As fireplaces fall into disuse and especially now that the NYTimes has pronounced even working fireplaces “over,” what are we to do with the gaping black spaces in our living rooms?
In Feng Shui a vacant hearth is considered empty – a cold, negative Yin condition that needs to be balanced with Yang vitality.
It’s good practice to fill an empty hearth with something attractive and lively to keep Chi energy moving and prevent it from feeling that it’s reached a dead end. Here are a few ideas to consider.
These white logs add a note of fun to a dark fireplace:
Elegant fakery...
While this striking display of porcelain draws attention, especially during daylight hours:
A beautiful display for the hearth....
Here’s my personal favorite, though, especially since I designed it myself 
Warm lights, Yang shapes....
The holiday lights and round golden tray bring a soft, non-threatening Yang energy into the hearth, warming up this living room all year ’round.
It ends up creating the comforting feel of a working fireplace, minus the toxicity.
What solutions have you come up with for your non-working fireplace? Please share them in the Comments.
photos courtesy richardrothstein, thisnext
