The Chinese believe applying Feng Shui in their homes encourages an abundance of positive energy, hence leading to a happier life. If you’re looking into an upgrade, you can incorporate this ancient technique into your lighting.
Let’s start with what Feng Shui is: It reveals how a balance can be achieved in the energies that exist in a certain space to bring about good health and prosperity. Feng Shui has five elements: Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Let’s focus on fire. Fire increases enthusiasm and leadership skills. Use it in your design to encourage expressiveness, inspiration, and boldness.
Light represents the fire element. It is the strongest manifestation of energy and is one of the very basics of good Feng Shui. It adds to the flow of our work and living space’s Qi (a Chinese term for energy and life force). Coupled with air quality, light replenishes our bodies’ depleted positive energy resources. Its capacity to nourish and heal affects our overall well-being.
To re-energize your home, try these lighting tips.
Evaluate Intensity of Light
High quality lights glow and illuminate, while poorly chosen ones glare and obscure. An area can either have too much lighting or too little of it, both of which disrupt energy flow. The intensity of light should always be equal in all areas because it attracts positive energy, letting Qi flow freely throughout all spaces. Here’s some things to look for when evaluating the lighting in your space:
- Areas with too many shadows
- Spaces with too much or sufficient brightness
- How lights can shed the right effect on various spaces
- No vertical lighting installed in certain areas
- Glare caused by poor lighting in some areas
The intensity of light should always be equal in all areas. It attracts positive energy, letting Qi flow freely throughout all spaces. Identifying these areas will help you find the right lighting solution.
Choose the Right Bulb
The right bulb eliminates shadows and glare. Light should always illuminate and help in making your eyes rest easy. Here are three bulb types you can use:
- Halogen: This type of light provides equal distribution in a space, which is ideally used in floor or table lamps.
- LEDs: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are cooler and more energy efficient. They are ideal as spotlights or recessed lamps.
- Full spectrum: Before getting mass produced, full spectrum bulbs were used to treat patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These simulate natural light or sunlight which stimulates the body’s circadian rhythm and hormones. They also produce less glare and shadow.
Bulbs can make or break an area’s overall harmony. Just remember bright lights are best for larger spaces while soft lights work well in smaller areas.
Light Enhances Color
As Chinese philosophies of well-being influenced its neighboring countries including India, Qi further developed into Chakras. The body has seven Chakras or energy centers and each have colors which project different impressions and purposes of use. The seven Chakra colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
- Orange revitalizes spaces and provides relaxation for family rooms.
- Green is a healing color. It radiates balance and is ideal in the bedroom.
- Blue supports the energy of your career growth and is great to use in a home office .
- Use yellow for happy gatherings and good times or to create a cozy space. Try it in your kitchen, living room, or kids rooms.
- Feng Shui masters suggest using purple in moderation. Try bringing it into your home through decor elements such as pillows and art.
- Indigo brings mystery and is thought to stimulate your ability to imagine future potential. Use it in your home office, or in your bedroom but in moderation.
- Red is the strongest color and represents the fire element. It brings joy and excitement and is great to use in dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
When coupled with a good light bulb, color enhances mood, promotes health, and attracts happiness. Before you choose specific colors for your home, study the light patterns in your rooms throughout the day to make sure it would feel good all day long. You’ll also want to make sure the color you choose goes well with your furniture, art, and other decor in your home.
Exterior Spaces Need Lights
Lights instantly put the Qi back in your space. They let positive energy flow in dark corners to invite luck. Installing exterior lights such as outdoor floor lamps help rejuvenate fire energy in balcony or patio’s southern corner. LED solar faux lanterns are also good lighting alternatives. These lights are ideal for apartments with limited spaces.
Ceiling and LED string lights can also be added in different areas around your apartment. Adding these help balance the flow of Qi within your home.
Even with the best lighting that money can buy, nothing will improve your energy levels like good old sunlight; however, when that’s not possible it’s important to choose the right bulbs. It’s important to remember that lighting in Feng Shui isn’t just about illumination – it’s about re-energizing our homes so we can have happier and healthier lives.
Stay tuned for more of the five elements of Feng Shui in the coming months!
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