We had been buying light fittings for our past French apartment and suddenly, I was focused on various lighting around restaurants and hotels for inspiration. If you can, sit under the light fitting you are considering and ask what you sense. Having sat under crocheted bohemian lights, I realised that I felt as if I had string hanging over me! Then I sat under wooden slatted Chinese lanterns and immediately got a sharp ‘poison arrow’ energy. So let’s talk about light.

In Feng Shui, light is seen as a key energy that can add yin and yang, light and shade energy and both are needed. Yang is seen as more active energy and yin as a restful. It is all about balanced Chi. A space that is too dark can be re-aligned using the right lights and lamps. This is particularly important in the bedroom and I recommend my mentor, Clear Englebert’s books, for further options on rooms and balancing Chi energy.  https://clearenglebert.wordpress.com

Lights & Action

I have written posts on how to use lighting in your home including task and accent lights. There are some Feng Shui points to consider on how light is seen. https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/10/19/lights-lanterns/ 

  • Lights, lamps and candles are considered to be part of the Fire element so use carefully
  • If you have too much Wood energy in your rooms, you can use lights to counterbalance with Fire as Fire burns Wood in the Feng Shui cycle
  • If the light is too bright, particularly in the bedroom, it is adding too much energy and needs balancing
  • Any light turned on is active energy, turn it off – think of when you switch the kitchen lights off, you are signifying that the kitchen is closed
  • Be careful how and where you use candles, they are considered to be Fire and can be used effectively if there is too much of a Water element in a room – remember in the Feng Shui cycle, Water puts out Fire

Shapes

The shape of a light fitting is very important. If you use pendant lamps, avoid points and sharp edges as they are consider to be similar to ‘poison arrows’. The point is literally like an arrow. Think rounded shapes and soft furnishings. Avoid pendants above a bed if you can. If like us, you have them above a dining table to add accent lighting, consider the shape and the height. If it is too low, it is oppressive. Tap in to your Chi and you will sense this anyway.

 

Bedroom Lamps

As in previous posts about the bedroom, we were looking to create an ambient, restful space. This means having light in the room but closing it down at night. The body and life energy needs rest to heal and rejuvenate. Look for curtains and blinds to block out external light. Use side table lamps that are easily switched off at night and avoid bright alarm clocks or phones. Keep your phone away from your bed otherwise, you are signifying that you are still awake and switched on. Avoid overhanging lights and keep the bulb wattage down. That being said, I have seen bedrooms that are dark and dingy and they need fairy lights, lamps and light colours to brighten the space. It is all about balancing, creating a symbiotic flow.