When you are creating a small home arrangement, picking out a single object that stands a bit taller than the rest makes the entire design easier to see. It doesn’t have to be the biggest or most expensive item. A focal point is the first thing your eye sees, and then looks at the remaining elements in relation to it. It could be a vase, a framed photo, a ceramic bowl, a candlestick, or a small sculpture. Once you have identified your focal point, the other items in the arrangement can complement it without fighting for your attention.
Clear a small section of your counter or table. Pick out three items that are significantly different in height and/or shape. Place your chosen focal point first. Ensure you leave adequate negative space around it so it’s still recognizable. Then, add your remaining two items. Don’t space them evenly apart. Small discrepancies in distance can help give your cluster a more natural look. Step back to view the arrangement from eye level, not just looking down from above.
Size isn’t the only factor that influences visual weight. A dark ceramic vase may have greater visual weight than a much larger glass vase. A thick book may weigh more than a thin branch reaching upward. Bright colors, interesting textures, contrasting materials, and odd shapes can all add to visual weight. If multiple objects compete for your attention, the design can feel chaotic. Rather than introducing another accessory to compete with the focal point, try making the competing item less prominent by placing it further away, resting it on a lower platform, or swapping it for a smaller piece.
Also consider the relationship between the supporting objects and your focal point. They don’t have to be similar. A glossy vase could sit next to a matte ceramic bowl. A stack of books could provide a resting place for a glass vase or a candlestick. The relationship may be defined by color, scale, material, or the interplay between their shapes. Avoid using multiple accessories that are identical in both color and texture. Some variety will add interest without detracting from the focal point.
Snap a photo with your cell phone once you’re happy with your arrangement. Photos help reveal competing focal points since you’re less familiar with what you see in a photo than your actual room. Look at the photo and determine which item catches your eye first. If you’re unsure, modify just one aspect. Move one accessory closer, increase the amount of negative space around your focal point, turn one item, or take something away altogether. Take another photo. Making small adjustments is easier than rebuilding your design each time.
Finally, keep the scale of your accessory in mind. A small accessory could get lost on a large console table, while a tall vase could take up too much space on a narrow bookshelf or coffee table. Consider the scale of your focal point relative to the other accessories in your arrangement and the furniture they sit upon. It’s not about following a specific set of rules. As long as your focal point is easy to spot, your other items are complimentary, and there is enough negative space between your accessories, your arrangement will be less cluttered and easier to tweak.