Good day, dear reader!
In this article you will find materials on how to arrange a living room.
Southeast, south, southwest and west are the best directions for the living room (from the center of the apartment)
In any type of home, rooms are divided by functionality. In some we sleep, in others we cook, in others we eat, in others we relax and receive guests, and so on. Now we will talk about the living room. This is where the living room serves for receiving guests and relaxing together for the whole family.
Naturally, one of the large rooms in any home is reserved for the living room. Of course, and even say very often, you have to combine a living room with an office, a dining room, or even a bedroom. But be that as it may, you always want to achieve what you want and arrange everything so that the room is cozy and, accordingly, fulfills its purpose as best as possible.
So, the main task for the living room is that it should be conducive to communication and relaxation. What is needed for this? And you need to choose the appropriate furniture, arrange it conveniently, and also an important point, you need to choose the right color.
Furnishings
Now a very important moment has come, we begin to select furniture. It often happens that you look at a furniture store, let’s say you really like a sofa, buy it, and when you get home and put it in its place, you are disappointed. And you think why is that? The reason lies in the size.
The store's interior is much larger than the room for which the furniture is purchased, and there it looked less cumbersome. And colors look different in different rooms.
Of course, now store workers are trying to make special blocks that resemble apartment rooms and place furniture in them, thus bringing it closer to what it will look like in an apartment. Still, there is a lot to consider.
If the apartment is large and has high ceilings, then when buying furniture and arranging it, it may turn out that the room looks half empty; an apartment with low ceilings and small rooms, on the contrary, will look crowded.
You need to consider the size of the furniture. Furniture from a small apartment will not fit into a large apartment with high ceilings and vice versa. If the ceilings in the apartment are low, do not cover the walls with floor-to-ceiling furniture and low furniture is suitable here, only in this case the room will seem more spacious and higher.
If you have a workplace in the living room, then you definitely need to visually separate the work area from the relaxation area, otherwise you will not rest at all, all your thoughts will be about work.
The living room is a place in the apartment where it must be spacious and bright. What kind of furniture should be in the living room? We know that everything that surrounds us carries yin or yang energy. So in the living room there should be as many objects as possible that give yin energy.
Therefore, the main ones are the sofa and armchairs; they should be soft and low. The sofa and armchairs should have backs and armrests, classic Feng Shui: the back and armrests symbolize the Turtle, Dragon and Tiger. This trio guards the person sitting on them.
According to ancient Chinese beliefs, these three symbolic animals guard the house, but if you place a small bench in front of the chair, it will play the role of a red phoenix guarding the house from the facade, and the person sitting in the chair in front.
The chairs must be placed so that no one sits with their back to the door, but guests must be seated only facing the door, this is conducive to a confidential conversation. If for some reason it is impossible to place the sofa and armchairs against the wall, then you need to put something behind them, enclosing it, which will give a feeling of support.
Furniture in the living room should have soft outlines and rounded edges; this shape carries yin energy. You need to pay attention so that no “poisoned arrows” look into the room where you are resting. It is advisable to close the doors so that the harmony of the room intended for relaxation is not disturbed.
It is best when the floor in the living room is wooden, the carpet must be small and woolen so that it creates coziness, but does not cause stagnation of energy.
Fireplaces and carpets for your living room
Guests are also often impressed by beautiful fireplaces, especially if they are recreated in a private home. And when the fireplace is also wood-burning, and not electric, then this room will definitely become the most popular in the house, especially when dusk comes.
Also make sure that in the room near the fireplace there is a living room chair or even two, this will make it more convenient for your guests to sit, and for you yourself in their absence.
You can either not lay carpets in the living room at all, or use high-quality, expensive rugs. It is better to save high-pile carpets for the bedroom. But the hall, as a rather busy room, where a larger number of guests prefer to be located, and where family members constantly spend a lot of time there, should have a good and durable floor covering.
You can even choose a carpet made from synthetic durable materials that are easy to clean.
Fireplace as a source of energy
Living room color
A living room in one color looks very good, but when the eyes have nothing to grab onto, they get tired. This is why we need color accents in the form of decorations, curtains, sofa pillows, bedspreads, but do not overdo it, otherwise there will be stagnation of energy.
