When people think of hormone imbalances and hormone therapy, they usually think of women, who experience many significant hormonal changes as they move through (and beyond) their reproductive years. But males can experience hormonal imbalances and deficiencies as well, which can affect their growth, development, reproductive systems, and physical and mental health.
Sometimes men and boys—or people born with male anatomy—are prescribed testosterone injections to remedy these issues. However, most experts caution that the testosterone injections—while helpful at times—should only be used in certain circumstances, and under the careful eye of a doctor.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the dominant male sexual hormone. Testosterone starts being produced in greater quantities when boys hit puberty and is responsible for the maturity of male secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone continues to be produced throughout a male's lifetime and helps sustain muscle mass, bone mass, sex drive, sperm production, and red blood cell production.
The normal range of testosterone levels in grown males is about 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL. Testosterone levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest levels in the early part of the day, and lowest levels in the latter part of the day. It's normal for testosterone levels to change throughout a male's lifetime and decline as they age.
What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone?
The signs of low testosterone vary according to age.
In adolescents, low testosterone may look like:
Delayed signs of puberty, including testes that don't show signs of maturity, no penis widening or lengthening, and lack of pubic or facial hair
No signs of puberty by age 14
In adult makes, signs of low testosterone may include:
Decreased sex drive
Low sperm count
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue
Depression
Osteoporosis
Decreased muscle mass
It's normal for testosterone levels to decrease as you get older. Signs that your testosterone levels may be causing an issue for you include:
Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction or impotence
Extreme exhaustion
Inability to concentrate
Low mood
Osteoporosis
Low muscle mass
How to Find Out If You Have Low Testosterone
If you or your child is showing signs of low testosterone, you should visit a doctor. Low testosterone isn't something that can be self-diagnosed or diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Patients must have their blood drawn and hormone levels accessed. Since testosterone levels are generally highest in the morning, this might mean a morning blood draw.
Doctors will likely measure a patient's total testosterone level. If total testosterone levels are normal, but there are still signs of low testosterone, other blood tests might need to be performed, including free testosterone levels and SHBG (sexual hormone-binding globulin) levels. Your doctor will determine which type of blood test is best for you and your particular situation.
How to Know If Testosterone Injections Are Right for You
Testosterone injections (synthetic testosterone injected into patients in an effort to increase testosterone levels) are a helpful way to raise testosterone levels in someone who is deficient. At the same time, they are not for everyone and many experts recommend using caution and not overprescribing testosterone injection therapy.
In general, testosterone injections are used in a few specific scenarios:
Delayed puberty
Erectile dysfunction/impotence
Hormonal imbalances causing medical problems
It's equally important to understand what testosterone injection should not be used for. For example, experts do not generally recommend that testosterone injections be used to:
Increase athletic performance
Enhance mood
Decrease fatigue
Decrease the natural effects of aging
What Are the Health Risks of Testosterone Injections?
Any male with a history of cancer (prostate or breast) should not use testosterone injections. Testosterone injections can increase your risk of heart attack, especially if you are older, so people with cardiac conditions should avoid testosterone injections. The same is true of someone who has liver or kidney disease as well as anyone allergic to sesame or castor oil.
Testosterone Injections and Male Fertility
It may seem logical that testosterone injections would raise sperm counts in a male who is struggling with fertility issues. However, using testosterone injections for this purpose is usually not recommended, as testosterone injections can actually decrease sperm counts.
If you are interested in possibly using testosterone injections to remedy a sperm count issue, you should speak to a reproductive endocrinologist for more information.
What Are Testosterone Injection Side Effects?
Rarely, testosterone injections can cause allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction to a testosterone injection include:
Hives
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, and throat
Struggling to breathe
Shortness of breath
Coughing
In addition, other adverse reactions to watch out for include:
Chest pain
Chest pain/pressure that spreads to your jaw and shoulder
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Sudden mood changes
Edema (swelling) of feet and ankles
Erectile dysfunction
Painful urination
Signs of blood clots (redness in arms/legs, swelling, rapid breathing, chest pain)
Signs of a stroke (headache coupled with slurred speech and balance issues)
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away or head to the nearest emergency room.
