps, plants, accent chairs, accent tables, and vases.

IMAGE SOURCE: STUDIO MCGEE

#9 – Create a vignette of accessories to bring attention a focal point

Is your fireplace mantel looking a little lackluster? Revisit your accessories and decor! You might be surprised at how a new vignette of accessories can bring a fresh look and more attention to your fireplace.

#10 – Use highly contrasting colors to draw attention

Black and white have been paired together for decades to create a strong contrast, and it works extremely well at grabbing our attention. It doesn’t have to be black and white – any contrasting colors will do. If you want to draw attention to something, contrast is a great decorating tool to keep in mind.

IMAGE SOURCE: LECLAIR DECOR

Just remember, every room needs a focal point or wow factor that can immediately grab someone’s attention when they walk in the room. If you have an existing focal point that isn’t shouting out for attention the way you’d like it to, try out some of these approaches to see if you can emphasize and enhance it more. You might be surprised at how well a fairly small change can dramatically elevate the design of the room!