Recently, even people have started making blinds at home - this gives the apartment an office look. The open appearance of square or rectangular windows (this is a symbol of the earth), light brown shades of the walls (also a symbol of the earth), create a depressing mood. In this case, the qi energy will be sluggish and the mood in such a room will be appropriate.
The Compass School of Feng Shui offers us how to choose the right color. Each direction is characterized by a certain energy and corresponding colors. Next, see a special table that relates to a specific direction in Feng Shui.
| Direction | Direction color | Element color |
| Center | Yellow | Earth |
| North | Cream | Blue (Water) |
| Northeast | White | Yellow (Earth) |
| East | Green | Green (Wood) |
| Southeast | Emerald, blue | Green (Wood) |
| South | Crimson | Red (Fire) |
| Southwest | Black | Yellow (Earth) |
| West | Red | Gray (Metal) |
| Northwest | Grey | Gray (Metal) |
You can do a lot with color. You can strengthen the qi energy, or you can weaken it. It is very important what color you choose for the walls or wallpaper in the room. The mood of the future inhabitants will depend on this.
Each compass direction relative to the center of the apartment has certain colors, and if this knowledge is used, it will lead the inhabitants of the home to harmony and prosperity. The neutral color is yellow, it goes with all directions in the apartment. Next is a table that will make it possible to adjust the qi energy.
| Direction | Strengthens qi | Emphasizes qi | Calms Qi |
| North | From red to pink | White, cream | Pale green Dark green to blue |
| Northeast | Raspberry (purple) | Snow white Yellow to brown Black | From red to pink From white to gray |
| East | White, cream | Lush green From dark green to blue | Pale lilac |
| Southeast | White,cream | Dark green to blue Lush green | Pale lilac |
| South | Juicy green | Raspberry (purple) | Snow white Yellow to brown Black |
| Southwest | Raspberry (purple) | Black Snow white Yellow to brown | From red to pink From white to gray |
| West | Snow white Yellow to brown Black | From red to pink From white to gray | White,cream |
| Northwest | Snow white Yellow to brown Black | White to gray Red to pink | White,cream |
In addition, adding other colors can bring changes to the qi energy. Color accents are used for this. You can revive some room with the help of all these chips, if you do not have the opportunity to do everything at once and as needed.
The location of the living room relative to the cardinal directions
Remember that in Feng Shui the cardinal directions are important, which means that this must be taken into account when arranging a living room.
In the southern part of the room, it is better not to use shades that symbolize the opposite, northern direction: white (like snow), black (symbolizing night), a shade of cold gray metals and blue (the color of cold) are best left for decorating the northern part of the living room.
It logically follows from this that “southern” warm shades should not be found on the opposite, northern side.
Also, do not place symbols, paintings or signs that symbolize fire in the northern part of the living room.
It follows from this that the color of the living room walls according to Feng Shui may not be the same. You can add warmth to the south wall with the help of suitable decor: for example, place elements made of natural wood, bamboo, paint the wall orange or yellow, hang a picture on it that depicts a beach, fire or sunset. In the northern part, elements of a black or blue shade would be appropriate; natural stone and metal decor would be perfect here.
Color accents
| Emerald green | Symbolizes the energy of Wood (southeast), in combination with shades of yellow, it greatly enlivens the room without disturbing the comfort. |
| Turquoise (sea green) | Close to the energy of Wood (southeast) But softer (due to the presence of yin), this color calms and creates a joyful mood. |
| Blue | Close to the energy of Wood (southeast), this color is suitable for decorating rooms on the sunny side. Helps create harmony. |
| Violet | Close to the energy of Fire (south), brings an element of passion to the design of the room. Promotes mutual understanding. |
| Coral | This is the color of sunset, close to the energy of Metal (West), emphasizes romantic relationships. Suitable for a candlelit dinner setting. |
| Orange | This vibrant color, which contains yellow and red, is close to the energy of Metal (west) and Earth (center). It can be used to “highlight” dark areas. |
| Dark brown | Closer to the chi energies of Metal (west) and Earth (southwest), emphasizes stability. |
| Grey | Close to the energy of Metal (northwest), emphasizes dignity and authority, gives the atmosphere strict formality. |
A combination of the main cardinal directions, colors and elements
Side of the world | Element | Colors |
| North | water | blue, black |
| South | fire | red, orange, yellow |
| West | metal | white, silver, gold |
| East | tree | green |
| Southwest | Earth | brown, beige |
| Southeast | tree | green |
| Northwest | metal | white, silver, gold |
| Northeast | Earth | brown, beige |
Before you start designing a house, you need to look at which room is located on the corresponding side of the world and which element it belongs to. The color of the walls and wallpaper in the house must be chosen by comparing them with the colors in the table. And then you need to correlate the color scheme with the type of room and the character of loved ones living under the same roof.