Alternatives to Testosterone Injections
Because of some of the side effects of testosterone injections and the instances where they are prohibited, some males are looking for alternatives to testosterone injections, especially if their symptoms are milder, such as low mood, fatigue, or decreased sexual libido.
For people with milder symptoms of low testosterone, lifestyle chances might be enough for a needed boost. These are some things to try before getting on board with testosterone injections:
Symptoms of exhaustion and decreased sex drive can be corrected with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and improved sleep hygiene.
Seeking counseling for sexual issues may help, as sexual performance and drive can be a mind/body issue.
Make sure to get a full health workup. Issues like erectile dysfunction may be caused by other medical issues than low testosterone, especially as you get older.
A Word from Verywell
Testosterone injections can be very helpful for certain individuals in specific situations. At the same time, testosterone injections may be overprescribed or prescribed when other, safer measures can be implemented.
It's important to understand the risk of using testosterone injections, and balance that with your own (or your child's) needs. As always, all medical decisions regarding testosterone injections should be made under the guidance of your medical team.
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The right bedroom rug has the power to tie a room together, bringing harmony to interior decor and creating a cozy ambience in the bedroom. It doesn't just add warmth to a room, it can also muffle sounds and give you a soft spot to land your feet in the morning. The best bedroom rugs are both beautiful and durable, adding style to your sleeping quarters while also holding up to daily wear and tear.
BEST OVERALL: Artistic Weavers Odelia Vintage Bohemian Area Rug
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Area Rug
BEST MODERN: Safavieh Adirondack Collection Modern Ombre Area Rug
BEST TRADITIONAL: Safavieh Heritage Collection Traditional Oriental Rug
BEST BOHEMIAN: Safavieh Madison Collection Boho Chic Area Rug
BEST RUSTIC: nuLOOM Iraida Faux Cowhide Shaped Rug
BEST MIDCENTURY: Well Woven Yara Scandanavian Abstract Geometric Rug
Photo: amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bedroom Rugs
Choosing the perfect bedroom rug can be a challenge. A well-styled area rug can bring cohesion to a space, while the wrong pick can detract from a room's appeal. When choosing a bedroom rug, its size, material, weave, and design aesthetic are all factors to take into account. Also, consider using a rug pad to prevent slipping and to protect the rug and the flooring beneath it.
Dimensions
Area rugs are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Rectangular rugs are most common in bedrooms, but other shapes like a square, round, or oval one can also be a stylish pick.
Bedroom rugs are usually centered underneath the bed. Full coverage means that all bed legs and the nightstands are on the rug. Another common layout is partial coverage, which usually sees the lower two-thirds of the bed on the rug. Rugs can also be used with other bedroom furniture, like under a desk, seating area, or vanity. This is where other rug shapes can come into play.
The ideal rug size depends on the bedroom and bed size. When placed underneath the bed, the rug should extend a minimum of 2 feet beyond each edge. Designers also recommended to leave at least 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the edge of the room.
For rugs under a twin bed, a 5-foot by 8-foot rug or larger is a good pick. For full- and queen-size beds, a 6-foot by 9-foot or 8-foot by-10-foot rug will offer enough rug space around the bed. An 8-foot by 10-foot or 9-foot by 12-foot rug would be a good choice for a king-size bed. Of course, room size also needs to be taken into account. If a room is too small to fit a large rug, opt for two runners or a nonrectangular-shaped rug instead.
Material
From natural-toned sisal to sumptuous silk, a rug's material greatly influences its style. The ideal rug material depends on personal style and lifestyle factors. Below are common rug materials to consider.
Wool: Wool rugs are durable and beautiful, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. They can contain wool blends or 100 percent wool. 100 percent wool rugs are generally pricier but hold up very nicely over time. Wool naturally repels water, dirt, and oils, making them easy to spot clean.
