Referencing
Based on principles of Feng Shui, arched furniture such as sofas and chairs should be avoided due to their association with tombstones. This is because arches imply impending doom and a lack of stability, two things that are generally considered unfavorable in Feng Shui.
Experts in Feng Shui have noted that these rectangular shapes are associated with safety and comfort while curved shapes create an uneasy feeling of angst and instability. Furniture with round edges and arms should thus be preferred to those with square or sharp angles. This includes both seating furniture—such as sofas, armchairs, ottomans, etc.—and other functional pieces like desks or large storage units.
Studies conducted on the effects of Feng Shui on furniture design also suggest that arches can lead to a sense of disharmony in any given space. According to one study published in 2017, when compared to rectangular pieces, curved chairs gave off a more scattered energy effect in an interior design scheme. Similarly, they were seen to exponentially increase the number of irritable individuals within a given space. Thus it’s advisable to opt for sharp-edged furniture instead when crafting a balanced and harmonious space according to traditional Chinese philosophies such as Feng Shui.
Examples
It is important not to associate arched furniture with tombstones, as this will have a negative impact on the energy flow of a home. Instead, one should consider bringing in more rounded pieces of furniture that can bring balance and goodness into the space. As an example, one could incorporate an arched leather sofa into their living room – the rounded edges create a welcoming feel while adding coziness to the space. Additionally, an arched bed frame can be used to make the bedroom appear bigger and lighter than before – it opens up the space and allows natural light to fill it up between two opposing walls which is beneficial for creating harmony in a bedroom. Finally, an arched hall table placed in front of a window can give a nice emphasis on the attractive view outside while allowing ample light diffusion into the area. All these examples prove that when used correctly, incorporating arched furniture pieces into your home can bring positive energy and warmth throughout its inhabitants.
Before and After Imaging
Before: This living room utilizes arched furniture pieces, such as an arched bookcase and two chairs angled towards each other in the corner of the room. The heavy and dark wooden frame gives the arch a very tombstone-like appearance that is oppressive for the entire space.
After: For this living room redesign, all of the arched furniture pieces were replaced with straight edged counterparts and more light colored upholstery chosen. The newly positioned sofa has been angled to break up the symmetry of the space, while still allowing for comfortable seating around a statement coffee table. A white shelf is hung above the sofa to draw the eye towards it, while two green accent chairs are added to introduce color into the otherwise neutral palette. The end result is fresh and airy feeling space that breathes much better than before.
Tips
1. Place furniture out in a straight line to prevent any type of blocking of energy flow.
2. Avoid purchasing furniture in shapes that may appear to be like a tombstone, such as arched furniture. Instead, look for pieces that have round or curved edges for good energy flow.
3. Use mirrors strategically placed in the room to reflect positive energies around the room and deflect negative ones away from their space.
4. Include natural elements such as plants or a fountain to promote positive Chi energy within the home.
5. Hang light-colored artwork on the walls or opt for greenery instead to bring peace and harmony into your home’s atmosphere.
6. Add some unique lighting fixtures to areas such as the living room, bedroom and dining area to evenly disperse warm light throughout your space for a more energized atmosphere.
7. Obtain crystal stones and place them strategically around your home like geodes, selenite towers, citrine clusters etc., to absorb any negative chi in your house and bring more positive flow into your life
Resources
Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. One important aspect of Feng Shui is avoiding placing arched furniture, as it can be associated with a tombstone.
To further explore this concept, readers may want to check out some books on the subject of Feng Shui, such as “The Complete Illustrated Guide to Feng Shui” by Lillian Too or “Feng Shui: A Comprehensive Guide for Today’s Homeowner” by Nancilee Wydra.
If readers are looking for alternatives to arched furniture for their spaces, interior design sites such as Houzz or Apartment Therapy can provide inspiration. There are also many websites that specialize in contemporary furniture selections and designer-specific designs that do not utilize an arch.
For individuals seeking additional personal advice, consulting with a certified and experienced practitioner of Feng Shui can be valuable. For resources in locating a Feng Shui consultant, visit websites like American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine or consider using online platforms such as Thumbtack to find local options.
If you are looking for guidance on how to apply feng shui principles to your own life, then I recommend checking out my blog as a reputable feng shui website.