Ships, yachts and sailboats (except those in a bottle) are powerful talismans for the home. In the western and northwestern sectors, they will help you gain independence; in the southern and southwestern sectors, they will help you establish relationships with family and friends. To make serious acquisitions (say, a house or a yacht) or larger goals, place the boat in the northern and northeastern sectors. Important: the boat should always be turned towards the center of the house
Wallpaper in the living room
We are faced with the choice of which wallpaper to choose for the rooms in the apartment; the table below will help you with this. There are small nuances that you need to know when choosing. Smooth wallpaper carries yang energy, while printed wallpaper carries “yin” energy.
Printed wallpaper should be used in relaxation rooms. There is no need to take colors strictly according to the direction table. There are several common wallpaper shades that you can use. See below.
| Lemon yellow | The sunny color, but too bright, symbolizes the energy of the Earth (center). Creates a feeling of freshness and warmth at the same time. |
| Light green | Close to the energy of Wood (east), this delicate color creates a creative atmosphere and at the same time warmth. |
| Pistachio | Close to the energy of Wood (southeast), this color carries the yin element, promotes creativity and at the same time calms. |
| Pale blue | This gentle shade gives the Wood energy a softness. Especially recommended for decorating bathroom and kitchen walls. |
| Lavender | Close to Fire (South) energy, but not a strong enough color to symbolize flame and passion, it gives the room a softer, “Yin” atmosphere. Conducive to communication. |
| Pastel pink | Close to the energy of Metal (west), this color was associated with the youngest daughter. Promotes a lively, relaxed environment. |
| Bodily | Warm color, close to the energy of the Earth (center), but with an admixture of Metal energy (west). Highly recommended for decorating a bedroom. |
| Beige | A light brownish color indicates reliability and stability. Close to Earth energy (center) |
Patterns
We have chosen the color, now we will select the pattern. Each element has its own pattern shapes, and with the help of a pattern you can bring in some type of energy that you need. See the table below and, using your imagination, choose exactly what you like.
| Direction | Strengthen qi | Supports chi | Calms the qi |
| North | Circles, Arcs, Ovals | Irregular spots, clouds, waves | Thin figures stretched upward, vertical stripes |
| Northeast | Triangles, stars, zigzags | Elongated rectangles, horizontal stripes, checkerboard pattern | Circles, Arcs, Ovals |
| East | Irregular spots, clouds, waves | Thin figures stretched upward, vertical stripes | Triangles, stars, zigzags |
| Southeast | Irregular spots, clouds, waves | Thin figures stretched upward, vertical stripes | Triangles, stars, zigzags |
| South | Thin figures stretched upward, vertical stripes | Triangles, stars, zigzags | Elongated rectangles, horizontal stripes, checkerboard pattern |
| Southwest | Triangles, stars, zigzags | Elongated rectangles, horizontal stripes, checkerboard pattern | Circles, Arcs, Ovals |
| West | Elongated rectangles, horizontal stripes, checkerboard pattern | Circles, Arcs, Ovals | Irregular spots, clouds, waves |
| Northwest | Elongated rectangles, horizontal stripes, checkerboard pattern | Circles, Arcs, Ovals | Irregular spots, clouds, waves |
Living room colors
The best directions for the living room are southeast, south, southwest, counting from the center of the apartment. We offer you several options, look in directions relative to the center of the house.
