Friday 28 August 2015

Feng Shui And Your Staircase

At the outset, let’s be clear – no one is asking you to believe in Feng Shui. Whether you believe in this ancient Chinese belief or not is your choice. However, you should know that many people today adoptits principles in designing their homes. Why don’t you spare a few minutes to look at what it says about the designing of buildings? 


Feng Shui is the belief and practice of positioning buildings, rooms and objects to achieve harmony with nature. Designing of buildings should respect balanced patterns of yin (the negative, dark, and feminine) and yang (the positive, bright, and masculine). When this is done the flow of chi (the vital force) will be unimpeded, which is essential for good health. Here are the 4 basics of a good staircase according to Feng Shui.

  • It is Better to Avoid Open Risers: Staircases without risers (vertical parts of stairs/steps) are incomplete. Open risers lead to the dissipation of Chi, as it moves through the home. In a two story house, the second floor will not receive the energy flow it should: those who spend a lot of time there will be affected by this loss of positive energy.
  • The shape and location of the staircase is important: Spiral staircases that look like they are boring into the house have a negative effect on the Chi.  A curved staircase helps the energy to flow freely through the home. A staircase located at the center of the house allows for energy loss, especially that which helps to create wealth. It will also affect the wellbeing of all those who use it regularly.  Stairs on the side of a room and along walls are the best.
  • Where the staircase ends matters: A staircase should not end at the front door. This results in draining out of energy from home. The same problem applies to stairs, ending at or near a bedroom door. Those sleeping in the room will have their positive energy drained away.
  • Scissors style staircases affect relationships: A split or scissors style staircase acts like a pair of scissors. It cuts ties and affections and relationships between those living in the home. It is worse if the stairs are facing the front door as is seen in many split-level houses. To counter this, a long strand of ivy, or any similar vine (real or artificial) can be wound around the handrail. This will act to bind the residents of the home together. A plant placed where the stairs split will also serve the same purpose.
Whether or not you believe in Feng Shui, the staircase is a critical feature that affects mobility in the home. Believers and nonbelievers alike should bear in mind  three important factors: – safety, ease of use and appearance. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling one, the right staircase will impact the look and feel that it has. A company that specializes in staircase construction and remodeling will be able to work with you to create a staircase that will add to the appearance and comfort of your home.

No comments:

Post a Comment