Feng shui is a design principle that believes that the layout of a room, as well as the placement of furniture and home decor items, can improve the positive energy and balance inside a home. An increase in the flow of positive energy is thought to improve the lives of the occupants of the house. A bathroom can be designed and decorated to follow the principles of feng shui. When designing a feng shui bathroom, mirrors and plants should be used and the room should be well lit and clean. Other tips for creating such a bathroom include paying attention to the toilet and the drains, and using a soothing color palate.
The layout of a feng shui bathroom should have the toilet be as far away from the door as possible. In an ideal design, the toilet is in its room with a door that separates it from the rest of the bathroom. The toilet should not be located adjacent to the shower or tub.
A feng shui bathroom should also be kept clean and free of clutter. This includes clutter that may not be easily seen, such as in a drawer or cabinet. A messy or dirty bathroom can keep the positive energy from flowing through the room properly.
Mirrors are a valuable feng shui tool in the bathroom. A full-length mirror is thought to help move positive energy around the room. One exception is when one is located across from the toilet. This is not recommended, as the toilet represents dirty energy and a mirror reflecting the toilet will move that negative force around the room.
Live plants can be used to purify the room and promote positive energy flow. Plants in a feng shui bathroom should be placed at a level that is higher than the toilet, such as on a counter. If the bathroom has a window, it should be opened to allow fresh air and sunlight in. If there is no window, the door to the room should be opened after a shower to clear the steam out of the room, and lights should be placed in the room to mimic the bright light of the sun. Wall paint, towels, and shower curtains should be chosen in soothing colors, such as blue, green, or cream.
Drains are a negative aspect in feng shui as they are thought to suck positive energy out of a room. When one is not being used, it should be closed. The toilet is considered a drain, so the lid of a toilet should always be kept down. It is also recommended that the door to the bathroom always be kept shut.