| Southeast | The color of the Tree is Green, its different shades, in combination with cream or lilac, create a calm, joyful atmosphere. Instead of green, you can use blue as a basis. The recommended pattern - vertical stripes - will support the favorable chi energy. |
| South | Fire energy in this direction is warm and joyful, ideal for receiving guests. The overflowing qi energy will have to be calmed. This can be done by combining yellowish and pale lilac shades. Lilac emphasizes the energy of Fire, cream will calm it. The recommended pattern - stars or zigzag - will support the energy of Fire. |
| Southwest | The main thing in this direction is peace and comfort, but to receive guests, the qi energy will have to be revived by adding strokes of color. Choose wallpaper in different shades of yellow and brown to highlight the energy of the Earth. Recommended patterns include pointed shapes, stars or zigzags. |
| West | Joyful qi energy will be in full swing here. Recommended colors are terracotta and pink, combined with gray and white touches. The recommended pattern - circles, ovals, waves - will emphasize the beneficial energy of Metal in this direction. |
Feng Shui living room
What if the living room is not in the best direction relative to the center of the home?
Northern living room
You need to add a color accent of active qi energy, in the form of shades of burgundy and red, as well as an element of the element - Metal.
Northeast living room
In this case, you need to calm the chi energy by adding muted shades of red. In addition, you can add fleecy surfaces to soften the qi in the form of rugs and the like.
Northwestern living room
To enliven the flow of energy, add brown and yellow colors, as well as pewter and copper items, which will symbolize the energy of Metal and Earth.
Eastern living room
In order to calm the chi energy in the eastern living room, pale green pastel colors and softer yin materials, for example, wicker furniture, will help.
Paintings
Everything we surround ourselves with can tell us a lot about us. Do not keep gloomy paintings in the living room that are not conducive to relaxation, and also do not hang collections of weapons on the walls, all this is very bad Feng Shui of the living room .
Using the Bagua map, determine the compass directions and zones in the living room relative to the center of the house and, taking into account the hobbies of each family member, reflect them without forgetting anyone. Everyone should have a place in the living room according to their good directions, even if they belong to different groups, some to the eastern group and others to the western group. Different people are more attracted to each other.
Energy of images
Sometimes, looking at a picture, a person feels that he is unable to look away. The phenomenon can be easily explained by the strong energy of the image. This applies to ancient icons, works of famous masters who put strength and energy into their work.
The higher their potential, the stronger the energy of the picture.
While working on a painting, the artist fills it with strong energy, so you need to be careful when choosing it.
The objects depicted on the canvases also have special energy. The child evokes warm feelings. Aivazovsky's paintings take your breath away from the beauty and majesty of the sea. Thus, each canvas carries a positive or negative charge. It depends on the personality of the artist, the story and the subject of the image. This should be taken into account when purchasing paintings. Pictures should carry a positive charge.
Feng Shui living room
What should not be in the living room?
Plants with sharp leaves
Plants with sharp leaves create “poisoned arrows” of chi energy, so they need to be removed from the living room, but if the living room is large, then place them away from chairs, armchairs and the sofa.
Extra things
There should not be a lot of things and all sorts of trinkets in the living room. The center should always be free.
Curtains drawn
During the day, curtains should always be drawn back to the full width of the window so that sunlight passes through unhindered, and ventilate the rooms “more often.”
Furniture warehouse
The living room should not be too crowded with furniture so that the chi energy can move freely.
Sharp corners
If your living room has furniture with sharp corners, cover them with soft fabric or cover them with lush plants.
Talismans and symbols for this room
Feng Shui items in the living room can symbolize the interests and hobbies of family members. These are various collections, paintings, photographs, hand-made figurines, and other attributes. Thanks to such symbols, a guest who comes to the house will receive the information that the owners want to convey to him.
An excellent option for the living room would be herons, which are considered sunbirds that symbolize the onset of spring. As a talisman, they promote improved health, longevity and change for the better. Cranes, which have long been revered by the Chinese, have the same properties, placing their paired figures in the house, symbolizing harmony, longevity, wisdom and wealth.
