How to Create a Focal Point in Your Living Room

Every well-designed living room has a focal point — the first thing your eye goes to when you enter the room. In rooms with a fireplace or a spectacular view, the focal point is given. In rooms without these natural anchors, you create it deliberately. A room without a clear focal point feels directionless and difficult to arrange furniture in.

The Television as Focal Point

If your television is the primary entertainment source, make it the intentional focal point rather than trying to hide it. Mount it on the wall at the right height — the center of the screen should be at eye level when seated, typically 42 to 48 inches from the floor. Frame the television with built-in shelving or a media cabinet that gives it context and reduces its visual dominance.

Create a Feature Wall

A feature wall — painted a contrasting color, covered in wallpaper, clad in wood panels, or hung with a large gallery arrangement — creates a focal point in a room that lacks architectural interest. The feature wall should be on the wall you face most directly when sitting in the main seating position.

A Large Piece of Art

A single, substantial piece of artwork hung at the right height on the main wall creates a clear focal point and sets the entire color palette for the room. Art hung too small looks timid; art hung too high is uncomfortable to look at. The standard rule is to hang the center of the piece at 57 inches from the floor.