Creating a Focal Wall in a Monochromatic Living Room

Using a monochromatic color theme in a living room is a popular method of creating a modern and streamlined look. This color style can make a room look larger, but it can also lack a focal point, due to the fact that the colors are all so similar. By choosing one wall in the room to use as a focal point, you can maintain the overall monochromatic look within the room, but still add a good deal of visual interest.

Choosing the Wall to Use as the Focal Point

When choosing the focal point wall within a room, it can be helpful to enter the room from all angles to see where your eyes naturally go first. If the living room includes the front entryway into the home, going outside and entering the room through the front door, paying attention to what you first see when you enter the room can help determine which wall should be used as the focal wall, as well as what portion of the wall should be primarily used for visual accents. If the room is visible from other rooms, take this into consideration as well. For example, sit at the dining room table and see what area of the living room is most visible, if the two rooms adjoin. Not only will this method help you determine the best wall to use, but you can also determine the section of the wall that can be used to the best advantage.

Accenting the Focal Wall

In most cases, you will want to paint the focal wall a different color from the other walls within the room. If you are using a monochromatic color decorating theme, you can choose to stay with this approach and simply use a different shade of the same color for the focal wall. You can also add a punch of color to a monochromatic wall by using a complimentary shade that is not a variation of your monochromatic color, just on this one wall. If you use this method, choosing the color based on a piece of art that you plan to hang as the focal point on the wall can be a good way of blending a different color into a monochromatic room. This method can be especially effective if you can find a piece of art that includes not only your chosen monochromatic color, but also the accent color that you intend to use.

Display Options for a Focal Wall

In addition to painting the wall a different color, the focal wall of a room can be used to display any number of things, including art and collectibles, from fish wall art to a unique candle wall sconce. If your focal wall includes a prominent feature, such as a fireplace and mantle, this can be a great place to display art, family photos or other collectibles to add to the overall effect. A hutch, shelving unit or shadowbox frame can also be a good way of displaying small objects in a consolidated fashion that can serve as an overall focal point. Since a focal point strongly attracts the eye, any area used as a focal point should always be kept clean and clutter-free, so that you are only calling attention to the good features within the room.