Feng Shui for the Living Room, Family Room, or Den
One of the main gathering places in the house is the living room (also known as the family room or den). The family gathers there to unwind and entertain visitors. Feng shui provides guidelines for making the living room an inviting location for visitors as well as a comfortable space for residents. Balance, comfort, and camaraderie are the focus of these guidelines:
- Sharp edges, such as those on shelves and some tables, sofas, and other things, create shar and thus poor chi. If you can’t prevent harsh edges, use cloth or strategically placed plants to soften them. Use closed bookshelves with glass doors to block the evil chi that comes from shelves.
- Color and décor: The room’s color and décor should be yin and yang balanced. For example, if you have large, dark furniture (yin), use bright yang colors on the walls or upholstery to balance out the energy.
Furniture Placement
Furniture placement in your living room is determined by the location of the space’s doors and windows:
Doors
- Couches and chairs should face the door, or at least provide a clear view of the door for those sitting on them. Chairs with their backs to the door should be avoided.
- The honored visitor should be situated as far away from the entrance as feasible to ensure his or her safety and comfort.
- When there are multiple doors in a room, designate one as the primary door and close the others. If both doors are left open, the chi will move too swiftly through the room, causing little benefit.
Windows
Windows are sometimes referred to as the house’s eyes. Because they represent your worldview, it’s critical that all of your windows:
- Open completely: It’s critical to repair windows that have been painted shut or are stuck. Outward-opening windows let in more chi than vertically-opening windows.
- Outside the residence, plants, trees, bushes, and other foliage should not impede the window. Similarly, nothing within the house should obstruct your view outward—remove any furniture or other things that are blocking your windows.
- Keep your glass clean and unbroken: Dirty or cracked glass obstructs your vision and disrupts the flow of positive chi. Repair any broken windows as soon as possible.
- Backless sofas and chairs: Just like your bed, situate your couch against a strong wall to provide anyone sitting on it a sense of safety and stability.
Before-and-After Living Room
Major electronic gadgets, such as televisions, stereos, and laptops, are frequently seen in the living room. Electromagnetic fields are created by these appliances, which might lead to an excess of yang energy. To keep the energy consumption of such equipment in check, do the following:
- Don’t make the TV the focal point: Place the TV so that those in comfortable seats can see it but aren’t obliged to stare at it by default.
- Place the television in a closed cabinet:: When you’re not watching TV, close the doors. If you don’t have one, cover the TV with cloth while it’s turned off if you don’t have one.
- Turn off your computer: When it’s not in use, store it in a cabinet with closing doors or cover it with fabric.
