Feng Shui, Pt. 2

Now that we know a little bit about the history and basic tenets of feng shui, here are some tips for decorating your home and office, feng shui style. These tips will help maximize the flow of positive qi (energy) and liven up a room in the process. Remember to use a bagua (energy map) and do some research in order to get the most out of feng shui.

Feng Shui Basics

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when decorating according to feng shui is to avoid clutter. Clutter represents stuck energy and hinders the smooth flow of energy; this can result in depression and procrastination.

• Don’t cram furniture and accessories into tight places; the optimal furniture placement should allow qi to flow freely.

• Furniture too low to the ground blocks the flow of qi.

• Empty space is necessary for a good flow of energy.

Feng Shui in the Bedroom

• Your bed should be placed far away from the bedroom door, but in such a way that the door can still be seen from the bed; this will provide a sense of security.

• While sleeping, your head should be away from the window. Otherwise, your energy will go out the window, leaving you feeling tired when you wake up.

• Don’t place a mirror at the foot of your bed and don’t sleep where you can see your reflection in the mirror; this can bring about negative energy.

• For couples, the bed should be equidistant from the walls, symbolizing equality in the relationship. Using a strong bed also symbolizes a solid relationship.

• Bedside tables should have rounded instead of square edges to avoid cutting qi that is focused towards you and your partner.

• Use soft lighting in the bedroom, but avoid using ceiling lamps directly above your bed.

• The space underneath your bed should be clear and free from unwanted clutter.

• If possible, don’t put your computer inside your bedroom.

Feng Shui in the Living Room

• Living room furniture should be placed facing the front door. If this isn’t possible, hang mirrors on the wall so the front door can be seen. People feel less vulnerable when the furniture is facing the room’s entrance.

• Furniture pieces should be placed at least three feet apart.

• Hang artwork at eye level.

• Living room furniture should be soft, with rounded edges.

• High backs on furniture symbolize the support family members give one another.

• Place televisions inside pieces of furniture to hide the overwhelming electric field given out.

• Place plants around pieces of furniture to attract healthy qi.

• Place heavy furniture in a corner, but not too close to the wall.

• Avoid placing furniture so that it faces a blank wall; this does not feel good and will leave a person feeling vulnerable.

Feng Shui in the Dining Room

• Keep dining room furniture free of mail, clothing, and other everyday “junk.”

• Eat at the dining table every day; this will bring positive energy to your financial life. If your dining table is allowed to gather dust, your finances can do the same.

• Dining room tables and furniture should be round or oval and proportional to the room itself.

• Place an even number of chairs around the table to keep the energy in balance.

• Purchase the best quality wood possible for the furniture; this signifies a sense of abundance and wealth.

Feng Shui in the Office

• De-clutter. Throw away papers and files that you no longer need and organize those that need to be filed. Desks should be open and free of accessories to enable you to work continuously without distraction.

• Use comfortable, high-quality furniture; appealing office equipment will make your office more attractive, thereby allowing the entry of positive qi.

• Position your desk so that you are facing the doorway and your back faces a wall or corner. If you can’t move your desk, place a small mirror on your monitor to enable you to see what is going on behind you or who is approaching.

• A leafy green plant in a red pot on the top left corner of your desk attracts beauty and life energy into your space. Bamboo, jade, or a money tree are highly recommended.

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.

Feng Shui, Pt. 1

Did you know… in the West, feng shui is usually associated with the placement of furniture in the home; the ultimate goal of modern feng shui is to situate human-built environments, namely furniture, on spots with positive qi, or life force. However, this ancient Chinese art originally encompassed aesthetics in every aspect of life, including the orientation of entire buildings and the alignment of stars. Therefore, the “perfect spot” for positive qi flow consists not only of a physical location, but an axis in time as well.

Feng shui incorporates five main elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. It is believed that qi moves differently through each of these elements, so it is important to arrange items associated with them in a manner which maximizes qi flow. The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water.” The general belief is that qi scatters with the wind, but is retained when encountering water.

Many people use an energy map, known as a bagua, as a re-arranging guide in order to bring the right balance and harmony to a particular space. Something as simple as changing the position of a desk or adding live plants to a room can drastically alter the room’s qi flow.

Many people who incorporate feng shui into their decorating believe it can help them live healthier, more prosperous lives. However, some believe it can cause harm if improperly implemented. Regardless, feng shui remains a popular decorating option for those seeking a fresh and exciting way to decorate their home.

Stay tuned for some feng shui decorating tips to use in your home!

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.

Furniture Facts: Chairs

Did you know… the chair, as we know it today, was originally reserved for only the highest and mightiest in noble society. It was a sign of authority, power, and wealth (just look at that lavish, intricately decorated throne). In fact, the chair didn’t become a common household item until the 16th century. Up until that time, stools and benches were the common seats of the time. Thankfully, ergonomics led to some revolutionary (and more comfortable!) chair designs, eventually giving rise to task-oriented chairs like the desk chair. The recliner (my personal favorite) became increasingly popular in the 50s, thanks to radio and television.

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.

Furniture Facts: Beds

Did you know… the earliest accounts of beds date back to the 8th century B.C., and they didn’t sound very comfortable; they were essentially made from piles of straw or leaves on the floor. One of the biggest breakthroughs at the time was the idea to elevate beds in order to protect them from being washed away by floods. Bed designs improved over time, though — check out this Egyptian bed or “cot.” Hope those Egyptians kept a chiropractor nearby…

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.