Whether or not you're a fan, experts suggest that incorporating Feng Shui principals into your dining table decor can enhance the energy of your space and the overall ambiance of an occasion.
Being mindful of your dining table decor, such as colors, shapes, and materials, along with careful table placement and setting, can create good Feng Shui in your home by enhancing the flow of positive energy during meals.
Want to know how? We asked a Feng Shui expert for guidance on setting a dining table and deciding on decor using Feng Shui principles. This is what they told us.
How to decorate your dining table according to Feng Shui
'The dining room is place for coming together, to spend quality time with friends and family. However, there are a few things to consider when decorating or buying new furniture for this area,' says Suzanne Butler, Feng Shui expert from Harmonising Energies Feng Shui.
Suzanne Butler is a Feng Shui, Manifestation & Empowerment Expert who tutors her clients on how to balance energies in their homes and at work.
1. Choose the right colors according to the five elements
Choose colors that align with the five elements of Feng Shui (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) based on the energies you want to cultivate.
- Earthy colors are connected to the Earth element. Choosing these colors is believed to bring stability, grounding and nourishment.
- Red, orange and yellows are expressive of the Fire element. This is associated with passion, energy and warmth. Choosing these colors is thought to create a more energetic and stimulating atmosphere, as well as increasing appetite. However, Suzanne Butler warns, 'Fire colors, such as red, can also encourage overeating.'
- If you want to create a more calming and relaxing atmosphere, you could use blue or black colors to represent the Water element. Incorporating these can contribute to calmness, abundance and increasing positive flow.
- Greens or browns are representative of the Wood element. These colors can be chosen to evoke harmony, balance, well-being, growth, and kindness.
- White or metallic colors represent the Metal element. Metal is associated with clarity, precision and efficiency. 'Using metallics, golds and silvers in your décor can add to a feeling of abundance,' advises Suzanne Butler. 'These colors can also bring a sense of order and clarity to your dining area'.
2. Find the optimal table and chair placement according to the Bagua map
Be mindful of the placement of your dining table and chairs, ensuring a comfortable and balanced arrangement. These should be placed intentionally, considering their symbolism.
Feng Shui experts use the Feng Shui energy map (Bagua map) to determine where the ideal energies are. By choosing the optimal placement for your table according to this map, you can bring out the best in different areas of your life, such as your career or love.
There are eight areas on the energy map, with a ninth area where all the other areas and their energies intersect. Each area is associated with specific elements, colors, shapes, and symbols, which can energize or activate the area.
'Each person has four directions of which they can sit or sleep for best outcomes in different aspects of their lives,' explains Suzanne Butler. 'Placing everyone in the family at their best positions will help to eliminate family disputes over dinner. So, identify your best positions at the table for good health and vibrance by way of your personal trigram.'
3. Use meaningful decor
Introduce decor items that hold positive symbolism in Feng Shui according to the energies you want to invoke:
- To introduce the earth element into your dining table decor, introduce square or flat-shaped decor in yellows, beige, or terracottas. You could use earthy textures like clay vases, ceramic dishes, and stone placemats.
- Add triangular or pointed decorations in red, orange or yellow hues to decorate according to the fire element. Include items such as candles and candle holders.
- To signify the water element, choose wavy or asymmetrical decor in blue or black shades and water-themed items.
- Connect to the wood element by incorporating natural themes, such as fresh flowers, plants, and wooden decor.
- To symbolize the metal element, introduce reflective surfaces like mirrors, metallic decor, or utensils with rounded shapes to increase energy flow and add a sense of spaciousness.
When dressing a dining table, it is essential to avoid overcrowding it with too many decorative items. Keeping the surface clutter-free will allow the free flow of energy (chi).
4. Choose the right shape for the table
In Feng Shui, the choice of your table shape should be determined by the type of energy you want to introduce into your space.
To allow chi (energy) to circulate freely during meals and gatherings, round or oval tables are preferred in Feng Shui. These tables are associated with unity, helping to promote a flow of conversation and positive energy. 'Not only this, but it can ensure that no one is left out of a conversation when you are all equidistant from each other,' says Suzanne Butler.
Square tables represent stability, balance, and grounding, reflecting the four points of a compass. The equal sides of square tables symbolize equality among diners, promoting fairness and unity. This fosters a harmonious atmosphere.
Rectangular tables symbolize growth and prosperity. This elongated shape represents expansion and positive development.
5. Ensure balanced place settings
When it comes to setting the table, symmetry is important. Pairs are considered auspicious, so consider using an even number of place settings.
Ensure an equal and balanced table setting arrangement for each seat to promote equality and unity, and create ample space between settings for energy flow around the table. This should be done by ensuring pathways are cleared.
FAQs
What table material should you not use according to Feng Shui?
Glass is considered to have an unstable energy in Feng Shui, creating a feelings of uneasiness and sensitivity as it reflects light and may symbolize fragility. So, avoid glass table tops.
To maintain a more grounded and stable atmosphere, opt for solid, natural materials such as wood.
'The dining chairs you use should be comfortable enough to enable people to sit for long periods,' advises Feng Shui expert Suzanne Butler. 'While metal chairs might look trendy, they are incredibly uncomfortable to sit on in the long run. Opt for a high back to encourage a relaxed atmosphere.'
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