How to Use Feng Shui Decorating in Your Home
We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home lately. If the energy in your home is starting to feel a little bit stale, you may be starting to think of ways to switch it up. Luckily, there is the Chinese art of feng shui. Feng shui decorating is the art of “arrangement,” if you will; that is, organizing your space and positioning elements in certain spots to balance the “chi,” or energy, in the space.
The art of feng shui relies heavily on elements found in nature. The word feng means wind, and the word shui means water. The art incorporates, specifically, wood, earth, metal, water, and fire. The ways that these elements are related support each other create a balance. Choosing which elements you prioritize in your space will determine the energy of that space, since each element is associated with different qualities and areas of one’s life. Each element is associated as follows:
- Earth: associated with being grounded and stable, health, and knowledge. It is achieved through flat and square shapes, as well as the colors brown, orange, and yellow.
- Metal: associated with being precise, efficient, and helpful. This is achieved through round and spherical shapes, the color white, and of course, metallics.
- Water: associated with change and flow, as well as career achievements. Water’s energy is represented with wavy or curvy shapes, and the color black.
- Wood: associated with expanding and vitality, as well as upward movement. It also represents family and health. Wood is represented through columnar and rectangular shapes and the colors green and blue.
- Fire: associated with passion, brilliance, fame, and it is illuminating. It is represented through triangular or pointy shapes and the color red.
Flat and square shapes represent the earth element.
Feng Shui Decorating
When you are decorating your home using feng shui, consider what sort of energy you want to achieve in each specific room of the home. For example, it’s likely you want your home office to be associated with energy and success, while the bedroom should be associated with calmness and sensuality.
An important element in feng shui is called the commanding position. This refers to the spot in the room that is the furthest from the door, but not directly in line with it. It should involve a clear line of sight to the door as well. Usually, this spot is diagonal from the door. The commanding position is the dominant spot in the room and likely where you spend the most time in the room. Place the important elements of each room in this spot. For example, in your bedroom, this would be where you place the bed. In the home office, this would be where you place your desk, and so on.
An example of the commanding position.
Another important part of feng shui is the doors. The front door of the home is incredibly important as, in feng shui, this is where all of the energy comes from. The door should not be blocked in any way and should be welcoming. If possible, make sure the entryway is open as not to block positive energy flow. This goes for all of the doors in your household as well; keep them unblocked so energy can flow freely.
Next, consider the air and the light in your space. Lots of natural light and air flow are crucial to good feng shui decorating. In your home, this will translate to lots of big windows to let the sunlight in, as well as plenty of fresh air on a warm day. If you are opting for curtains, try sheer window coverings to promote privacy but still let in enough natural light.
Feng shui decorating involves natural light.
Finally, consider that good feng shui does not have clutter. While the old saying that “a cluttered desk means a cluttered mind” may seem cliché, it can be directly applied to feng shui decorating. Clutter gets in the way of the positive energy flow of a space. Wherever possible, incorporate attractive organizing elements, and get rid of possessions you can do without.
Keep these tips in mind as you are decorating any space in a feng shui style. Of course, there is much more than just these basics, so feel free to continue your research to create the perfect feng shui space for you. Once you start your feng shui decorating journey, you should feel the stale energy leave your space and hopefully have a new, fresh energy to work with!
Here are some gorgeous Chinese rugs from the Nazmiyal Collection:
Antique Chinese Ningxia Rug
A Pair Of Brown Antique Dragon Chinese Runners
This interior design blog about feng shui decorating was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.
