Windows are a wonderful part of a space and offer light and a view to the outside world. In Feng Shui, it is important to see how quickly from the front door, you see the windows. I have lived in Penang apartments with huge windows which can let in too much light and added sheer curtains as well as blinds to give a sense of space. I have also seen living spaces with tiny windows creating a darkness that is miserable.
Ideally, windows shouldn’t be bigger than the door and should avoid the ‘corridor effect’ – more on that below. Your Chi will know if the windows don’t make sense and if there are too many. Repair any broken windows immediately and keep clean. Not so easy you say in the winter and yes, I am also battling the classic cold weather condensation and an outbreak of mould!
The Corridor Effect
This is when the door is opposite a window or the back door. Many older houses have this with rooms off to the left and right of a corridor. Think about your Chi energy and you will sense that you want to rush straight out the back door, as will opportunity and money. This means other key areas of the Bagua map are unlikely to be activated correctly as all energy leaves the space out to the back area. If this is the case, slow down the energy and place furniture or items to catch your attention. Place crystals in the back window and state that this crystal keeps the positive energy in the house or apartment. I had an apartment with a long hall way and it was tempting to almost skateboard to the main living area. I put in a lovely Asian tall lamp on one side, a cabinet of books on the other and created a hall of art to catch the eye. Another solution is to place a screen after the front door to create a wall and area for Chi to stop.
Our tiny French apartment had this issue and we placed a crystal inside the wooden frame to catch the light and attention of any energy or person before they look out of the window. We also had classic French shutters which are like the eyelids of the apartment.
The Office
It is great to have a view but ensure that your back still has a solid wall behind it to signify strength. It isn’t recommended to have a window behind you as it weakens your position.
Bedroom
Sometimes it is difficult due to design but avoid placing the bed under a window. You often see it in interior design magazines as the view presents a lovely backdrop but you need a solid wall as Feng Shui practice sees this as weakening your energy. It makes sense when you think about it, light, noise and wind are more likely to enter through the window behind your head, interrupting sleep patterns.
Solution – if there is no other solution, get block-out drapes and blinds to close off as much light at night that you can. Ensure you have a solid headboard providing strength and backing.
Additional Tips
Avoid vertical blinds as they are said to create ‘poison arrows’ which have cutting edges – more on those in another post. Keep windows clean and fix if difficult to open or use. Having lived in NY apartments with wonderful views of the city, they can cause a weakness of energy. Check out what is actually being viewed. Metal cities like New York can deplete energy. If you have plants growing outside, make sure they are healthy and are trimmed to allow light in.
