How to Create a Focal Point in the Living Room

There are different ways to create a focal point in your living room using art. You can consider the size of the artwork in relation to the room, its position from the entrance, and how it captures attention with proper lighting. 

We’ll talk more about these elements and other tips to create your living room’s visual center.

Consider the size of the room

There can be multiple focal points in your room, especially if it is quite huge and spacious. For example, a living room with a fireplace might not benefit from a small painting.

A good rule of thumb is the art must cover two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall above a piece of furniture like your sofa. Don’t hang your artwork over a part of your room that is not your main visual focus.

A focal point can be any of the following:

• Fireplace
• Built-in cabinets
• Display shelves
• An empty wall above your TV or entertainment unit
• Area rug
• Staircase

Helpful tip: For a more balanced and harmonious space, choose one wall or the accent wall you want to work with that is free from distractions like doors, windows, and furniture. It can be the first wall guests will look at upon entering.

Choose an art style that will work well with the room

Choosing an artwork that aligns with the look and feel of your living room can accentuate your interior design. Whether you follow a minimalist style or opt for something bolder, your chosen theme or design will greatly affect the vibe of your space. For instance, selecting an art piece with neutral tones makes any space warm and cozy, one of the benefits of art to your health and well-being.

Helpful tip: For a cinematic feel, go for abstract landscapes or prints with colors that pop.

Place your artwork at eye level

Ideally, art should be hanged as high as your gaze, around 60 inches from the floor. Placing the artwork at eye level is the standard but not if your ceiling is low (8 to 9 feet). In this case, the painting should be in the third quadrant from the floor. This placement gives your canvas the admiration it deserves.

Helpful tip: The eye is attracted to light; therefore, make your focal area lighter than the other sections of your living room.

Use focused lighting to highlight the artwork

The right lighting accentuates the role of your artwork as a focal point. Proper lighting placement also brings out the hues and textures of the art piece without causing glare. With the right setup, you can make a true masterpiece stand out in your living room.

Helpful tip: To achieve a gallery-like effect, aim for wall-mounted lights or picture lights with a direct focus on the artwork.

Hang it on its own or arrange multiple pieces as a gallery

Measuring your wall to get the right wall art size also enhances the dynamics of your space. If your room is small, a large canvas can make your living room feel cluttered. But if your space is big enough to fit a fireplace, then you can choose a 40-inch framed fine art print on canvas. A gallery wall can provide a function for a blank space on top of your shelves.

Helpful tip: Make sure to leave a breathing space of at least 10 inches of white space on each side to create a visual frame around it.

Mistakes to Avoid When Curating A Room

While designing a focal point can elevate your living room’s aesthetic, certain missteps can detract from the overall look. Avoid these common mistakes:

Overcrowding

If you decide on too many focal points, you’ll end up creating a confusing feel for your space. Instead of achieving a cohesive look, you’ll create a more cluttered and messy appearance. Ideally, you can have a single or two focal points at most.

Lack of cohesion

A focal point should complement the room’s overall design. If the colors, textures, or style of the focal piece clash with the rest of the decor, it can feel disjointed. Ensure the focal point ties into the color palette and theme of the space.

Ignoring scale, placement, and proportion

Choosing a focal piece that’s too small or too large for the room can throw off the balance. A tiny artwork on a large wall or an oversized piece in a compact space can look out of place. Ensure the scale of your focal point matches the size of your room and furnishings.

Overlooking Other Elements in the Room

While a focal point is meant to grab attention, don’t neglect the rest of the room. An unbalanced layout with all the focus on one area can make the space feel incomplete. Ensure the rest of the room supports the focal point without feeling empty.

Revamp Your Space with Living Room Wall Art

Give your living room the spotlight it deserves with the perfect wall art from Hive Artes Collections→. Browse through thousands of eye-catching living room art→ pieces from our curated collection. Whether you want your space to stand out or simply make your lounge area unique, our framed posters can create a welcoming vibe for your guests.