Fireplaces: Bad (& Good!) Feng Shui

Here are examples of design-magazine fireplaces — a few “Do’s and Don’ts” from a Feng Shui perspective.

First up, a giant painting of a cow:

Pictures of animals symbolize the Fire element — and of course, so does the fire in the hearth. This arrangement is “too hot.”

Here’s another idea that doesn’t quite work from a Feng Shui perspective:

In Feng Shui’s cycle of the Five Elements, Wood creates Fire, so this chair (ideal for kindling!) is a case of compounding what’s already a very hot message.

Why are mirrors so great over fireplaces? Because they represent the cooling element of Water, calming down the heat of any fireplace whether there’s a fire going or not.

Here’s a nice example:

With its circular art (Metal) and earthenware jug (Earth), and backed up by the Water-y mirror, this mantelpiece beautifully balances the Fire element.

What do you think? If you have a fireplace you’d like me to look at from a Feng Shui perspective, send it on in!