Feng Shui for Dining Room

What are The best locations for the dining room In a home?

Ideal positions for the dining room are East (a more lively atmosphere), South - East (best for conversationalists), West (great especially for newly weds or singles looking to be a newly wed as this location is good for pleasure, romance and entertainment) and North – West (the best location for serious entertainers who want a more formal, serious atmosphere) of the center of your home. At all costs try to avoid a dining room that is North - East from the center of the house as this is known to produce fast-changing sharp chi energy and is not the ideal place to have a relaxing meal. Also try to not locate it within sight of the front door. As in most Feng Shui rooms it is best to have two doors that allow chi to circulate, but if doorways on opposite walls are directly in line with each other chi will move straight through the room.

What are the best furnishings and accessories for a Feng Shui dining room?

The following tips should be reflected upon when creating a perfect dining experience.

1. Floors:

If at all possible use natural wood floors. (They have a neutral effect on chi energy and are easy to clean.) Some experts say to avoid rugs and carpets. Others seem to think that a thick rug or carpet adds a soothing texture.

2. Flexible Lighting:

Dimmer switches are a must! (They offer low lighting for romance, brighter lighting for parties and everyday use in between.) Candles have long been added for energy, which helps to produce a warm vibrant atmosphere for any occasion.

3. Furniture:

Easy-to-clean surfaces are essential. Wood is ideal since it doesn't speed up chi energy. Different woods affect chi energy differently. (Softwoods such as pine and elm are more yin and are best for everyday relaxed family meals - dark hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and teak are more yang, which is more appropriate for formal occasions such as dinner parties.) Hard surfaces like marble and glass speed up the flow of chi energy across the table, making for a more stimulating but also more edgy atmosphere. The shape of a dining table can be more yin or more yang - a round or square table is more yang and carries dynamic chi energy. An oval or rectangular table induces a more gentle energy, which is better for relaxing dinner. (Although many Feng Shui experts say to avoid square and rectangular tables as they limit you to only four directions. An oval shape is recommended as the best for Feng Shui design.) The dining room is an exception to the Feng Shui guideline of aiming to leave some open space in the center of every room. Here the dining table itself should occupy the center position. It is also very important to choose a table that fits the size of your area to make sure there is enough room to walk around the table (equal space around the whole table works best). It has been said to avoid any sharp corners that face your guests. Too much heavy, dark, old furniture - especially when it is squeezed into too small a space – also creates a heavy, dark feeling and blocks the flow of chi. The door should not open too close to any chairs and the honored guest position should face it.

4. Limit the accessories:

A mirror on the wall or sideboard, reflecting the table, enhances the healthy chi energy produced by the food. Mess is death to any Feng Shui room, minimize as much as possible. A crystal chandelier over the center of the dining table will help to balance chi in the room. Remove all clocks and calendars so none of the time pressures from the day carry over into the meal. One definite mistake is to have a television in view of where you eat. Using a tablecloth, rather than individual placemats, is a great way to encourage closeness among your diners.