What is the Focal Point in Your Room

Every room has, or at least it should have an interest point (or focal point). If there isn’t an architectural one, we’ll have to create it ourselves. But what is a focal point? A fireplace, a painting or a window with an interesting view can all be focal points. The focal point can be compared to the verb in a sentence – you need it in order to complete the room.

If the focal point doesn’t exist we’ll have to create it. Hang a painting or a valuable rug on the wall. A wardrobe or shelves with an interesting design will have the same effect. Even a television, especially a flat screen mounted on the wall can become a focal point.

Once decided upon a focal point, the furniture will be arranged in such a way that will empower it. In other words, when you are sitting in the room you want the eyes to look at the focal point in a natural and comfortable way. Let Interiors Refined by Paula redesign your room to emphasize the focal point.

The furniture placement must encourage conversation. The first step is to place the chairs, keeping the distance of 3ft “tops” between them. More than that and you won’t be able to hear yourselves unless you raise your voice. Naturally the chairs or armchairs must be placed facing the focal point. Chairs should be placed within about eight feet of each other to encourage conversation. Position a table in such a way that it is easily accessible from every chair. Keep a light source near the seating area. Coffee tables should have a clearance of about 14 to 18 inches from the sofa. Side tables should be at least as tall as the arm of the chairs or sofa to make serving easy and discourage accidental spills. When arranging furniture, make sure you provide enough space to move around the room. Read more

Each chair should have a little table placed at a comfortable distance. Coffee tables are usually placed 14-18 inches from the couch and end tables are placed right next to the armchairs.

The most common furniture arrangement is in the “U” shape, in which the open space is occupied by the focal point.

Example: focal point on the northern wall, one armchair on the eastern wall, another armchair on the western wall and a couch on the southern wall.

If various reasons keep us from placing the furniture in a shape resembling the letter “U”, we can always place it in ”L”, with a few occasional pieces on the free side of the room.