Determining the Focal Point in a Room

In home decorating, it often helps to determine the focal point of an area, so you can decorate and even furnish around that point. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we understand how overwhelming it can be to tie a room’s look together, and we’ll be happy to help you with yours. Read on for our tips on establishing a focal point, and be sure to speak with one of our representatives for information on your particular situation. 

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Where the Eye Goes

Typically, a focal point is where the eye is naturally drawn. It can be a window, a large piece of furniture, a television, a fireplace, a series of décor, or a collection of artwork. In any room, windows can carry a strong line and are defined by natural light, so frequently, they end up being the focus. 

Using the Window as the Focal Point

If you determine to use the window as the main focus for a room, it’s important to ensure it holds up to scrutiny. Not only that, you’ll want the window to be attractive not only from the inside but also from outside. Window treatments will advance or recede into a room based on color, texture, and pattern. Timeless colors and textures (think neutral colors or linen-type textures) will add softness. Layering with drapery can either add depth and drama through color or pattern, or will help the window recede into the room if they’re of the same color and look. Color will make a window advance into the room and can make other design elements recede. To help, consider “dressing” your window like you’re framing a painting. If your treatment is heavy, it will detract from the rest of the room; if it’s lighter, your eye will be freer to take in the other elements in the space. To help your window treatments look the best from the outside, make them match as best as possible by ensuring they are the same color and carry the same lines. 

Window Styles 

Think about a few things as you approach decorating your window. For example, the view. If the view is attractive, you’ll want to accentuate it; if it’s not great, you’ll want to play it down. Also, you’ll want to think about the function of your window fashion: 

• If you have a horizontal opening, you can choose from options such as the top-down/bottom-up operating feature, which lets you open from the top, from the bottom, or both. This operation works well in kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms, and you can add it to Hunter Douglas horizontal products such as Duette® Cellular Shades, Solera® Soft Shades, and Provenance® Woven Woods. 
• For larger windows or sliders, you’ll want a vertically oriented treatment. Vertical products can open in the middle, go to one side, or totally disappear. Some of the vertical products from Hunter Douglas include Duette® Vertiglide™ Cellular Shades, Skyline® Gliding Panels, and Vignette® Modern Roman Shades. 

Setting the Focal Point in the Greater Phoenix Area

Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!