Staircases not only provide us a way to get from one floor to the other, but also can help the energy that enters our home, called Chi, to move unobstructed, up and down easily and smoothly. If staircases are not placed properly, they can inhibit the proper flow of energy throughout the home. Sometimes badly placed stairs can harm individuals both physically and financially.
WHAT ARE THE FENG SHUI RULES FOR THE LOCATION
WHAT ARE THE FENG SHUI RULES FOR STAIRCASE SHAPES?
The most commonly seen staircases are the straight, split, L-shaped, curved and spiral. The shape depends on the space available, the constraints, the intensity of usage etc. But in Feng Shui, some shapes of staircases are not acceptable as they can prevent the proper flow of Chi.
Curved stairs encourage the Chi to meander slowly up and down levels
Positive – A Curved staircase is both elegant and beautiful. It channels energy between spaces in a pleasant and inviting way and is therefore considered the best, according to Feng Shui.
Positive – L-shaped and Straight stairs encourage Chi to meander in a more natural flow, instead of rushing.
Negative – A Spiral staircase is considered very inauspicious especially if located in the center of a home. It can negatively affect the heart and blood pressure of the occupants because, symbolically it looks like a corkscrew hurting the heart of the home. Remedy: It is best not to have a spiral staircase if it is in the centre of your home.
Negative – Split or Scissor-style stairs often seen in split level homes, should be avoided especially if they face the front door as they are negative for the patriarch or breadwinner, opportunities are lost and success is elusive. Remedy:Block the view of the staircase. Or wind a long strand of ivy (real or artificial) around the handrail from the upper stair to the lower stair. Place a plant at the top of the stairs or on the center of the stairs where it curves.
According to Feng Shui, Scissor Stairs should be avoided in a house
WHAT ARE THE FENG SHUI RULES FOR STAIRCASE SIZES?
The best sizes for Staircases are the ones that are proportional to the space ~ not too big, not too small. The effects of having narrow stairs and steep incline have been described here:
Narrow Stairs: Needless to say, they are not advisable as they cause feelings of constraint and claustrophobia.
Steep Incline: The incline should not be too steep as this is a safety issue, which can easily turn into a financial issue.
Small landings: Landings must be spacious. Otherwise, you may feel that you will fall backwards down the stairs.
Remedy: Make sure there is plenty of lighting and that the landing is not blocked.
A narrow staircase with a congested landing and no railings makes you feel claustrophobic
WHAT ARE THE FENG SHUI RULES FOR RAILINGS, RISERS TREADS OF STAIRS?
Railings should always be provided: Stairs without railings make us feel uncertain and insecure.
No open risers: Stairs should be complete and always have risers (the vertical portion between treads). Stairs with open risers cause energy to leak. This especially affects the residents of the upper floors, as they receive very little Chi or energy. Remedy: Add backs or risers to the stairs. If that is not possible, place potted plants beneath the stairwell to help lift the Chi.
Staircase coverings: Red carpets should never adorn staircases as they resemble blood flowing down. Carpet, wood, or tiles are okay, with wood being preferable as it offers growing energy that rises.
Space under stairs should be used for storage: It is good Feng Shui to use the space under a staircase for storage rather than to leave it empty. If the space is open underneath your stairs, you can place a home altar there. If you use it as a storeroom, consider placing money boxes, wealth vases, or work-related items there.
It is advisable to use the space under stairs for storage.
Bathrooms under staircases should be avoided: Bathrooms located under stairs, and particularly those in the center of the home, drain away energy and wealth and hurt all the residents of the home.
Avoid water bodies under a staircase: If your staircase has space underneath it, refrain from placing water there, such as fountains, ponds, aquariums, etc. These can harm children.
Stairway landings: It’s best to have stairs without landings in the middle. If there is a break, consider lighting the steps or wall of the stairs to create good energy and help the chi move up and down the stairs.
In this post you have seen that Staircases are so important to the vitality of energy on different levels of your home and carry so many influences on your life physically and financially.