Cushioned furniture
The flow of qi energy depends on how the chairs are positioned in the living room. If you place a sofa in the north, and on the contrary, armchairs in the south, then these two energies will come into conflict, which will lead to conflict between people sitting in these places during a conversation.
A more favorable direction would be if the sofa and two armchairs are placed on opposite sides of the coffee table, with the sofa in the east and the armchairs in the west. The people sitting in these places sit opposite each other. Here you need to put an additional chair. The person sitting on this chair should look south. In this case, energies will flow in a way that will lead to mutual understanding and strengthening relationships.
If you change the previous option a little and rotate the additional chair so that the seated person faces southeast. This arrangement of people will bring a relaxed atmosphere to their conversation.
The most harmonious option in Feng Shui living room , when sofas and armchairs stand on four sides around a coffee table, in sectors southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest and those sitting look to the northwest, northeast, respectively , southwest, southeast. This option is good for family celebrations.
Bo gua grid: what is it and how to use it
Geometric arrangement of cardinal directions, zones, elements according to the Bo Gua grid
It is according to the principles of correspondence/streamlining/directionality that the ancient Chinese compass Bo Gua was created. To use Bo Gua correctly, you need to have our domestic compass, select the center of the room (or apartment), determine the direction of the arrow to the north and apply a special Bo Gua grid from this position. The grid indicates which shapes, colors and other benevolent symbols should dominate the room, according to its geographical location, in order to attract Chi energy. There are only 8 sectors: 4 cardinal directions + 4 intermediate directions. An example of the Bo Gua grid can be found on the Internet, as well as practical tips on how to use it.
Feng Shui directions
Pay attention to how you sit when receiving guests. This is important. Even the direction you look in affects you more. The place where you sit, relative to the center of the apartment, affects you less.
In Feng Shui, it is believed that direction is more important than where you sit. Knowing this, sit down accordingly, both at home and at a party. Below is a table of favorable directions.
| Where is the armchair or stool? | Where is the seated person's gaze directed? | Expected effect |
| On South | On North | The southern direction emits powerful qi energy. North is a calm direction, gives a feeling of peace, promotes concentration. |
| In the South-West | To the northeast | Southwestern chi energy is calm and ideal for creating family harmony. Facing northeast gives purposefulness to thoughts. Sit like this if you want to change something in your life, give it a new direction. |
| In the West | To the East | The West is associated with pleasure and romantic feelings. Directing your gaze to the east increases vital activity and helps in the implementation of your plans. |
| In North-west | To the southeast | This is a very advantageous position. You find yourself in a powerful flow of beneficial qi energy. Directing your gaze to the southeast promotes progress in business and creativity. Take such a place if you are going to talk to someone. |
| In the north | South | The energy of the north is very calm. Directing your gaze to the south helps overcome inertia in communication. If you have invited guests and want to be the center of attention, sit in this place. This position also promotes inspiration. |
| In the north-east | To the southwest | If you sit in the northeast, it will be easier for you to analyze and make logical constructions. A gaze directed to the southwest promotes self-control. This situation promotes family harmony and improves relationships. |
| In the east | To the west | The qi energy of the east is very alive and active. A glance directed to the west evokes a romantic upsurge and frivolity. An ideal place to unwind at the end of a busy day, as well as forging closer relationships. |
| In the southeast | To the northwest | The Southeast is an excellent place for mutual exchange of views. If the person sitting is facing north-west, this increases his sense of responsibility for his loved ones. |
In conclusion, I want to say, try, experiment, make some small changes, then observe and you will see - it works. After all, life is a constant search.
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Sincerely, Stolbunets Lydia
Bagua matrix for zoning your living room
To understand where and which zone is best located, use the Bagua diagram. After all, there are zones:
- Finance
- Health.
- Love.
- Education.
- Growth.
By beating each of them profitably, you will achieve all sorts of benefits for your family.
It is advisable that the window from your living room faces southwest, and the view from it should please you. If, standing in your own living room, you see a morgue, a hospital or a police station, then invite a Feng Shui specialist to help you repel the negative wave that comes from this place.
