How Feng Shui Can Help You Towards A Beautiful Bathroom

The bathroom might not seem to be an obvious place to introduce the principles of Feng Shui; after all, it’s traditionally been a purely functional space and aesthetics has been a low priority. However, in recent years there’s been much more emphasis on creating beautiful bathrooms that are luxurious places to relax and unwind. 

Here’s a look at how to set your bathroom apart and transform it into an oasis of calm and tranquillity with the help of Feng Shui. 

What is Feng Shui all about?

You might already be familiar with the concept of Feng Shui, the Chinese practice of creating harmony between people and the environment. It’s been popularised by Western interior designers for decades, and is based on the theory that everything in the universe is interconnected by a flow of energy or life force, known as Chi.

By ensuring that the elements are balanced and the energy can flow freely around our homes, it is possible to help us live in harmony with the universe, positively influencing our health and wellbeing and prosperity in life. Feng Shui focuses on balancing the five natural elements of wood, fire, metal, earth, and water to encourage the flow of chi.

Even if these ideas don’t resonate with you, it’s still an interesting opportunity to consider the optimum layout and design of your bathroom, so that it is thoughtfully arranged and a pleasure to use. 

Aim for flow and fluidity

Feng Shui is all about going with the flow, so aim for a feeling of openness with no obstructions wherever possible. Often the bathroom is the smallest room in the house, and the layout of the fixtures may already be determined by the plumbing and power points. However, there are still steps you can take to improve the flow of the bathroom.

For example, choosing a clear glass shower screen held in place by a U channel rather than an opaque cubicle will help to avoid an unhealthy closed off area that can block energy. You may even want to consider a frameless glass screen for a minimalist approach that will create a clean sense of flow and harmony to the room. 

In smaller bathrooms, units with curved lines rather than defined corners can help to create a softer feel and encourage a sense of movement and energy in the room. 

Balance the elements

Water is the element most obviously associated with the bathroom, and in traditional Chinese culture this is associated with wealth and prosperity. However, to add an element of balance, consider integrating the opposing elements with metal, wood, earthy tones or warm vibrant colours. 

For example, warm terracotta tiles, houseplants, and soft brown or beige accent colours in towels and mats, and metal fixtures can help to balance out the water element.

Keep it clean and clutter free

Clutter blocks the flow of energy, and in Feng Shui this is believed to lead to stagnation and the risk of illness and bad fortune. Include plenty of shelves and storage in your bathroom, and have regular turnouts so they are not littered with toiletries and other items that you no longer need. 

Even if you are not a fan of Feng Shui, keeping your bathroom clean and tidy really can help you to enjoy using it and feel the full benefits of a relaxing soak in the bathtub or a long and invigorating shower. Messy unclean spaces heighten your stress levels, besides being unhygienic and making it take longer to find what you are looking for.

A regular weekly clean will also help you keep on top of mould and mildew growth, which can spoil the appearance of even the most elegantly designed bathroom and also be a risk to health. 

Install ventilation systems

Good ventilation is vital for bathrooms to reduce the risk of the aforementioned mould, which if left unchecked can damage tiling and ceilings. In Feng Shui, the free flow of air is considered vital to avoid trapped energy that could lead to health problems. Keep a window open as much as possible during warmer weather.

If your bathroom has no windows, it’s crucial that it has another form of ventilation, such as a ceiling fan or wall vent. Keep fans and vents clean and clear of blockages. 

Good lighting

Ensure you have enough lighting fixtures to achieve a vibrant atmosphere, and use large mirrors to bounce extra light around the room.