Dating back to more than 3,000 years ago, Feng Shui is a historic Chinese art and science. When translated, feng means ‘wind’ and shui means ‘water’ – two elements associated with good health in Chinese culture. Having good Feng Shui, therefore, means enjoying good fortune.
The basic principles of Feng Shui are used in the design of living spaces, based on the idea that an energy known as ‘chi’ flows through your home, affecting the way you feel. This belief is related to the Taoist understanding of nature – that the whole land is alive and filled with chi.
The whole Taoism philosophy and Feng Shui are closely connected to the theory of the Yin and Yang of life. This is the belief that everything in our universe is composed of two forces: the feminine Yin and the masculine Yang. It is the interaction of the two opposing, yet interconnected forces that create the essence of all life.
In terms of energy, the Yin is relaxed, soft, slow, passive and silent, while the Yang in contrast is fiery, aggressive, solid and focused. The Yin is the silence and stillness of the night, while the Yang is the burning mid-day sun.
Devotees of Feng Shui believe the lay-out of the furniture in your home affects your life in relation to the well-being of the inhabitants. Although a science, it also impacts on the aesthetic appearance of your home in terms of interior design, governing the layout of living and working spaces.
As your home requires balanced Feng Shui energy, it’s important to apply the Yin Yang theory on a practical level. For example, the passive energy of Yin creates the Feng Shui energy of relaxation that’s ideal in your bedroom or your spa bathroom. It is prevalent in the calming colours, the soft music and the soothing sound of running water.
Homes containing more Yang energy tend to be bigger and bolder, characterised in interior design magazines by typically white rooms with a high ceiling, or metal furnishings creating an almost industrial look. Homes with too much Yin or too much Yang energy aren’t always comfortable, and the purpose of Feng Shui is to create a perfect balance between the energies.
Interior designers who practice Feng Shui techniques use various tools to plan out your home. One is the Feng Shui compass (or Lo-Pan) which finds the favourable and unfavourable areas, in terms of the energy. The compass comprises up to 40 bands of rings around a magnetic needle in the centre.
Several compass readings are taken from the front door, the first being taken from the inside looking out – all readings are from different distances and angles, from both inside and outside your house. The purpose is to find the centre or the heart of your home, which is known as the Yin Yang point.
Once this is located, the Feng Shui energy map of your space (known as the Bagua) can be defined. This will enable home improvements to begin, based on creating the best energies to improve your life and well-being.
Feng Shui practitioners believe there are nine tools to cure negative situations: colour, sound, lighting, artwork, living things such as plants, water features and wind-sensitive objects including wind chimes, mirrors and crystals. These are all used to enhance the positive chi of your home.
Feng Shui can be used in every aspect of organising the furniture, fixtures and fittings, including the seating arrangements and the shapes created by placing the furniture in certain places.
Examples of good Feng Shui practices include placing the sofa against a wall farthest from the door, with a clear view of the door, as this enhances feelings of security. Don’t make the mistake of having an awkward seating plan in the living room, with the chairs too wide apart, or all pushed up against different walls, as this isn’t conducive to conversation.
Although there isn’t a set formula for seats, the design should create an intimate feel that looks inviting, with the furniture fairly close together, without being jammed in. A surface near each seat where the occupant can place a drink also makes it appear welcoming.
Feng Shui also uses light to activate energy, so in each room there should be enough light sources to ensure every area is well lit. For example, if there are dark areas in your living room, this can equate to neglecting certain areas of your life.
In terms of the colour scheme, rich, bright colours are ideal in public areas of your home. Red and deep blue can be invigorating. Surrounding yourself with beautiful and meaningful items also creates positive energy, so that the collection grows with your life.
The Feng Shui Society runs accredited training schools to teach people how to practice the theory and how to use the tools, so you can use the knowledge to improve your own home.
If you’re aiming to create a living space filled with positive Feng Shui energy, the quality and design of your furniture is vital. Furniture Pack Solutions is a professional supplier and installer of furniture packages and buy to let furniture. Please contact us for further details.