The Importance of Lighting in a Feng Shui Environment

• Yin and Yang Lighting
  
  Any kind of diffused or reflected, indirect lighting tends to be more yin. For example, a light that reflects its beam off a wall or the ceiling is more yin than any kind of direct lighting. Lights that have a shade are more yin than those that expose a naked beam directly to a room. But a bright spotlight or halogen down-lighter is more yang.
  
  
• The Five Elements
  
  Lighting may also be seen in terms of the five elements.
  
  
• Wood
  
  If you want to create a more inspiring atmosphere, try using up-lighters. This will also help your room feel taller and roomier. A bright ceiling and slightly darker floor mirrors the relationship between sky and ground, making the interior lighting seem more natural. This is particularly good for rooms with low ceilings or oppressive beams.
  
  
• Fire
  
  Anything that creates an explosion of light, such as a large chandelier, is the ultimate expression of fire chi.
  
  
• Soil
  
  Soft table or floor lamps bring the energy down and generate a relaxing, intimate mood in the room. You can also use coloured lighting when you want to soften the atmosphere further.
  
  
• Metal
  
  To produce a more intense, concentrated appearance, use spotlights to pick out features in your room, such as flower arrangements, paintings and plants.
  
  
• Water
  
  A light source that constantly changes generates more water chi. This could be a coloured light projected onto a wall or a light shining through a shimmering cloth.
  
  
• Adaptability
  
  Remember to keep your lighting flexible and easy to control, so that you can quickly switch from one lighting theme to another.