Synthetic materials: Synthetics, such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, are a popular option and can be very budget-friendly. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a range of styles and patterns. Their durability makes them a good pick for high-traffic areas.
Cotton: Cotton rugs are budget-friendly, soft, and have a casual look. However, they can stain and fade more easily than other materials. Since they are less durable, they're ideal for those who like to frequently change room decor. Some selections are machine washable, making them ideal for children's bedrooms.
Jute, sisal, and bamboo: These rugs are made of natural woven fibers, which gives them a natural look ideal for earthy bedroom styles. When woven well, they can be quite strong, but the coarse fibers can make them difficult to clean.
Silk: Silk rugs are finer and more delicate. The silk offers a pretty shimmer that looks luxurious and soft. Due to their delicate nature, they can be tougher to clean and are better placed in low-traffic areas.
Hide: Rugs made from animal hide include leather and sheepskin. They are soft and durable and can add a luxurious feeling to a room. Some hide rugs, such as sheepskin, are higher-pile options, meaning they have longer, thicker, or denser fibers. HIgh-pile rugs are tougher to clean, making them better suited to low-traffic areas.
Weave
Rugs can be handmade or machine-made. Various weaving methods create different textures and aesthetics. Hand-knotted rugs are made of hand-tied pieces of material, sometimes with hundreds of knots per square inch. Hand-tufted rugs use a tufting gun to create the pile, rather than hand-tying each piece. These rugs usually have a higher pile. Flatweave rugs have a low or no pile; they are made of thinly woven fabric. Machine-made rugs use computer-controlled looms and may mimic the look and texture of handmade rugs.
A rug's pile refers to the density of the rug fibers. Low-pile rugs (less than ¼ inch in height) have shorter fibers, giving them a thinner and more compact texture. These rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas since they usually show less wear and tear. High-pile rugs (½ inch to ¾ inch) have longer fibers. They are thicker, plusher, and more textured, making them better suited for cozying up a space like a bedroom. Medium-pile rugs fall in between, usually with a ¼-inch to ½-inch pile height.
Aesthetic
The perfect bedroom rug for a particular space will depend on personal style and existing room decor. If opting for a statement rug, choose contrasting colors to make the rug really pop. On the other hand, choosing matching colors may bring cohesion to a bedroom. Darker rug colors offer a cozier, more intimate feel, while a lighter rug makes a room feel more open and spacious.
The style of rug should complement the bedroom decor, which may fall under these popular interior design styles:
Traditional: Traditional home decor is classic and luxurious, often with rich colors and ornate details. Traditional rugs often come in deep colors with ornate patterns, including damask and florals.
Modern: The modern style is defined by sleek decor and clean lines. In modern bedrooms, consider simple, single-color rugs or rugs with clean patterns and shapes, like a geometric pattern.
Midcentury: Midcentury modern design takes inspiration from the mid-1900s, combining a modern look with a retro feel. Natural and organic shapes are popular. Consider a rug with simple geometric shapes and warm colors, like muted orange, olive green, or beiges and browns.
Bohemian: Bohemian decor is carefree, relaxed, and globally inspired. Bohemian rugs are often colorful with a whimsical or vintage feel. Boho rugs can include patterns of bright medallions or colorful vintage-inspired designs.
Eclectic: Blending several design styles, eclectic aims to create an intentional and cohesive space. Characteristics include a combination of old and new, and mixed patterns and textures.
Rustic: Drawing inspiration from the outdoors, rustic home decor often incorporates raw, natural materials to give a warm and weathered feel. Rugs that radiate coziness and warmth do well with rustic decor, like leather, sheepskin, and faux-hide rugs.
Our Top Picks
Adding a stylish bedroom rug is a simple, often-affordable way to upgrade a bedroom's decor. These design-inspired bedroom rugs are beautiful and durable, adding comfort and style to the bedroom while holding up to daily wear and tear.
