Bring Harmony to Your Bathroom: A Beginner's Guide to Feng Shui

Have you ever meticulously designed and decorated your bathroom only to sense that something feels off? Perhaps that ‘off’ feeling even lingers after redecorating with the seasons, tainting the vibes of your carefully curated space. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to explore the concept of Feng Shui. This ancient Chinese practice honors nature's influence on our well-being and promotes a sense of balance and positivity, which is exactly the kind of energy we want in our bathrooms. So, today we’re sharing a few Feng Shui principles that will help you create a fresh harmonious energy in your bathroom — and get rid of that ‘off’ feeling once and for all!

Embrace Natural Elements:
At its core, Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature, so it makes sense that natural elements like plants, stone, and wood are important aspects of Feng Shui design. Let’s start at the source by adding a few plants to improve air quality and bring a sense of vitality and freshness to the space. Plants like peace lilies or ferns are our top choices as they thrive in humid environments like bathrooms. To balance the revitalizing energy of these plants, use natural stones as a grounding material. Personally, we love how the smooth texture and earthy colours of river rocks and pebbles create a sense of tranquility. Use them as an accent on your shower floor or around the sink area to make the most of their earthy vibes.

If that’s not quite your style, you can create similar energy with larger pieces, such as a natural stone bathtub or vanity countertop. Utilizing wood accents is another great way to add warmth and harmony to an otherwise cold space. You can incorporate wood through items such as a wooden bathmat or floating shelves. Regardless of which elements speak to your personal style, incorporating natural finishes will ground the space by creating an undeniable connection to the natural world.

Mindful Placement:
In Feng Shui, the placement of objects is crucial for maintaining energy flow and is typically one of the hardest aspects of Feng Shui to grasp. Luckily, we have some easy tips to get you started. The first of which involves ensuring your bathroom door can open freely without any obstructions. This allows energy to flow smoothly throughout the space, avoiding any blockages that may disrupt the overall energy balance.

Since organization is a component of mindful placement, you’ll want to avoid clutter around the sink or bathtub. Not only does a cluttered space hinder the flow of energy, but it also creates a sense of chaos and disorder. And of course, we can’t forget to mention the importance of keeping the toilet lid down when it’s not in use. Why? Well, the toilet represents the release of energy, so by closing the lid you prevent valuable energy from draining away. While it may sound a bit odd, this small adjustment can make a noticeable difference in the energetic flow of your bathroom — plus flushing with the lid closed is just more hygienic, so it’s a win-win.

Harmonize Lighting:
As you can imagine, lighting can also greatly influence the energy in your bathroom. Whenever possible, allow natural light to filter in as it invigorates the space and promotes positive energy. Now when it comes to artificial light, you’re going to want to pay attention to the temperature of the light bulbs. Warm-toned lighting, such as soft white or warm white bulbs will create a cozy and intimate atmosphere while cool-toned lighting (like bright white or daylight bulbs) will create a more vibrant and energizing environment. So, before selecting your lightbulbs, consider the energy you want to achieve in your bathroom and choose a color temperature that reflects that.

Reflecting Positivity:
Speaking of reflections, mirrors are a powerful way to redirect and circulate energy in a positive way. When used correctly, this allows for a more revitalizing and invigorating experience in the bathroom — but placement is key. In Feng Shui, the toilet is considered a source of negative energy, so if you have a mirror reflecting it, you’re essentially spreading the negative energy throughout the bathroom. Instead, focus on placing mirrors in areas that reflect natural light or beauty, such as a window, decorative painting, or statement bathroom fixture.

Keep it Fresh and Clean:
While the design and placement of key pieces are crucial to the Feng Shui of your bathroom, it doesn’t end there. Having a clean and well-maintained bathroom is also essential to prevent stagnant energy from accumulating. Pay attention to mirrors, faucets, toilet bowls, and ventilation to prevent the buildup of negative qi and rid your bathroom of that ‘off’ feeling.

Whether you can instantly feel the vibes when you step into a room or are an energetic skeptic, adding Feng Shui principles to your bathroom design is an easy way to remove stagnant negative energy and allow positive vibes to flourish — so why not give it a try in your own space?