3 Feng Shui Tips And Advice For The Perfect Home Flooring

Feng Shui may be a superstition for some, but a lot of people take it seriously. There are even architects and engineers who incorporate its principles in their projects. 

Yet how about homeowners who have actually followed Feng Shui recommendations in designing their homes? They reported a higher quality of life like in one 2021 study.

But what’s Feng Shui, really? It literally translates to ‘wind and water’ and is an ancient practice in Chinese societies. What’s its main goal? It’s to achieve balance and harmony in our surroundings based on the natural flow of ‘chi’ or energy.

One of Feng Shui’s key aspects is controlling the overall flow of energy within a home. Of course, it impacts the different areas of a house. But what this post will focus on is the home’s flooring. 

Are you thinking about a flooring remodel? This post is for you. Below are some Feng Shui tips and advice that enhance the energy in a home through its flooring. Read on to learn more.

The right material

While ‘unnatural’ flooring is also a good option, and the answer to how to clean porcelain tile is certainly more straightforward than with natural materials, Feng Shui recommends the latter. Why? That’s because they make a harmonious connection to nature possible. Here are the most popular options:

• Hardwood

Oak, maple, walnut, and other hardwood options are aesthetically pleasing. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, they can also ground and stabilize energy according to Feng Shui principles. Such an ability makes them ideal for spaces that are supposed to be calm and tranquil. Good examples are your living room or your bedroom.
Hardwood flooring is actually pretty popular in the US. Proof of its wide usage is the fact that it hasn’t gone below 1.5 billion square feet in volume sales since 2014.

• Bamboo

Do you want something that promotes positive energy? Feng Shui recommends bamboo for that purpose. It’s perfect for your kitchen, dining room, or even home office since the Chinese culture associates it with strength and resilience as well as flexibility.

• Cork

According to Feng Shui principles, cork exhibits soft and comforting qualities. That’s why it’s suitable for children’s bedrooms, family rooms, hallways, and other high-traffic areas. Feng Shui experts believe cork flooring can reduce noise while providing a cushioning effect at the same time.

All of the natural flooring materials mentioned and discussed above contribute to a well-balanced living space according to Feng Shui principles. Your choice will just be a matter of personal preference and meeting specific needs.

Colors and patterns

What other aspects of flooring impact the energy flow within a space? It’s colors and patterns. Here’s an explanation of color symbolism in Feng Shui:

• Positive energy colors

Indeed, there are positive energy colors according to Feng Shui principles. These include earth tones, soft greens, and calming blues, and what they do is evoke tranquility, balance, and harmony. Of course, these are the colors that you’d want to go for in your flooring.

• Negative energy colors

If there are positive energy colors, there should also be negative energy ones. They include vibrant reds and bright yellows. And because they generate not only negative but also excessive energy according to Feng Shui principles, be mindful when using them. Should you avoid them completely? Not at all, but at least use them in lesser quantities only. Using them in large quantities disrupts a space’s balance, especially in rooms designated for relaxation.

In addition to colors, you should also be mindful of patterns and designs. You’d want something that mimics natural elements. Go for flowing patterns like waves or gentle curves. Organic designs are also a good idea. According to Feng Shui principles, they create a sense of movement and harmony. That, in turn, allows a smooth flow of energy throughout a room.

Flooring arrangement

In Feng Shui, it’s not only about the flooring material and the floor’s color and pattern. If you really want to create a harmonious space, arrange any objects on the floor, like furniture, still according to Feng Shui principles. Here are the key principles to keep in mind:

• Make your space clutter-free: Are there any unnecessary items on your flooring? They may be blocking the chi, so it’s unable to move freely. Clear them out to create a sense of vitality in your room. It’s also worth noting that, scientifically speaking, mess increases the stress hormone cortisol, affecting your well-being, coinciding with Feng Shui’s principles.
• Clear the room’s central area or use a bagua map when arranging furniture: The heart or core of any room is its central area. According to Feng Shui principles, it should be clear and unobstructed as it represents health and balance. Also, ever heard of the bagua map? It can be a very useful tool if you’re unsure how to arrange the objects on your flooring. The energy map divides a space into nine areas. All you must do to create balance and harmony is align furniture with it.
  Here’s a diagram showing the different areas of a bagua map based on the front door method of using it
  

Each section or gua in the bagua has an associated element, items, and colors that enhance it. Allow the map to guide your decision when it comes to furniture arrangement.

Final Thoughts

Feng Shui has general guidelines that you can follow when deciding on your home’s flooring yes. However, it can still be flexible. So, it’s still important to consider your personal preferences and specific needs. Don’t disregard your intuition. Remember, a balanced home is one that resonates with you!