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The ornate pattern on this rug draws inspiration from traditional rug patterns, but its nontraditional colors give it a bohemian edge. With bright colors and an on-trend faded look, this rug has a vintage-boho appeal. Measuring 7 feet 10 inches by 11 feet, it features a center medallion pattern with orange, navy, and reddish hues, and is available in a range of other sizes and colors.
This colorful rug from Artistic Weavers is made to withstand everyday life. Machine woven from durable polypropylene, this boho beauty can stand up to high foot traffic, kids, and pets. The medium pile is soft but not too thick; the rug can be placed underneath furniture and won't obstruct most doorways.
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This solid shag rug from Unique Loom measures 7 feet by 10 feet and comes in a modern graphite gray. Several sizes and a range of bright and neutral colors are also available in this affordable style.
This rug is made of machine-woven polypropylene that is built to last. The 100 percent polypropylene material is easy to clean, an important feature when it comes to fluffy shag rugs.
The ultra-plush pile is 1 inch thick. With the backing included, the rug's overall thickness is 1.5 inches, making it feel very soft and luxurious underfoot, but at a cost-friendly price. Despite the long fibers, this rug is a low-shedding option.
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Sleek doesn't have to mean plain. This modern rug from Safavieh is a classic light-cream color with silver striping details. The colors have a washed-out ombre effect to add some intrigue to the pattern without being too loud. The two-toned stripes are a similar shade, adding subtle dimension while still matching clean and modern room decor.
Machine woven from durable synthetic fibers, this 6-foot by 9-foot rug is stain resistant and low shedding. The 0.45-inch medium-height pile is soft but not shaggy, offering a sleek look. It is also thin enough for easy placement beneath furniture. Although light in color, this sturdy rug can withstand everyday foot traffic as well as accidental messes.
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This traditional wool rug from Safavieh adds an element of luxury to any bedroom. The rug is hand-tufted with 100 percent hand-spun wool, offering durability and a luxurious texture. Most 100 percent wool rugs are known for longevity, easy cleaning and long-lasting softness, and this rug is no exception. With a ⅝-inch pile, this rug has a thick, plush feel.
Measuring 8 feet by 10 feet, this large rug makes a statement in the bedroom. The traditional damask pattern has deep red, golden, and black tones to add warmth to any room. The timeless design makes this rug an excellent pick for traditionally styled bedrooms.
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Bohemian rugs are often full of color, like this one from Safavieh that features a cream background and multicolored medallions. The medallion pattern brings together yellows, blues, reds, and pinks into a vibrant, whimsical aesthetic. The distressed appearance gives it an elegant, vintage look. The distressing tones down the vibrancy, adding color to a bedroom without overwhelming the existing decor.
This midsize rug measures 6 feet 7 inches by 9 feet 2 inches. Made from an enhanced polypropylene, this rug is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. It has a ⅜-inch medium pile that is thin enough for placement under furniture. The material is non-shedding, keeping the pattern crisp and allowing for regular vacuuming.
Photo: amazon.com
This faux-cowhide rug from nuLOOM adds an instant rustic look without using any animal products. The rug has an irregular shape and measures approximately 5 feet 9 inches by 7 feet 7 inches. With an off-white base and varying shades of brown patterned spots, this rug is designed to mimic a real cowhide. The imperfect shape and pattern suit the raw and natural rustic aesthetic.
This rug is made of 72 percent polyester and 28 percent acrylic materials. Like most synthetic materials, this blend is durable and easy to clean while also maintaining a soft texture. The low pile offers a sleek look that is easy to place under furniture and won't obstruct doorways.
Photo: amazon.com
For midcentury-style rooms, the geometric pattern on this rug offers a pop of pleasing, warm colors. Earthy colors and simple shapes are a mainstay in the midcentury design style. This rug features cool-toned blues and grays, a warm mustard yellow, and a neutral cream shade. The pattern is bold but not loud, giving the rug a slightly retro feel that suits the uncluttered aesthetic of midcentury design.
