Reflecting Good Energy: How to Decorate with Mirrors According to Feng Shui
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Most of us like to decorate using mirrors. They add light, depth, elegance and make any room look much larger.
Beyond their aesthetic value, mirrors play a significant role in Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of creating harmony through spatial arrangement. They primarily symbolize the water element. They are associated with the qualities of fluidity, wisdom, and intuition, and are often used to enhance wealth and abundance. They are known as the "aspirin" of the home. They have the power to heal or to disrupt.
Mirrors amplify and double the energy they reflect, whichever it is, beauty, abundance, clutter, or chaos. Therefore, it is important to use mirrors correctly as they can enhance energy flow and bring balance to your home. When placed carelessly, however, they may reflect negative energy or disturb your sense of peace.
Below is a list of what you need to consider about decorating with mirrors the Feng Shui way:
Dos
1. Hang on north or east walls
These directions are associated with positive energy and light.
2. Reflect Positive Energy and Views
Only place mirrors where they reflect something beautiful or symbolic of abundance.
Reflect nature: Position mirrors to reflect natural elements like plants or trees. A mirror can reflect and enhance a beautiful view, like a garden, a tranquil landscape, artwork, a well-set dining table, a blooming plant or a bowl of fruit can double the feeling of vitality in the room.
3. Rooms to use mirrors
Use in the dining room: Mirrors in the dining room can symbolize abundance and prosperity. A mirror here doubles the abundance.
Use in entryways: Place a mirror on a wall perpendicular to the door to expand and brighten the space. Mirrors can help redirect energy and prevent it from stagnating.
Living Room: A mirror that reflects natural light or a beautiful view can lift the room’s energy.
Home Office: If well-placed, mirrors can make a workspace feel more open and less stressful.
4. Use Mirrors to Expand Space—Wisely
In small or dark rooms, mirrors can "open up" space and draw in light. Just be cautious of what they reflect. Avoid reflecting clutter, sharp corners, or chaotic areas—this can amplify disorder.
Expand the perceived space: In hallways or small rooms, mirrors can create an illusion of more space.
Brighten a space: Mirrors can reflect light, especially from windows, making a room feel larger and more cheerful.
5. Consider the size and shape: Ensure the mirror's size is proportionate to the space and that the shape is not oddly shaped or cracked.
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Don'ts:
6. No Broken or Distorted Mirrors
Cracked, broken, or warped mirrors are considered harmful in Feng Shui and attract negative energy. They represent a distorted view of reality and can contribute to feelings of confusion or fragmentation. Always use clean, high-quality mirrors.
7. Avoid Mirrors Facing or reflecting any part of the Bed
In Feng Shui, mirrors facing the bed are believed to disturb sleep and relationships. It is thought that they bounce energy around the room, which can cause restlessness. Mirrors reflecting the bed can cause restless sleep, infidelity, or discord in relationships. If you must have a mirror in the bedroom, cover it at night or place it where it doesn’t reflect the bed, see yourself sitting or lying on the bed.
8. Don’t Hang Mirrors Facing the Front Door
Avoid placing a mirror directly facing the front door, as it can push away positive energy. A mirror directly opposite the main entrance is a common mistake. It’s believed to push energy back out the door, preventing good chi (energy) from entering your home. Instead, place mirrors to the side of the entrance to draw energy in.
9. Reflect clutter: Mirrors should not reflect messy or cluttered areas, as this doubles the negative energy.
10. Reflect dirty or undesirable things: Avoid reflecting toilets, garbage cans, or other negative elements
Hang too high or too low: Mirrors should be hung at a comfortable height, typically at eye level, but can be adjusted to visually enlarge a space.
11. Hang two mirrors facing each other: This is believed to create a disturbance in the energy flow.
12. Reflect the stove: Reflecting the stove can create conflict or fiery arguments, according to some beliefs.
13. Place in the kitchen: Generally, it's not recommended to place mirrors in the kitchen
Final Thought: Intention Matters
Like most elements of Feng Shui, the power of mirrors depends largely on intention. Ask yourself: What energy am I reflecting? What do I want more of in my life? A well-placed mirror can brighten your space—and your energy. So next time you hang a mirror, think beyond the frame. You may just be inviting in more than light and space—you could be welcoming a little more luck, clarity, and harmony into your home.