Feng Shui in the Bathroom by Donna Thomson

Feng Shui in the Bathroom
by Donna Thomson

It's interesting to know that the Feng Shui bagua (9 sectors that overlay the home to determine your relationship sector, wealth sector, career sector and so on) was created when bathrooms and toilets were 'outhouses'. So therein lies the modern problem of the built-in bathroom not seeming to fit well anywhere! It's true, now we have to make do and find ways to counteract the 'draining away' effects of the bathroom and toilet. For instance, no-one wants their relationship or career to 'go down the toilet', so what can you do?

First, click here to open the Bagua article in a new window - you'll find a diagram of the bagua and an overview of each sector.

This article will offer some general tips to keep your bathroom working for you, no matter where it is in your home.

First of all, your bathroom is about cleanliness and purification, so make sure it continues to represent those qualities by keeping it clean, tidy and well-lit.

One of the key theories about bathroom chi (energy) is that the plumbing tends to drain it away. The simplest solution is to keep all drains covered/plugged when not in use, including keeping the toilet lid closed.

An all-white bathroom may represent cleanliness but it's generally too stark. The ideal 'feel' for the bathroom is to be appealing and relaxing. Adding soft coloured towels is a good start. You can also bring in some items like scented candles, nicely presented bath salts and appealing artwork. A small stereo will allow you to play soothing music when you soak in a warm bubble bath at the end of a long day.

One of the most common Feng Shui cures for a bathroom is to place a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom (and toilet) door to make the bathroom 'disappear' and to deflect energy from being drained away.

If you are concerned about your bathroom being in a particular Feng Shui sector, you can further enhance it by standing at the entrance to the bathroom and using the bagua to determine each of the 9 sectors within the room. For example, the relationships corner will be in the rear right-hand corner of the bathroom. Place colours and symbols that relate to each gua (area) around the room, especially in the areas you want to focus on.

Creativity Gua

I know of someone who has their bathroom in their creativity sector, which relates to the colour white and the metal element. So it could be a good idea to add a bathroom set that incorporates chrome or stainless steel for example. I've seen nice sets (soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, etc.) that are white ceramic with chrome fittings/trim. You could add this to the bathroom in general and if possible, in the creativity sector (centre of the right wall) of the room. Brighter items that represent creativity are also suitable - even one of your own creations such as a painting or sculpture!

Relationship Gua

Add some pink flowers or an image of flowers, or some pink candles to this area of the bathroom. How about some pink flower petals!

Wealth & Prosperity Gua

Something that is purple in colour and represents wealth is ideal - perhaps a large amethyst crystal or quality-looking accessories. How about royal-looking purple towels that are monogrammed in gold, just like you might find in a palace or wealthy mansion!

Family Gua

Wood and water could be represented by a vase of flowers or an image of flowers. This is also a good choice because green is the colour for the family gua.

Wisdom & Self-Understanding Gua

Add a flourishing green plant to this area (earth). The colour for this sector is blue so you might like to place the plant in a blue pot. You could also additional lighting to this area to suggest 'illumination'.

Career Gua

Try adding live fish in a small aquarium or some sea shells. A picture of a mountain always suggests moving up in your career and life path too.

Helpful People and Travel Gua

You could decorate using a theme or items that relate to somewhere you'd like to travel to - for example Balinese artefacts or even a model cruise ship.

Fame & Reputation Gua

Do you have room in your bathroom to add a high-backed chair against a solid wall? This is a suitable item according to Feng Shui principles and you might like to incorporate the colour red.

Health Gua

Nothing says 'health' like a fresh, green, healthy plant! Flowers are also good or a scenic nature image.

Remember, I'm not a Feng Shui expert at all! I'm just sharing some tips and ideas based on the basics of Feng Shui. They should all be considered suggestions only and I encourage you to use your own intuition and of course design preferences. Think 'harmony' and walk through all rooms in your house looking first for things you can take away to improve the location and then only if you feel it's needed, add some new items in.

Happy decorating!