The rug measures 7 feet 10 inches by 9 feet 10 inches. It is made from a stain- and fade-resistant polypropylene that is simple to spot clean and will keep its coloring even with daily wear. The 0.4-inch medium pile is soft but still sleek.
FAQs About Bedroom Rugs
Choosing the perfect area rug for a bedroom can be tough. There are a range of factors to consider, including size, color, material, and design. When choosing the best bedroom rug for a particular space, here are some questions to consider.
Q. What is the best size rug for a bedroom?
The ideal rug size depends on the size of the bedroom and the size of the bed. For rugs placed centered under the bed, a good rule of thumb is to have around 2 feet of rug space extending around each side and the bottom edge of the bed.
Q. What color rug should I get for my bedroom?
The perfect rug color will depend on personal preference. For a cohesive look, consider choosing a rug in similar color tones to the room's existing decor. For a pop of color, choose a rug with bright, contrasting colors.
Q. Where should an area rug be placed in a bedroom?
Bedroom rugs are most commonly placed centered under the bed; however, one feature of decorating with area rugs is that they are flexible. They can be placed anywhere in the bedroom, including under desks, vanities, and sitting areas.
Q. Can I put a rug on the carpet in a bedroom?
Absolutely. An area rug placed on carpet can add more texture, color, and dimension to a room.
The living room is an important space in any home, whether it's a loft, a studio apartment, a duplex, a single-family home, or a mansion. The reason the living room is so important is because it's the primary social space in the home, whether among the residents themselves or invited guests as well.
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Using feng shui in the living room becomes a higher priority when the room's importance is recognized, and when one remembers that feng shui can transform the flow of qi (energy) from chaotic and fast or stagnant and stale to a steady, calm flow that is both rejuvenating and refreshing. In this article, we'll discuss how to feng shui your living room with regard to location, layout, furniture, and overall vibe.
How to Apply Feng Shui to Your Living Room To Transform the Energy in Your Home
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FENG SHUI LIVING ROOM: LOCATION IN THE HOUSE
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The location of the living room within the home itself plays a key role in the level of comfort and positive flow of qi.
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Two Exterior Walls – A feng shui living room will be located in a room that has at least two exterior walls. This ideal living room location is close enough to the outdoors that fresh, positive energy can enter and flow freely, without becoming stagnant or stale. Ultimately, this location for the living room will activate feng shui elements in the living room to help create a healthful, restorative social space.
The Ceiling – While we don't always have full control over our living room's ceiling, there are certain considerations worth learning about in feng shui. A low ceiling is best avoided in feng shui, as it gives a compressed and negative energy to the room. It also makes a room more difficult to gather in, as you'll feel cramped when you add extra guests into the space. Of course, there are various tactics and colors you can use on your walls to create the illusion of a higher ceiling. Also, if possible, avoid a slanted ceiling in your living room, which can also compress your space.
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Avoid the Living Room in the Center of the House – A feng shui living room will not be located in the center of the house. Along with the feng shui guidelines for two exterior walls in the living room, this rule is to maintain an optimal, healthy flow of qi. If the living room is housed in the depth of the house, energy can't easily reach it; the flow stalls and eventually stops because it has to pass through too many other rooms before reaching the living room.
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Well Lit & Ventilated – The feng shui living room, due to its connection with external walls, will be naturally well-lit. In fact, the space will ideally receive plenty of sunlight. In addition to the natural light through windows on exterior walls, a feng shui living room will be well ventilated because of the windows' capacity to open and keep fresh air flowing. This freshness is a key component of feng shui – vitality and health.
One of the easiest ways to clear the air in your home is to simply open the windows. However, in feng shui, it's always recommended to open them for nine minutes, as nine is a number of good fortune in feng shui. Airing out your home regularly will remove negative and old energy and allow new and positive energy to enter your home. You'll also want to keep your windows clean at all times with a glass cleaner or vinegar mix.
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No Direct Facing Doors – In the feng shui living room, doors will not directly face or open up into other doors. This creates a tunnel effect for all energy, and the rest of the space will fail to benefit from any flowing qi or restful energy.
