Decorating
Decorating: 10 Ways to Create a Focal Point Without a Fireplace
If there’s no obvious feature to draw the eye, it can be difficult to know how to create one. Check out these ideas to inspire you
When considering the layout of a room, flow is key and a striking feature is the natural starting point from which to plan your design, as it will help to balance a scheme and make it feel more inviting.
But choosing a focal point can be a little daunting, particularly if you don’t have any obvious architectural features, such as a fireplace, to work with. So where do you start? These clever ideas can point you in the right direction and help you bring a space to life.
But choosing a focal point can be a little daunting, particularly if you don’t have any obvious architectural features, such as a fireplace, to work with. So where do you start? These clever ideas can point you in the right direction and help you bring a space to life.
Embrace technology
Rather than just hanging your TV from the wall in the corner, or hiding it away in a cupboard, consider making the most of it by framing it with a bespoke cabinet or bookcase. In this example, sleek hi-tech design becomes an integral part of the scheme and is cleverly balanced with shelving and accessories.
Rather than just hanging your TV from the wall in the corner, or hiding it away in a cupboard, consider making the most of it by framing it with a bespoke cabinet or bookcase. In this example, sleek hi-tech design becomes an integral part of the scheme and is cleverly balanced with shelving and accessories.
Exhibit art
Sculpture and artwork can become the key look to a whole scheme when displayed with panache. In this room, a symmetrical arrangement of framed pictures leads the eye to the centre of the space, while the giraffe sculpture makes a striking and humorous statement in front of the window.
Browse the prints and posters for sale in the Houzz Shop
Sculpture and artwork can become the key look to a whole scheme when displayed with panache. In this room, a symmetrical arrangement of framed pictures leads the eye to the centre of the space, while the giraffe sculpture makes a striking and humorous statement in front of the window.
Browse the prints and posters for sale in the Houzz Shop
Position a large piece
Storage doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian and it can work hard as a focal point for your room, too. Go for something bigger than usual to make it stand out, like this large armoire, then frame it with artwork for perfect symmetry. Once the seating is arranged on either side, the room is instantly balanced.
Check out 14 ways to put vintage pieces to use
Storage doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian and it can work hard as a focal point for your room, too. Go for something bigger than usual to make it stand out, like this large armoire, then frame it with artwork for perfect symmetry. Once the seating is arranged on either side, the room is instantly balanced.
Check out 14 ways to put vintage pieces to use
Display a mural
Photography can be the perfect way to focus the eye and inject personality into a room, so create a feature wall with a single, oversized image. This is a simple yet highly effective design trick to add a little drama to a space. It can be really cost-effective, too.
Photography can be the perfect way to focus the eye and inject personality into a room, so create a feature wall with a single, oversized image. This is a simple yet highly effective design trick to add a little drama to a space. It can be really cost-effective, too.
Fake a fireplace
There are so many options for creating a fireside-like setting without the need for a chimney or mantelpiece. You could go for a bioethanol fire, which is flue-less and smoke free and runs on biofuel liquid (and won’t need a gas connection or power supply). Or, you could even source a faux fire for a similar effect. The one seen here isn’t actually a real fire, but a projected image of one.
See how to warm up your home with a contemporary fireplace
There are so many options for creating a fireside-like setting without the need for a chimney or mantelpiece. You could go for a bioethanol fire, which is flue-less and smoke free and runs on biofuel liquid (and won’t need a gas connection or power supply). Or, you could even source a faux fire for a similar effect. The one seen here isn’t actually a real fire, but a projected image of one.
See how to warm up your home with a contemporary fireplace
Look up
While placing the focal point on the ceiling might not be the first thing that springs to mind, don’t rule it out. Check out how well it works in this kitchen, where a bold, geometric motif creates an interesting contrast to the dark cabinetry and pale flooring.
Discover 10 kitchens that break the mould
While placing the focal point on the ceiling might not be the first thing that springs to mind, don’t rule it out. Check out how well it works in this kitchen, where a bold, geometric motif creates an interesting contrast to the dark cabinetry and pale flooring.
Discover 10 kitchens that break the mould
Mirror it
You can create a wow-factor focal point using a statement piece positioned centrally on a wall, and a mirror is just the ticket. Choose the colour and style to suit your scheme or to add a dash of contrast. This decorative sunburst mirror grabs your attention immediately.
You can create a wow-factor focal point using a statement piece positioned centrally on a wall, and a mirror is just the ticket. Choose the colour and style to suit your scheme or to add a dash of contrast. This decorative sunburst mirror grabs your attention immediately.
Work with a staircase
Whether renovating or planning a new build, consider the design impact of all the various architectural elements. In this home, the staircase takes centre stage and becomes key to the overall look of the space. The minimalist approach transforms a functional element into a sculptural object.
Find out how a staircase and balustrade professional can help you.
Whether renovating or planning a new build, consider the design impact of all the various architectural elements. In this home, the staircase takes centre stage and becomes key to the overall look of the space. The minimalist approach transforms a functional element into a sculptural object.
Find out how a staircase and balustrade professional can help you.
Turn to texture
Materials that have a naturally tactile quality are great for drawing the eye. Bricks, wood panelling and other highly textural materials can be put to good use to create the perfect focal point. If you don’t have any exposed brick walls, why not try adding some to an existing wall to build in interest and character?
TELL US…
How have you created focal points in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Materials that have a naturally tactile quality are great for drawing the eye. Bricks, wood panelling and other highly textural materials can be put to good use to create the perfect focal point. If you don’t have any exposed brick walls, why not try adding some to an existing wall to build in interest and character?
TELL US…
How have you created focal points in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Sometimes, the best feature of a room is the view through the window, so organise your furniture in a way that makes the most of it. This might mean reworking your seating arrangement or, in the case of a kitchen, as seen here, the unit containing the sink. If you’re planning a renovation any time soon, be sure to factor your windows in to the design.