Having a focal point is critical if you want to create a room that feels comfortable and useable. And when you’re selling your house, you’ll make the room more attractive to buyers because they’ll feel more at home when there’s a focal point for them to rest their eyes on.

Some rooms have natural focal points, such as a fireplace, architectural details or a picture window with a view. But if your room has none of these, you could try placing a large piece of furniture such as an armoire or a tall bookcase along one wall, using an ornate mirror or large painting, or adding a table with your favorite ornaments or mementoes arranged on it.

If you have a large, flat-screen television, this might make a suitable focal point, but many people prefer not to make a TV the center of attention, as it can look unattractive when switched off.

The focal point doesn’t have to be on the wall — a large area rug placed under a coffee table can also work well.

A fireplace is perhaps the best focal point in a living room. To accent it further, place a painting or mirror above the hearth.

In a bedroom, place the bed along the longest wall; add attractive bedding and a well-designed headboard.

All furniture in a room should be arranged around the focal point, helping draw your eyes to the right place. It’s almost as if you are “framing” your focal point with the furniture and other decorations in your room!