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Modest Doors & Windows – The feng shui living room will have exterior walls (and hopefully windows) and a door or two, but it should be noted that the ideal location for the living room avoids too many windows and more than two doors. This is because having too many doors and windows into/out of the living room creates somewhat of a chaotic qi current that is unsettling and even damaging to those in the living room.
FENG SHUI LIVING ROOM: LAYOUT
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Once you've determined the best location for your feng shui living room, the next step is determining its optimum layout.
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Sufficient Accommodation – While there are often few adjustments you can make to the actual size of your living room, it should never be too small to comfortably accommodate the entire family. Preferably, the feng shui living room will hold additional guests with ease and grace, also. When a living room is on the larger side, positive qi energy can enter and move in and around the room for a whole-room restorative experience.
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Roomy & Comfortable – The feng shui living room, no matter what its actual physical size, feels roomy and comfortable. This has less to do with the living room's footprint and everything to do with the layout of the furnishings within the space.
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Maintain Pathways – In a feng shui living room, natural and architectural pathways will be maintained by optimum furniture placement. Obviously, a chair that sticks out into an inherent walkway through the living room will become a safety hazard. More than that, though, that same chair's blockage stunts and thwarts the attempts of energy to flow freely and positively throughout the living room.
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Strategic Fireplace – To the extent possible, install your living room fireplace strategically. A northeast fireplace aids in calm and collected thinking, as well as fortunate education. A south and southwest fireplace enhances romance and love. In fact, the whole south side of your living room will benefit from your use of red, pink, orange, and green hues, according to the feng shui Bagua.
The Bagua energy map features nine areas, which will correspond with various areas of your home. You can use the qualities from this map to enhance your living room's feng shui, which can easily be achieved by adding the color to that part of your room. If your living room is in two areas, you can use two different colors within your space.
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Reflect the Landscape – For the feng shui living room that benefits from a beautiful landscape view, format the furniture in such a way that the view can be appreciated from all parts of the living room. Consider hanging a mirror so that it reflects the landscape for those who, seated, may not be able to appreciate the view in person. A natural view is a sure way to enhance the positive energy of a space.
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Television Placed Strategically – If you are following the feng shui Bagua, or energy map of your home and space, a TV that is positioned in the north (career) side of the living room is auspicious; this layout is said to attract good luck in one's career. A TV positioned in the south (fame and recognition) part of the living room enhances the opportunity for fame and respect. Basically, because of the active (yang) energy of televisions, they will activate the area of the living room they're placed in.
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FENG SHUI LIVING ROOM: FURNITURE
With your layout ideas in mind, it's now time to determine exactly what furniture will bring out the best living room feng shui.
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Rounded Pieces – In feng shui, corners and hard angles are a significant deterrent to the restfulness of a space. The angles create what are called "poison arrows," which point negative energy directly at a single point. To avoid this in the feng shui living room, consider incorporating furniture with rounded edges. Try to avoid corners where possible.
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Living Room Sofa – The feng shui living room's sofa is discussed in detail in this article on how to feng shui your sofa. Ideally, the sofa should be positioned against a solid wall to lend stability and security to whoever sits on it. It should also be comfortable.
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Loveseat & Single Chair – Along with the primary living room sofa, if your living room is large enough, feng shui recommends adding a loveseat and at least one single chair. These pieces of furniture provide plenty of options for any number of various seating needs – seating for one, two, three, four, five, etc. What's more, the sofa, loveseat, and chair combination gracefully allows for a coffee table in the feng shui living room.
Your living room is a social space, and so there should always be a seat for each member of your family or household. You should all feel like you are welcome in this space together, and this will also make it easier for entertaining guests in the future. As a social space, you want every seat to be facing each other, so no one has their back to someone else who is speaking. Also, try to avoid anyone's seat being placed with its back to the door in the room.
