A centuries-old Chinese practice, feng shui has captured the Western imagination as a tool for good design and spiritual well-being. By applying these teachings to your own home, you can create a harmonious and serene environment. In this article, we will explore feng shui lighting tips that are easy to implement and can have a profound impact on your living space.
Achieving a Free Flowing Chi
Feng shui teaches us how to live in harmony with our surroundings. It is based on the belief that by connecting with the energy, or "chi," of a place, we can create a positive mental outlook and a sense of balance. There are many different approaches to feng shui, but the basic principles remain the same. By tuning into the energy of your home, you can create an abundance of harmony, vitality, joy, love, and peace.
Creating a Harmonious Mood for the Home
The position of lighting in our homes has a profound effect on our well-being. Shadows cast on reading or food preparation areas, as well as glare on computer or TV screens, can make us irritable and out of sorts. Harsh, unfiltered light can also affect our moods. Fortunately, modern lighting design can help us follow feng shui principles and create harmonious spaces.
10-Plus Feng Shui Lighting Tips
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Choose the right bulbs: Incandescent bulbs or warm color temperature LED bulbs emit a warmer, orange-hue level of lighting that is well-suited for creating inviting living spaces. Halogen lights provide a bright light that is ideal for reading or overall room lighting.
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Set the mood with color: Use color bulbs or shades to create the desired atmosphere. Pink shades denote calmness, purple signifies passion, and yellow brings a sense of relaxation.
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Balance direct and indirect lighting: Use a combination of direct and indirect lighting to create a softer or more functional lighting arrangement. Track lighting or spotlights can focus light on work areas, while softer sources like torchieres or wall sconces provide diffused light.
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Embrace multiple light sources: Instead of relying on one bright light in a room, use two or more softer lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
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Choose the right lamp shades: Fabric or paper lamp shades soften the light and create a quiet atmosphere, while metallic or reflective shades create a more active environment. Different colors can also evoke specific energies, such as red for fame, pink for romance, and purple for wealth.
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Soften sharp edges: Use corner uplights, torchieres, or accent lighting to eliminate sharp edges in a room. This improves energy flow and creates a more restful environment.
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Uplight to uplift: Uplighting encourages an upward flow of energy, making a room appear larger and more open. It can also transform dark corners or illuminate heavy beams, reducing their negative chi effect.
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Harness the power of mirrors: Adding a mirror to a wall space can change the direction of a room's energy and make it appear larger. Mirrors, when combined with proper lighting, speed up the flow of chi energy, creating a more dynamic and stimulating atmosphere.
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Bring in red for energy: Just like the Chinese would use red lanterns in hallways for energy and light, you can incorporate red art glass wall sconces or crystal chandeliers with red shades to bring positive chi into your living spaces.
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Maintain balance in irregular-shaped rooms: Place a lamp in the missing sector or area of an irregular-shaped room to ensure proper chi energy levels.
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Channel good fortune with post lights: Use a post light with a top fixture in your garden or driveway to encourage beneficial energy from the earth to rise, bringing good fortune.
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Unleash creativity with metal fixtures: In the west corner of a room, try a metal fixture with a white shade to enhance creative energies.
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Control the mood with dimmers: Install dimmer switches to create the perfect atmosphere and positive energy.
By implementing these feng shui lighting tips and making subtle changes to your lighting plan, you can significantly enhance the happiness and harmony in your home.
Help with Feng Shui Lighting
If you have any questions about feng shui home lighting, our team at Lamps Plus is here to help. Visit one of our stores or give us a call to speak with one of our American Lighting Association trained consultants. They will be more than happy to answer all your questions and guide you towards creating a harmonious living space.
More Feng Shui Lighting Ideas & Advice
- How an Incandescent Light Bulb Works
- Add a New Look with Giclee Art Shades
- How to Find the Perfect Table Lamp
- Contemporary Style