You might think Feng Shui is a bunch of hokey-pokey. But you’d be surprised at how much of an impact it can have on the atmosphere of your home. And a positive, calming atmosphere in your living spaces will influence your moods and energy.
In this article, we’ll focus primarily on the importance of having Feng Shui windows and how you can upgrade your house windows to enhance the energy in your home.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is a pseudoscientific practice with roots in ancient Chinese traditions. It claims that the flow of energy in a home can be manipulated to bring good fortune to its residents. This high-spirited energy is referred to as “Chi.”
How is it accomplished?
Many Feng Shui tips revolve around the strategic arrangement of indoor elements such as windows, furniture, and doors. Shui experts argue that there’s a certain way to set up spatial relationships within a home to promote peace and balance, which in turn, can boost the mood, health, and finances of the residents.
Now, you may think this sounds like a bunch of nonsense, but there is some truth behind the principles of Feng Shui. We’re affected by other people’s energy every day. So, why wouldn’t we be impacted by the energy in our home?
Feng Shui windows are the eyes of the home
Windows are one of the most critical aspects of the Feng Shui tradition. They’re considered “the eyes” of our house as they serve as a conduit between our private life and the external world. This is why they’re known as indicators of our unique perspective in life.
Aside from reflecting our vision, every window in our home also has the power to let out bad energy and bring in good energy. Thus, they have a direct influence on our moods and behaviors.
The science behind it
If you fall into the camp of practicality and logic, you might think this sounds a little too hokey-pokey. But this isn’t all magical thinking.
Feng Shui windows let in natural sunlight, and natural sunlight aids in the balancing of serotonin and endorphin levels— that’s a fact. This is why individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression invest in Vitamin D lamps or are advised to take a walk outside in the sun. So, making sure your windows follow the protocol of this Chinese tradition can be extremely vital to your health and happiness.
Can you have too many Feng Shui windows?
Having windows line every wall of your home can make you feel like you’re living in a fishbowl. This lack of privacy makes one feel over-exposed to the outside world as it creates a lack of privacy in the home.
But let’s look at the alternative: Imagine a house with no windows. It’d be a dark, gloomy mess, and you probably wouldn’t want to live in it. Or, what if you lived in a studio apartment with no windows? Not only would this be a fire hazard, but you’d feel like you were inside a prison cell.
So, according to Shui tradition, what we need to have is enough windows for proper ventilation but not too many where we feel like we’re never alone.
Is there a right size for Feng Shui windows?
Similar to the number of windows in your house, you want the size to fall somewhere in the middle. So, not too large and not too small. Likewise, large, floor-to-ceiling windows can make a person feel vulnerable to their neighbors, while tiny windows can make one feel trapped or depressed.
The tallest resident rule
Feng Shui windows shouldn’t be taller than the occupant. In other words, the window’s top pane must be higher than the tallest person living in the house.
Psychologically speaking, looking out at the world through a window that exceeds your natural eye line heightens feelings of excitement and confidence. Plus, who wants to have to bend down to look out of a window?
What if your windows are too large?
We don’t expect you to demolish your walls and install all new windows. So, if the windows in your home are too big to appease Shui practices, there are simple, remedial steps you can take.
Curtains are viewed as the best window coverings because they’re easy to add to a window and come in all sorts of fabrics and colors to match a home’s aesthetic. They’re also very flexible, meaning you can open and close them as little or as much as you like to make your windows appear smaller or larger.
You can also place a large plant by your window, covering it up just a little bit. This will make your too-big window seem smaller and less exposed.
How should Feng Shui windows open?
Shui principles state that windows should open outward or slide to the side. They shouldn’t open inward as this can make occupants in the home retract or feel timid. From a logical standpoint, windows also shouldn’t open inward because they’ll hit the curtains or blinds and obstruct views.
Can you place your bed under a window?
Shui experts say that windows next to your bed are okay, but you definitely don’t want the head of the bed pushed up against a window. Why? Because you may feel a lack of security since windows are much less protective than solid walls. As a result, this can diminish your sleep quality. Additionally, you’ll be more susceptible to light and noise while you’re sleeping, which can lead to increased stress.
But, it can be tough to find a Feng Shui bed position when the only logical place your bed can go is directly beneath a window. So, what do you do then?
What if you can’t have Feng Shui windows in the bedroom?
One option is to hang a heavy drape over the window to block light and help you feel more secure. Blackout curtains are a great option for this, as they work wonders at obstructing light and sound. You can also purchase a very sturdy headboard, so you have a protective barrier between your head and the window at night.
The same goes for your furniture
You also don’t want to place your furniture against windows. For example, in your living room, don’t set up your couch with its back to a window. This can create a heightened sense of vulnerability, as the world outside can see you, but you can’t see it.
Positioning of windows and doors
Windows have a sensitive relationship with doors in Shui traditions. The window-to-door placement in a room is what defines the flow of “Chi” (positive energy). So, you want to make sure to avoid creating a direct path from a window to a door.
When a door directly faces a window in your home, it’s not considered a proper “Feng Shui door facing.” Direct alignment of doors and windows encourages energy to rush quickly in and out of your home.
Conversely, offsetting doors and windows enable positive energy to circulate slowly, nourishing your home as it travels through. This brings a balanced energy flow to your living spaces.
Feng Shui windows are clean windows
Feng Shui cleaning plays an important, supportive role in this pseudoscientific practice. But, before you do a whole Feng Shui cleaning of the house, you need to start with “the eyes” of the home.
Washing the dirt and debris off of your windows symbolizes the cleansing of stress and chaos in your daily life. As a smudgy, unclear window blocks the beauty of the outdoor world, it can lead to blurry perceptions and uncertainty.
As critical as it is to keep your windows sparkly clean, it’s just as important to keep them operable. This means you might have to seal a leak or replace a cracked window from time to time.
Harmonious living with Feng Shui windows
At the end of the day, your home is your sanctuary. The more effort you put into maintaining a clean and intentionally-designed house, the more peace and harmony you’ll create. So, start embracing some Shui today and see what a difference it can make!
