Feng Shui your living room

Fireplaces
Every good living room needs a focal point. A working fireplace, whether it uses wood, coal, gas or electricity, can form a wonderful centre. The fire can give the room a very welcoming feel. In addition, it raises, warms and moves the energy.

Ideal pa kua locations for fireplaces are east, southeast, south, southwest and northeast. To boost the fire energy even more in these sectors, hang a picture of poppies or sunflowers, or one with colours symbolizing fire, above the mantelpiece.

When you're not using the fireplace, you could place plants, flowers or screens in front of the hearth. A mirror, on the other hand, is a bad choice in these areas because it represents water and 'puts the fire out' (hsi mieh). The west, northwest and north are inauspicious sectors for fireplaces because fire clashes with the ruling elements (metal in the west and northwest, and water in the north).

However, you can overcome the problem by using the Destructive Cycle of elements - hanging a large mirror over the fireplace to 'put out the fire' is actually a good idea in these sectors. Blend water and metal chi by choosing one with an ornate metal frame (or wood painted silver or gold). A plasma screen TV could go here; when switched off, it acts as a mirror.

In the west or northwest, rounded ornaments in shiny chrome, stainless steel, brass or copper also work well to 'put out the fire'. In the north, use trailing plants such as ivy, which symbolize falling water. Place them on the mantelpiece at either side of the fire, or even have one in front of the fireplace when the fire is out.

Sound and energy
The vibration from sounds, such as music or voices, is an excellent way to boost chi. Feng shui teaches that everything is formed from vibrations and if you create the right vibrations around you, they will support and strengthen your own energy.

A TV, radio or music system can create highly beneficial chi. Electrical items, such as TVs, radios and battery-powered clocks, will energize yang chi in any location. They're useful to boost the energy in alcoves, or in bay windows to shield you from poison arrows. If you have Venetian blinds, a TV or radio in front of them will help to diffuse harmful chi from the horizontal lines. If you play a musical instrument, that can be another good source of sound.