Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”), often called the art of placement, is part of an ancient Chinese philosophy of nature that means ‘Wind and Water.’ The notion behind the practice is that our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environments. The aim is to maximize the beneficial movement of Chi (universal life force/ positive energy) present in all things, through our environment. Feng Shui provides both guidelines and tools for analyzing and correcting the flow of energy into and out of, our living and/or working space.

Mirrors play a bigger role in our lives, more than most people realize. It is often said that we never really see ourselves; we just see our reflection and mirrors allow us to accomplish that end. For that reason it is important to always hang mirrors that are in good shape, none that are old, cracked or marred in any way. Mirrors should be hung with care, at a good height so no one has to bend down or stand on tippy toes to see himself or herself.

Round mirrors are preferable as they are more welcoming and comforting. Also make sure that you choose a mirror that can be seen very clearly by the viewer. A distorted image is not a goal to aim for. Being able to see a person’s entire face and even better, upper body is a positive thing as a complete picture sends a more balanced message to the brain and allows it to integrate what it is seeing.

Mirrors can transform a room and bring more light into it. This is of utmost significance for an office. A confident, cheerful, welcoming effect is something you should strive for. A mirror placed just inside your office entry is a strategic spot. Not only is it practical (who doesn’t want to check themselves out on the way in AND out of an office, regardless of whose it is) it also possesses a quality that draws people in, and that always makes for smart business sense.

Other ideas for using mirrors in an office include-

Don’t place any more than two mirrors in an office as this will excite Chi.
Certain arrangements of mirrors can be disturbing and disquieting. For example, one that bothers a lot of people is placing two mirrors on opposite walls facing each other. It tends to make reflections uneven and brings up insecurities.

Now go ahead and set up your mirrors the Feng Shui way!

Written by: Anika Logan