A centuries-old Chinese practice, feng shui has captured the Western imagination in recent years as a tool for good design and spiritual well-being. These feng shui lighting tips offer simple ideas for applying these teachings in your own home.
Getting Chi Flowing Freely
Feng shui , which means "wind" and "water" in Chinese, teaches how to live in harmony with the environment of the home, garden and office in order to create a more positive flow of energy and state of mind.
Although there are many different schools of feng shui , the basic beliefs are the same. Practitioners use a number of different approaches and design principles to connect with the energy (chi) or "feel" of a place, and to tailor it to the people who live or work there.
These principles can be easily implemented in new or existing buildings, and users believe that allowing the free flow of energy (chi) can result in a happier, more positive mental attitude, as well as an abundance of harmony, vitality, joy, love and peace.
Whatever the outcome, feng shui principles contain many smart design ideas that are easy to try and fun to put into practice!
Create a harmonious atmosphere in the home
How can feng shui principles be applied to home lighting?
Well, feng shui rightly recognizes that the position of lighting has a profound effect on the occupants of a home or office.
If shadows are cast where we read or prepare meals, or if light is shining on a computer or television screen, we will be constantly irritable and in a bad mood. Harsh, unfiltered light can also affect our mood.
Modern lighting design can help you follow feng shui principles and create harmonious and pleasant rooms to live and work in.
10 Tips for Feng Shui Lighting
Here are some steps you can take to follow the basic principles of feng shui :
1. Incandescent bulbs or warm color temperature LED bulbs produce a warmer, orange-colored level of light than other sources, and are well-suited for creating inviting living spaces. Halogen bulbs emit a bright light that can be used for reading or directed to a specific area for general room lighting.
2. Choose bulbs or color shades based on the mood you want to create. Shades of pink denote calm and pleasure, purple is more passionate, and yellow is more calm and relaxed.
3. Use a variety of direct and indirect lighting to create a softer ambiance or a more functional lighting arrangement depending on your needs. For example, use track lights or spotlights to focus light on work areas, while softer, more diffuse sources (like torchieres orwall sconces ) provide a more diffused light.
4. Instead of using just one bright light in a room, use two or more softer lights to create an overall warm glow and positive energy in the room.
5. Fabric or paper lampshades soften the light and create a more yin (calm) atmosphere.
Metallic or reflective lampshades create a harder, more yang (active) atmosphere. Use softer shades in bed or bath areas, harder shades in areas where you work or need to be more active.
- Red lampshades in a living room bring glory!
- Shades of pink in a bedroom for romance.
- Shades of purple in an office bring richness.
6. Eliminate sharp edges in a room by using corner lighting , torchieres or accent lighting . Softening sharp corners improves energy flow and produces a more relaxing environment.
7. Vertical lighting also encourages an upward flow of energy, which is helpful if you have low or sloped ceilings. Ceiling light makes a room appear larger and more open.
Uplights are also useful for transforming dark corners or illuminating heavy beams, which can mitigate their negative chi effect.
8. Add a mirror to a wall space to change the direction of energy in a room or to make it appear larger and less restrictive. Mirrors and associated lighting accelerate the flow of chi energy, creating a more dynamic and stimulating atmosphere, perfect for offices or study rooms. Mirrors are especially well-suited for dark spaces where you want to reflect a light source.
9. Centuries ago, the Chinese placed red lanterns in hallways to give them energy and light. The modern equivalent isred glass wall sconces running the length of the hallway or a crystal chandelier with red hues placed at the beginning or end of the space.
10. Irregularly shaped rooms should have a lamp placed in the missing area or zone to maintain proper chi energy levels.
11. To channel beneficial earth energy into a garden or walkway, use a floor lamp with a top fixture. This encourages good chi to rise and brings good fortune.
12. For more creative energies, try a metal light fixture with a white shade in the west corner of a room.
13. Use dimmer switches to create the perfect mood and positive energy.
Try these tips and continue to make subtle changes and adjustments to your lighting plan. You might be surprised at the level of happiness and harmony that good room lighting can bring!
Help with feng shui lighting
Do you have any questions about feng shui lighting in your home? Contact us or visit a Lustria store for more information. We will be happy to help you.
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