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Feng Shui can bring harmony to your home.

Feng Shui is growing in popularity as people look for ways to escape the stresses and strains of modern life, to find a balance between the things they must do and the things they want to do. Following the principles of Feng Shui allows people to use the positive energy in their living space to provide them with the maximum benefit, both for themselves and those they invite into their homes.

The living room is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is used for welcoming guests and inviting them to relax and share in the harmony of the family. To make the most of the perfect living room, the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui has an important part to play in sofa arranging. Based on a Taoist vision, it is used to balance the energies of the space in a room, to bring good fortune and health to those who spend time in it.

The strategic placing of furniture i.e. sofas is vital, furthermore keeping clutter to a minimum, introducing an element of nature in the form of living plants, and ensuring relaxing lighting levels, are all used to harness the power of Feng Shui.

According to Feng Shui, a room should be decorated in soft, warm, natural colours, furthermore a room should be de-cluttered regularly and ornaments and trinkets kept to a minimum. Soft lighting is essential. Therefore the placement of lamps are vital, they should be positioned so that they brighten up corners and dark areas, to reduce negative energy. However, one should take care not to place lighting directly over sofas and chairs. During the daytime, place seating so that it optimizes natural daylight streaming through the windows. With this in mind windows should be kept clean and unobstructed.

Choosing suitable curtains and soft furnishings is also an important criterion of Feng Shui. Harmonizing the furniture so that it does not clashing is impetrative; this will only bring an unwanted imbalance of energy to the living space. Another interesting principle is to avoid the colour red; red apparently brings in pressure and obstacles, thus blocking the flow of ‘chi’ (energy).

Moreover, within a living room it is important to place chairs and sofas so that they face each other; the traditional ‘L’-shaped seating arrangement makes guests feel awkward. People feel much more relaxed when facing each other. In the case of large living rooms with several seats, a circular or octagonal arrangement is excellent. Therefore, sofas and chairs should be placed so that they have a clear, unobstructed view of the door, with the intention that everyone can see new arrivals. This arrangement makes any newcomer entering the living room, feel part of the group straightaway. With this in mind it is important not to have any chairs of sofas that have their backs to the main entrance to the room as it will only block the ‘chi’ further.

Hard-edged objects in the room bring negative energy, especially between the seats; this will only block the free-flowing energy and harmony between people. However, if you need to have a coffee table, if possible, angle it slightly. Side tables are ideal so that people do not have to sit awkwardly holding their cup and saucer, wondering where to put it. Therefore, one should try to keep objects on the tables to a minimum.

Another interesting principle of Feng Shui is to only use fresh flowers and living plants in the sitting room and remember to always dispose of dead or dying leaves and flower heads. By the same principle, do not use dried flowers. Furthermore, keep anything electrical or electronic, such as computers, televisions or stereo systems, in one place, preferably concealed, when not in use, in a piece of furniture. The key is to eliminate as many unnatural distractions as possible. For this reason, do not keep the television on when you want to promote harmonious conversation and interaction between people. A fish aquarium is a popular devise incorporated into a Feng Shui-influenced within a living room; it apparently encourages prosperity and good fortune.

The idea that guests feel relaxed in your home is very important to most people. Feng Shui provides this aspect. Following the basic tips listed above will promote the most harmonious of atmospheres, making you and your guests feel relaxed and welcome, and ensuring that your time together is mutually peaceful and rewarding.