For many Singaporeans, the dining room is a versatile space, serving not only as a place to eat but also as a hub for work, socialising, and family time. And since this space holds such significance in our homes, it's worth exploring how we can enhance it and create a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. That's where the principles of Feng Shui come in.
According to the principles of Feng Shui, making the right choices, such as choosing the right dining table or changing the room layout, can enhance the energy flow in the space. By applying these principles to your dining room, you can experience many benefits, including improved well-being, enhanced dining experiences, and increased abundance. Feng Shui is about creating a space that not only looks good but feels good, too, nurturing both body and spirit.
The Ideal Dining Room Layout in Feng Shui
According to Feng Shui principles, certain arrangements of your furniture and decor can promote harmony, balance, and positive energy, while others can create a sense of disharmony.
The placement of your dining table in relation to doors and windows is crucial. It’s best to avoid positioning your dining table directly in line with a door or hallway entrance, as this can create a "chi rush" that disrupts the flow of energy.
Chi, in Feng Shui, is the vital life force energy that flows through everything. It's the invisible current that animates our surroundings, and maintaining its smooth, balanced flow is central to creating harmonious spaces.
An ideal dining room layout would include a dining table positioned in the centre of the room with ample space around it, allowing for good energy flow. This creates a sense of openness and encourages conversation and interaction. Additionally, ideally, no one's back should be facing a door or window, as this creates a sense of insecurity.
Wealth Area in the Dining Room
The wealth area in Feng Shui for the dining room is typically located in the southeast corner. This area is associated with abundance and prosperity. Placing auspicious symbols or objects, such as a healthy plant (like a money plant) or a small water feature (like a mini fountain), in this area is believed to enhance wealth and prosperity in the household. It's also essential to keep this area clean, clutter-free, and well-lit to maximise its positive energy.
Dining Room Design & Decor Tips
Here are some essential Feng Shui tips to enhance the energy of your dining space:
Dining Table Selection
According to Feng Shui, sharp corners can create "poison arrows" that disrupt the flow of chi. That’s why it’s best to opt for round or oval tables with soft edges to promote harmonious energy flow when choosing a dining table.
However, if you already have a rectangular or square table, there's no need to waste money getting a new one. Instead, you can soften the edges by placing a tablecloth or a runner on top, creating a gentler feel.
Natural wood dining tables are also highly recommended, as wood is associated with positive energy, growth, and stability. This connection can provide a sense of warmth and connection to nature. For durability and aesthetic appeal, you should also choose high-quality solid woods like teak, walnut, or mahogany.
In Feng Shui, it's usually advised to avoid glass dining tables. While glass dining tables may be a classic choice for many, they are believed to harbour negative chi as the transparency of glass is thought to make the energy unstable and less grounded.
Dining Room Lighting
Lighting is another essential element in Feng Shui. It’s best to use soft, warm lighting to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. You can even consider using candles, or dimmer switches to adjust the ambience according to your mood. This creates a more intimate and comfortable dining experience.
Regardless of the style or fixture you choose, just be sure to avoid harsh overhead lighting that can create a sense of tension and make people feel uncomfortable. This is the last thing you want in a space for shared meals and relaxed conversation.
Dining Table Size and Seating
It is generally best to ensure that your dining table can comfortably accommodate six to eight people. This is because cramped seating is considered inauspicious in Feng Shui, as it suggests a lack of abundance. If you regularly entertain guests, extendable dining tables offer flexibility for both small and large gatherings, ensuring everyone has enough space.
When it comes to seating, using an even number of chairs further enhances the balance and harmony in the dining room. Odd numbers can create a sense of disruption and imbalance.
Positioning the Dining Table
Position your dining table in the centre of the room with ample space around it. This allows for the free flow of chi and encourages interaction. Additionally, avoid positioning the table in a manner where a person’s back faces an entrance, as this can create a sense of vulnerability and insecurity.
If possible, you should also position the dining table near the kitchen for a smooth flow of energy, but not directly in line with the kitchen door. This signifies a harmonious relationship between nourishment and consumption.
Décor and Paintings
The mirror in the dining room plays a unique role according to the principles of Feng Shui. Unlike in the bedroom, mirrors in the dining room should face the dining table to reflect the food and "double the meal," symbolising increased abundance. It's a way to visually amplify prosperity.
As for décor, like paintings, it’s usually best to use artwork and décor that depict scenes of abundance, nature, or happy gatherings. According to Feng Shui, these images can uplift the energy of the dining room. It’s also best to avoid images of solitary figures or depressing scenes, such as stormy seas, barren landscapes, or depictions of conflict, as they can bring negative energy.
Round dining table with bright yellow and orange flowers
Source: Pexels
Dining Room Colour Scheme
In Feng Shui, it’s also advised to use colours that promote appetite and positive energy, such as warm yellows and oranges. These colours can create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging conversation and enjoyment.
However, most people won't want yellow or orange walls or furniture. So, you can incorporate these colours in other ways, such as through table linens, decorative accents like vases or bowls, or even in the artwork displayed on the walls.
Enhance Your Dining Room with Nova Furnishing
Applying Feng Shui principles to your dining room can help you create a space that is not only beautiful but also promotes health, happiness, and prosperity. If you wish to enhance your dining room's energy with Feng Shui-friendly furniture, Nova Furnishing offers a wide range of dining room furniture to help you create a harmonious and prosperous dining space.
From the best dining chairs to dining tables, explore our collection or visit our showroom to find the perfect pieces for your dining room. Let us help you create a space where every meal is a celebration of life!