Shining a Light ~ How Lighting in Feng Shui Affects Spaces

Over the years, we have talked a lot about different remedies and cures for situations known and unseen. If you can't tell, we really love what we do. But we have never talked about lighting. A modern day convenience, being able to walk in a room and turn on a lamp or lighting fixture versus dim candles or only daylight of centuries before. And light really does make a difference in a space.

This month, we are talking about the importance of light, the element of fire which relates to lighting, types of lighting you might encounter and consider, and even how moods change. If you are ready to brighten and lighten your life 💡, check out these tips and ideas from our experts.

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"One way to shed some light is by looking at how we light our rooms. There are so many beautiful choices when it comes to lighting. And putting the right lighting in your rooms can really improve your space and your life!"

"Here are 3 main types of lighting for your home or office:

1. General/Ambient Lighting refers to the background levels of light in a space, and may include a combination of artificial and natural light sources. Think of ceiling, recessed, or overhead fixtures.
2. Task Lighting illuminates a particular area to help you accomplish tasks more efficiently. This includes reading lamps, pendants, and desk lamps.
3. Accent Lighting is a subtle way to illuminate something to bring attention to it, such as a great piece of art. It’s also a way to liven up a space. Some examples are wall sconces, track lighting, LED strips, and color-changing lights."

Julie Ann Segal of Metro Interiors

Designing Your Space to Maximize Natural Light

by Julie Schuster of Julie Schuster Design Studio

"Designing with Feng Shui in mind doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply enhancing the natural light in your home is a cornerstone in Feng Shui interior design. Natural light invigorates the energy in a space and is a noticeable mood lifter. 

Unfortunately some spaces don’t have great window options, leaving us to maximize, manipulate, and enhance the light we do have to work with."

In this article, Julie covers mirrors (we love this idea), window treatments, paint colors (who knew?), glass, smart light options, artwork, and even furniture such as glass table tops to accentuate and enhance the natural light in all kinds of spaces. This gallery of images will spark your mind and help you see tangibly the beauty and simplicity of light.

See Julie's lighting inspirations...

Five Quick Tips for Effective Lighting, by Sugeet of Creative Visions

1. Try to get at least a half hour of real sunlight a day. If you can’t, take Vitamin D3. ☀️

2. Don’t place lights sources in back of you. Often kitchens and offices just have overhead lights and people stand at a surface casting a shadow on their work. Under-counter lights to correct this. The less you strain your eyes, the less likely your eyesight will diminish with age. 👀

3. Visible light comes in a full color spectrum. Many people say “use daylight, or full spectrum lights. That’s fine, but the light feels cold and impersonal. It can do the same thing to many colors, making warm color feel cold. We are used to a warmer light. Go to a dealer or retailer who has a series flight boxes to see which one looks the best to you. 🌈

4. If you’re converting to LEDs you are being kind to the environment and using electricity wisely. But make sure you know what you’re getting. Look for warm white LEDs for inside use. 💡

5. Want to draw attention to something? Put lots of light on it. If you’re in business, you’d be surprised how that can bring people into a store. Likewise, if you want your party to be mellow and casual, keep the lighting soft. 🕯️

See the full article from Sugeet.

What about the Feng Shui of lighting...

Many consultants use lighting to represent the element of Fire 🔥 in the balance of the Feng Shui Five Elements.

Judith Wendell of Sacred Currents, shares the terms that relate to Fire in feng shui are...

Quality: Clarity, inspiration, visibility…brightness

Direction: South

Characteristics: Light, spreading, up and outward

Material things: Lamps, fire, stove, candle, awards

Shape: Pointy, triangular

Color: Red

Alternatively, Suzanne Roynon of Interiors Therapy in her article Feng Shui Remedy Inspiration - Fire considers the presence of fire literally, in "candles, fires and lamps only count as fire remedy when they are alight, so don’t assume a fireplace has you covered for fire remedy!" She's got a point.

We love these differing points of view. 💛 Unique perspectives from different schools of thought means you get to choose the inspiration or action that works FOR YOU. Find the lighting solution that lights you up. Find the consultant or study in a program that resonates WITH YOU. There is no one exact way.

And regardless of whether you see a lamp as fire or simply a light, the important thing is to make sure your spaces have the lighting that creates the mood you are trying to design. Lighting provides safety (no tripping), reduces eye strain, creates a soft or active space, spotlights activities or art (think task lighting when cooking for example), and even heals (anyone have a red light?), just to name a few. Using lighting to make your life better is great Feng Shui. 😊

The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting.

~~Susan Cain

Final Thoughts...How Lighting Choices Can Affect Your Mood

from Psychology Today

While not specifically "feng shui," this article makes a lot of sense for us with regard to the health and welfare of our clients as well as the health and life within our homes. The color and intensity can even affect our circadian rhythm, and it's important to look at all lighting and its placement intentionally.

Key take-aways...

• Natural light has the potential to enhance people’s mood, creativity, and cognitive performance.
• Warm lighting can help create a cozy, social atmosphere, while cool lighting can help create an atmosphere for focus and concentration.
• Placing warmer lighting in tabletop and floor lamps and cooler light overhead reflects how light appears in nature.

Click here to read the full article

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