But if we’re only discussing vocabulary, it could be a bit dull, don’t you think? Let’s spice it up by incorporating some Fengshui concepts!
These principles are rooted in Fengshui beliefs and aim to create a harmonious home environment. It’s important to remember that Fengshui is a personal practice, and different Fengshui practitioners may have varying interpretations and suggestions. While considering these principles, also take into account your personal preferences and the practical layout of your living room.
Living room – 客廳/客厅 kètīng
Avoid Sofa Facing the Door (Sofa Placement):
When placing a sofa in the living room, it’s advisable not to position it directly facing the entrance door. Instead, the ideal spot for the sofa is where there’s no beam or air conditioning directly above the seating area. Placing the sofa against a wall is preferred, as having the back of the sofa facing the door can bring in negative energy. This positioning can be associated with attracting negative influences or hindering opportunities to meet influential people in your professional life.
- Sofa： 沙发 shāfā
- Chair：椅子 yǐzi
- Armchair：扶手椅 fúshǒuyǐ
Preference for Coordinated Sofa Sets (Sofa Style):
Opting for a coordinated sofa set, especially the L-shaped configuration like 3+2+1, is recommended. This layout encapsulates the living space and symbolizes unity within the family. Conversely, if your living room space is limited, scattering individual sofa chairs might disrupt family harmony.
- Table：桌子 zhuōzi
- Cushion：抱枕 bàozhěn
- Bookshelf：书架 shūjià
- Coffee table：矮桌 ǎizhuō
- End table：茶几 chájī
Avoid Uneven Flooring:
The living room floor should ideally be level and even. It’s best to avoid having excessive steps or creating significant variations in height. In some cases, due to architectural constraints or aesthetic preferences, living rooms might have multi-level designs with varying floor heights. However, this practice can potentially lead to challenges in family’s overall well-being and fortune. It may also have negative implications for the health aspects of family members. Therefore, it’s recommended to have a smooth and uniform living room floor, as this approach is considered beneficial in Fengshui.
- Wooden floor：木地板 mùdìbǎn
- Rug：地毯 dìtǎn
- Curtain：窗帘 chuānglián
- Curtain rail：窗帘轨道 chuānglián guǐdào
Avoid Oversized TVs:
Choosing a reasonably sized TV is important for both health and Fengshui. Oversized TVs can cause discomfort like dizziness and eye strain. They can also dominate the space, affecting overall energy flow and causing a sense of suppression. Keep TV volume moderate to prevent emotional unrest and negative energy buildup (“Sha Qi”) that can impact family well-being and fortune. Balance entertainment with a harmonious living environment.
- Television：电视 diànshì
- TV set：电视柜 diànshìguì
- Picture：相片 xiàngpiàn
- Picture frame：相框 xiàngkuāng
Circular Lighting:
The living room serves as a space for family gatherings and interactions with friends, requiring an atmosphere that is lively and harmonious. According to Fengshui principles, circles represent yang energy. Therefore, you can consider incorporating circular lighting fixtures, ceiling designs, or decorations in your living room. This choice helps to create a warm and vibrant ambiance.
- Lamp：台灯 dēngtái
- Lamp shade：灯罩 dēngzhào
- Light bulb：灯泡 dēngpào
- Candle：蜡烛 làzhú
- Wick：烛芯 zhúxīn
- Fireplace：壁炉 bìlú
Limit Excessive Electrical Appliances:
In Fengshui, there’s a belief that excessive use of electrical devices isn’t ideal due to their unnatural and potentially unhealthy effects on the body. These appliances emit electromagnetic fields that could impact our well-being. To mitigate this, it’s advisable not to place too many electrical appliances along frequently used paths or in high-traffic areas of your home. This approach aims to promote a more harmonious living environment and better health.
- Wire：电线 diànxiàn
- Switch：开关 kāiguān
Avoid Decorative Artificial Flowers:
Fengshui emphasizes vitality and life force. Many people enjoy decorating their living rooms with flowers to add color to the space. However, it’s important to be cautious about using artificial flowers. Since artificial flowers lack life and vitality, they can give off an impression of insincerity and artificiality. Moreover, they might inadvertently attract negative romantic energies, potentially leading to misunderstandings in interpersonal relationships and emotions. This could result in mistaken judgments and could negatively impact both your career and financial prospects.
- Vase：花瓶 huāpíng
- Clock：时钟 shízhōng
