Feng Shui

Feng Shui furniture guidelines

The most important thing is to have a breathing room. Lots of furniture pieces crammed in a tiny space will block the flow of Chi. Simple rooms with little furniture are preferable because they don't interrupt the energy flow.

You should also keep a large distance between two furniture pieces. For example, the sofa shouldn't be closer than 3 feet from a table. Furniture that is at least a few inches off the floor also helps the energy to flow better.

Another key factor is to place the furniture pieces you usually sit on, such as beds or chairs, so that you can see the entrance way. If it is not possible to do this, you can use mirrors to protect you from unpleasant surprises.

Decorative objects can add a personal touch to the look of your room. Objects that you use often should be placed at the eye level, so that you can see them quickly. Paintings should be placed so that they are not much higher than your eye level when sitting on a sofa or chair. You should also hang them above big furniture pieces.

Feng Shui elements

To ensure a harmonious living place you should also create a balance between the five feng shui elements. These elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. According to Chinese traditional thinking, everything that happens is an interaction between these elements.

The first element, wood, which is called Mu in Chinese, represents creativity, innovation and birth. It is associated with the colour green and the eastern direction. By placing green objects in the eastern part of your home you get all the things that it represents. It would be a good idea to put pictures with trees or a real plant here.

Another element in Feng Shui is fire, called Huo in Chinese. It represents activity, enthusiasm and energy and is associated with the colour red and the southern direction. It symbolises the puberty years and should be used with precaution, as too much can have a destructive effect. You should put photos of yourself and awards in the southern part of your home. Wooden objects and electrical appliances are also a good idea.

The next element is earth, called Tu by Chinese people. It symbolizes patience, stability and honesty and is ideal for spaces related to inheritances and real estate. Earth is associated with yellow and symbolises early youth.

The fourth element of Feng Shui is metal, called Jin in China. It represents wealthiness, harvesting and success in business, but it can also turn into a knife with a destructive action. It is associated with white and gold and the western direction. It symbolises the adult years. White or gold objects should be placed in the western part of your house. Pictures of your family and toys should also stay here.

The last Feng Shui element is water or Shui in Chinese. It points to communication and travelling, but also to arts and learning. It is a key element in the human life and can be either quiet or aggressive. It is associated with black and north and symbolises old years. Black or dark blue pieces of furniture or decorative objects should be placed in the north part of the house. This is a good place to put your working desk, your computer and your telephone.

Chinese traditions claim that by following these guidelines you will live in perfect harmony with your home and have equilibrium and a fulfilling life. However, Feng Shui is used nowadays not only for spiritual reasons, but also as a way to create harmony between the different pieces of furniture in your house and comfort for those who live in it.