Feng Shui Colors for Rooms

From LoveToKnow Feng-Shui

Use feng shui colors for rooms as enhancers if you want to use the traditional colors associated with directions.

Color Doesn’t Activate Elements

Many people mistakenly believe that by painting a room a certain color it will somehow activate the element associated with the color. Color cannot activate a feng shui element, but it can be a nice design choice that's compatible with feng shui interiors.

Direction: Feng Shui Colors For Rooms

Choosing a color is an important part of any interior design project. Color either enhances an overall room design or totally destroys it. If you opt for a feng shui pallet, it means you'll be using the colors associated with each direction.

Getting Started

You need to determine the facing direction of your home before you can correctly identify the direction of each room. A professional feng shui analysis is always best, but if you know the facing direction, you can determine each room's direction.

You'll need to take several compass readings. Feng shui practitioners use a Luo Pan compass. If you don’t have this kind of compass a Girl or Boy Scout compass works just as well.

How to Take Compass Readings

Once you have a compass and know how to accurately read it. Go outside with paper and pen so you can write down your readings.

Make or use a layout plan of the home
Hold compass level to ground
Take three readings:
- First reading – Stand a few feet from front door with your back to the front door, looking straight ahead.
- Second reading – Stand with your back to house in front of the left corner of your home.
- Third reading – Stand in front of the right corner of your home.

These three readings are to verify accuracy within a few degrees of each other, no more than 15 degrees difference. If they are within range, you'll use the front door reading. If they aren't, you may have misread and need to take the readings over.

Paint Colors and Directions

There is nothing in feng shui principles that dictates you must paint your rooms certain colors. The Chinese use color in its relationship to direction as reminders of the powerful forces according to feng shui philosophy. For example, a warrior often used red paint on his battle shield to ward off his enemies and remind himself of the mighty southern chi energy. Fire and passion were elements he required in order to defeat his enemies.

You can use feng shui colors in your rooms as reminders of the feng shui elements just as the ancient warrior did. The main thing you need to be aware of is how the color makes you feel and how it works with your existing décor and color scheme. If the color enhances and enlivens your room, then it’s a good choice.

East Rooms

Green is the color associated with the East direction. That’s not to say that if you paint an east room green it will activate the wood element. To activate an element you must introduce the element into the room.

For an east room, use wood furniture as much as possible and add several house plants.

Southeast Rooms

All of these hues and anything in between reflects the energies of this direction.

Blue
Red
Purple

South Rooms

Any hue of the following colors will give you a cozy warm ambiance of fire.

Red
Pink
Burgundy
Peach

South is the fire element. Activate this element with candles and plants to fuel the fire. A fireplace located on the south wall also activates the fire element. Steer clear of metal since it draws water which will douse the fire.

Southwest Rooms

Use one or a combination of two or three colors.

Red
Pink
White

West Rooms

Other colors can certainly be used in combination with any of these.

Gray
White
Gold
Silver

Metal is the element of the west. Metal candle sticks, metal picture frames and metal tables and chairs work to activate this element.

Northwest Rooms

Black is not typically a color advised for an entire room color. White walls with a black and white tile floor is a great way to introduce these colors into a room design.

White
Gray
Black

North Rooms

Use the two colors in combination with black as an accent color. A wall mural prominent in both colors is a creative way to use the color.

Blue
Black

Water is the element for the North. Use photos or paintings of water scenes (unless this is a bedroom). An aquarium in a den located in the north is a good choice or a small table fountain. Be sure to invest in a flying stars report to make sure activating this or any room element is advisable. Add various metal objects, since it draws water.

Northeast Rooms

There are quite a few colors to consider for this direction.

Blue
Green
Aqua
Black

Center of Home

This area in all likelihood has several rooms that fall into this area.

Yellow
Brown
Tan

The earth element is activated with pottery. Clay and bronze statues also bring the earth energy inside your room. Since fire creates earth (ash) you can add candles to further activate the earth element. Minimize the use of wood furniture and opt for upholstered chairs and sofas.