Feng shui is an ancient art developed more than 3,000 years ago in China. It involves deliberately arranging objects, buildings, and space in an environment to achieve balance and harmony. Western cultures are gradually using feng shui with more frequency as well.
If you've started with feng shui in your home, you should pay attention and avoid these nine common mistakes.
Worst Bloopers You can Make
1. Dried, Dying, or Sick Plants
Living green plants bring positive energy into your home and are excellent for feng shui. However, this doesn't apply to ailing plants and flowers. Dried, dying, or sick plants indicate challenges for the home's inhabitants.
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Using dried lavender in your closet is okay because it isn't a feng shui decoration. And it's also good to preserve flowers that are meaningful to you, like your dried wedding bouquet. But it isn't something you would use for feng shui purposes.
2. Sharp, Thorny, or Pointy Plants
If you're using plants for feng shui care, it's best to avoid sharp, thorny, or pointy plants. In feng shui, these plants create intense energy that people should avoid.
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Instead, choose soft, rounded leaves that invite gentle and soothing energy into your home. However, if you love a cactus, it's acceptable to have some in your home.
3. Incorrect Mirror Placement
A properly placed mirror lets good chi energy flow freely throughout your home. Mirrors in the wrong spots can divert those good energies or cause them to get stuck.
You shouldn't place mirrors facing windows if anything outside causes negative energy to enter your home. For example, avoid things that most people consider eyesores, such as electrical wiring, power lines, or pipes.
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Feng shui experts don't recommend placing mirrors in the bedroom because they can cause positive chi energy to bounce around your room, wreaking havoc.
Instead, hang mirrors in narrow staircases, dining rooms, and hallways (as long as it isn't at the end of the hallway).
4. Storage of Broken Things
Broken things invite negative energy into your home. The longer they're in your home, the more negative energy they evoke. If you intend to fix broken objects, do so sooner than later.
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In many cultures, broken mirrors cause bad luck. They're also dangerous and can lead to accidents. Instead, use clear and polished mirrors that reflect clarity.
5. Storage Under The Bed
Even though it makes practical sense, it isn't good feng shui to stuff junk underneath your bed. This practice applies to loose storage, storage boxes, beds with drawers, etc. You spend hours sleeping over all this stuff, ultimately affecting you.
Storage underneath your bed may demonstrate subconscious blocks in many aspects of your life, including romantic relationships. If possible, you want nothing under your bed.
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Empty space under your bed lets positive energy flow easily all around you. If you desire to store things under the bed, consider soft, sleep-related items like blankets, pillows, and linens.
6. A Bed Without a Headboard
In feng shui practice, it's necessary to have a headboard that is securely attached to your bed and against a wall. A bed floating in space or a mattress plopped on the floor will negatively impact your chi.
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A strong headboard is like a mountain to support and protect you. It applies to your well-being, relationships, and your life in general. Your headboard shouldn't have overhanging shelves and sharp corners that can disrupt your energy.
7. Large Objects Overhead
Hanging large objects over your head can make your home feel heavy. This heaviness can block positive energy from flowing freely and weigh on your spirit.
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Avoid large objects like artwork or chandeliers over your bed. Try lighter and smaller things for better energy flow. Get creative with light if you can't move ceiling beams. Add lighting at the base and direct the light there.
8. Overloading on Knick Knacks
One of the typical feng shui beliefs is that nothing new can flow your way if there isn't room for it. Your energy will stagnate when your bookshelves, countertops, and dressers flow with knick-knacks.
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Dispose of any item that no longer brings you joy and things that hurt you.
9. Incorrect Water Features
Fish tanks and fountains are water features that bring money and prosperity into your life. However, too many water features look tacky and become a distraction to good energy flow.
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The placement of water features can determine what energy it brings into your life. In the northern area, water can support your career. Placing the components in the southeast area can attract abundance. Features in the east can nourish your family relationships, while those in the west can boost creativity.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when decorating your home with feng shui. To avoid common mistakes, you should work with a feng shui consultant to decorate your home that promotes and maintains positive energy and makes it aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
