Image: H&M Home
12 ways to create a focal point… that isn’t a fireplace
While the fireplace has long reigned supreme as the natural focal point in British homes, today’s interiors are embracing fresh, imaginative alternatives that draw the eye and anchor a room with personality.
“Traditionally, fireplaces were the heart of the home – they provided heat, yes, but they also gave the room a natural centre with everything arranged around them,” explains Milena Vallier, interior designer at My Bespoke Room.
“These days, not every home has a fireplace, but every space still needs a focal point. It’s what gives a room direction and balance.
“It helps you decide where to put your furniture, where your eye should land, and creates that all-important sense of harmony.
“Plus, a well-chosen focal point is a great way to express your style and spark conversation.”
Whether you’re working with a period property or a sleek new build, rethinking the room’s focus can bring surprising depth, charm, and modernity to your home.
And there are plenty of innovative ways to introduce a focal point without a fire or even a chimney breast.
From dramatic statement lighting to curated gallery walls and colour-pop furniture, we challenged the interior experts for their ideas on carving out a non-fireplace focal point to reflect your home’s style and transform the entire feel of the space.
Celebrate your TV
If we’re being totally honest the home appliance that draws the most attention is the television.
So why not celebrate the TV being the social focal point it can be by giving it pride of place?
“This might be a bit controversial, especially since the current design trends are all focused on hiding the TV completely – but I actually think it can be a brilliant focal point,” explains Milena.
“Most of us gather around it to relax, unwind or watch something with friends and family.
So, rather than pretending it’s not there, I like to style around it.”
Milena suggests mounting it as part of a gallery wall with framed prints, or sitting it above a picture ledge with plants and accessories to help it blend.
“And if you want the best of both worlds, a smart Frame TV is ideal; it displays artwork when it’s idle, perfectly blending into the space and becoming a stunning focal point,” she adds.
Create a media wall
As well as making the TV front and centre, you could also consider a media wall where it is incorporated within a set of bespoke cabinetry/shelving.
“This can be cladded with panelling or simply painted,” explains Milena.
“Opt for an off-black paint colour to camouflage the TV and create a cinema effect.”
Not only will full-width shelving create balance and symmetry, a media unit will also provide ample storage.
A mixture of closed cupboards and open shelving will also mean you can keep certain items tidied away, while also showcasing some of your most prized possessions.
Make the window a focus
A beautifully dressed window can serve as a stunning focal point, framing natural light and drawing attention to views beyond—whether it’s a cottage garden, cityscape, or rolling countryside.
With thoughtful treatments like billowing linen curtains, a cosy window seat, or sculptural plants on the sill, a window becomes more than just a source of light; it becomes the soul of the room.
“Bay windows are such a missed opportunity,” adds Milena.
“We love turning them into a little moment, some lovely curtains, a comfy chair facing the view, and suddenly it’s your favourite spot in the house.
“Especially in period or countryside homes – it’s natural for it to be the main focal point.”
Champion your coffee table
In bigger rooms especially, a coffee table or ottoman can absolutely become the focal point.
“When you place all the furniture facing inward toward it, it draws everyone together, perfect for entertaining or chatting with friends and family,” explains Milena.
She suggests choosing a coffee table with interesting shape or texture, marble, rattan, even a sculptural base, and layer it up.
“Add a tray for structure, a couple of books, maybe a candle or vase.
“It’s functional but also visually grounding,” Milena adds.
Switch up your shelving
If a room feels like it’s missing something, introducing shelving can really make a difference, creating interest and a natural focal point.
“Built-ins or floating shelves can really elevate a space,” explain Milena.
“Mix in books, framed photos, ceramics, greenery, and even lighting to give it layers and rhythm.”
But remember the key here is curation, so don’t overfill them.
“Put together in this way shelves can become not just practical storage, but a styled feature that brings the room to life and says something about your home’s personality.”
Go big on art
Artwork is another fantastic way to create a focal point.
“One bold piece of art is often all you need to define a room as it instantly gives the space a purpose,” explains Milena.
She suggests placing oversized artwork above a sofa or bed to create a ‘wow’ moment.
“Artwork adds heaps of personality and sets the tone for the rest of the room, especially if you can include picture lights to highlight feature wall art.”
But your focal point doesn’t have to be just one piece.
“Gallery walls are another brilliant way to give the room a focus,” Milena explains.
“You can mix framed prints, family photos, and other wall hangings for a curated look, which adds to the room’s aesthetic.”
Mirror it
If you’re working with a smaller room or want to add light, mirrors can be a fantastic focal point.
“A large mirror can act like artwork, anchoring the space, while also bouncing light around and making the room feel more open,” Milena explains.
Make a statement with lighting
Lighting is one of the best ways to create a focal point, especially in rooms that don’t have any natural architectural features.
A statement light instantly commands attention, creating a bold focal point that elevates the entire room.
“A striking pendant or chandelier over a dining table, for example, not only adds drama but also draws the eye right to the centre of the room, exactly where people gather,” Milena explains.
Lean into colour
Colour is such a powerful tool for creating a focal point and it’s one of the easiest changes you can make to switch up a space.
“A feature wall painted in a bold shade instantly gives the room a sense of direction and depth,” explains Milena.
Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture explains that painting one wall in a deeper or contrasting shade or wallpapering just one side of a room can instantly define a zone without overwhelming the space.
Add in some texture
Texture also has a role to play in creating focus in a room.
“Wall panelling, slatted wood, stone tiles or even textured wallpaper can add visual interest and dimension,” Milena says.
“That bit of depth draws you in and helps break up flat walls, making the space feel more layered and intentional.”
Focus on furniture
You could also use furniture to define your focal point.
“A vibrant armchair, a coffee table with character or colourful wardrobes/fitted furniture will all help to anchor a room,” explains Melissa.
“Then you can build your scheme around it.
“The key is choosing one feature that reflects your personality and letting it shine.”
Bailey Williams, colour expert at Earthborn says upcycling furniture provides a wealth of opportunity for individualism.
“Adding a pop of colour in this way can completely transform a space, elevating a room to give it an entirely new look,” he adds.
Say it with stone
Incorporating statement stone will bring texture and authenticity to any space, helping to create a dramatic focal point in any room.
“Whether it’s a bold marble vanity in the bathroom, a floor-to-ceiling stone feature wall in the living area, or a striking quartz kitchen island, natural stone introduces an element of timeless luxury,” explains Oli Webb, director, Cullifords.
“Its unique veining, earthy tones, and tactile surface add depth and character that synthetic materials often lack.
“Beyond its visual impact, stone also reflects a connection to nature — grounding the space while elevating it.
“Used thoughtfully, it doesn’t just complement a room’s design; it anchors it.”
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Pistachio interiors: 11 ways to get the viral look in your home or 9 common decorating dilemmas solved by Interior Design Masters’ Ayisha
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