top of page

How a Simple Twist in your Accessories can Enhance Your Focal Point

  • Sep 8, 2018
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Did your mother ever teach you that it's not polite to point?

Well, sometimes pointing is a good thing, especially in decorating and art. Notice how the birds’ faces point toward each other keeping your eye focused on the table arrangement.


ree

The big elephant points inward, overlapping across the horizontal inward pointing arrow. On the upper shelf, the tall candlestick centers the cabinet, emphasized by the horse vase which pointing towards it.
The big elephant points inward, overlapping across the horizontal inward pointing arrow. On the upper shelf, the tall candlestick centers the cabinet, emphasized by the horse vase which pointing towards it.

Your focal point can be enhanced by having your home decor objects point toward the center. Mantels and credenzas are great places for using this trick of leading the eye inward.



This simple trick not only works in home decor, but photographs and art compositions as well. In the photo below notice how the boys' heads tip inward toward the center of the picture. This 'pointing' keeps you eye focused on the snapshot.


Kate's sons - LOL
Kate's sons - LOL

In the painting below, I paid particular attention to the placement of the birds, placing them pointing inward, towards the focal point of the painting. This technique keeps your eye staying on the artwork longer, enjoying the fun!


Enhancing Your Focal Point can be a funny story:

Below, I painted this watercolor placing the three geese pointing their beaks inward, toward the center of the painting. After hanging the art in the gallery, a funny thing happened.


A gentleman tapped me on the shoulder, and asked, “Are those geese flying in or out?”


I gave him a puzzled look.

He didn't wait for a replay, offering, "If the geese are flying in, they’re butts are down. If the geese are flying out, they’re heads are up.”

Instantly I knew I had an avid birder on my hands. I squinted at my wee-size, no bigger than 3/8”, water fowl on paper.


My efforts to have them flying toward the center of the paper for the importance to the composition was obviously no concern for this naturalist, though.


I inched closer to the art. Their heads were out-stretched, not up, but not down. I took a gamble and said, “They’re flying out.”

I must have given him the right answer as he bought the painting!

Although my avid birder may not agree,

Enhance your focal point by pointing in right direction.

ree

Related article: Learn more about focal points by clicking this link: 7 Tips for Artistic Bookshelves.

1 Comment


Unknown member
Aug 06

You're just a click away from transforming your space! Our home interior design services are all about bringing your unique style to life, creating rooms that are both beautiful and functional. Let's design the home you've always dreamed of.

Like

Blog Post

October Giveaway

6b04f4b8578f475493d4039fe0e4bf98 (1).webp

Kate Moynihan

Society 6 Products

For more fun and functional

artsy products, check out my Society6 store for:

Win 'Autumn Bliss'

set of 4 coasters

from Society 6!

If you're already a much-appreciated reader of my weekly emails, you're automatically entered EVERY month! The Winner will be announced on October 31

Sign Up to Win:

My monthly-ish e-news offers bits of artsy and inspirational tips, info about new artwork and events, and special offers. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Your form was submitted!

Kate Moynihan Artist

©2025 Kate Moynihan Artist

bottom of page