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Square Coffee Table – While rounded edges are often preferred in a feng shui space (even in the living room), the coffee table might be one exception where square or rectangular is more auspicious. This probably has more to do with the function of the coffee table – providing various people sitting in various seats a place to put objects – than anything else, really. To provide comfort and hospitality in the feng shui living room, a coffee table is vital.
Your coffee table will be the focal point of your living room, just as your living room is the center of your home. It's ideal for socializing with friends and family but should always be made out of metal or wood where possible. Keep your coffee table uncluttered so that it doesn't add any hectic or negative energy to your home. Of course, while you have friends and family around, you can have drinks and snacks on the table. Once they leave, clear the coffee table straight away to keep the good energy in your home.
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Positive Qi-Activating Lighting – Lighting in the feng shui living room is an important factor. Along with natural light (which your living room should have, with its two exterior walls), other lighting options will help to complete the desired function and ambiance. Table lamps and wall sconces provide upward-flowing light. Overhead lighting provides functional task lighting options.
FENG SHUI LIVING ROOM: OVERALL VIBE
Feng shui is more than just a series of rules to follow; it's mostly about the spatial arrangement to enhance the overall look and feel of the space. It's the overall vibe, really, that makes great feng shui.
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No Clutter – In a feng shui living room (and, frankly, any space trying to incorporate the restful, comfortable, and safe ambiance of a feng shui space), clutter will be avoided at all costs. Messiness, clutter, and other untidy distractions serve to thwart the flow of qi as well as bring about a sense of discomfort.
While clearing your space of physical clutter, you also want to clear the space of negative energy. Many people like to clear their space with techniques such as diffusing essential oils, smudging, or ringing bells. A small diffuser can easily be added to any living space to allow for regular space clearing and more positive energy.
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Use hard-working, double-duty furniture pieces to help contain the clutter…as well as a good old-fashioned "pick up after yourself" mentality.
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Positive Artwork – A feng shui living room incorporates artwork, photos, or other images that are pleasant and positive. Smiling faces, pretty parts of nature, and other optimistic pieces are preferred over pieces (however remarkable they might be, artistically) depicting sadness, crime, struggle, or storm.
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Strategic Artwork – In those instances where your artwork depicts a beautiful body of water or a sailing vessel, be sure that the overall vibe is calming and that the movement of the artwork is toward the room. The same holds true for art with human and animal stances or movement. You don't want your energy to be leaving the room through your art.
When it comes to art, you can add the five elements into your room easily through various paintings. For example, a red image adds the element of fire, or waves add water. In feng shui, it's recommended to avoid artwork that has an emotional history or negative feelings associated with it. If you received a piece of artwork from someone you are no longer in contact with, it's best to remove it from your house to remove negative energy. In your living room, ensure your artwork is placed at a good height for the size of your room and its layout. Don't hang anything too low, or this reduces the energy in the room and can ultimately lead to depression.
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Reflect the Positive – If you choose to incorporate a mirror into your feng shui living room, there are a couple of guidelines to follow. First, the mirror should avoid reflecting anything negative (e.g., clutter, grime, etc.), because that negativity will flow into your home. Second, the mirror should avoid reflecting anyone directly as they stand at a living room door.
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Cover TV – Mirrors are a tricky business in feng shui. In some instances, they are recommended to reflect vibrant, invigorating energy; in other cases, they enhance negative, discomforting qi. The television is one place that should serve as a TV, and not a mirror. So, in the feng shui living room that houses a TV, it should be covered when not in use so as to avoid its mirror-like reflective properties.
Your TV should be placed on the north or south side of the room. You'll want to ensure your TV area doesn't become cluttered with controllers or consoles and that they are all hidden when not in use. If you can have a living room without a TV, that would be great, but of course, that's not very likely in most homes in this modern-day and age.
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Aquarium in the Living Room – If you have a place for it in the north side of your living room, an aquarium is a solid choice for the feng shui living room's enhancement. (It's said to facilitate wealth and opportunity; the southeast part of the living room is also good for aquariums, too, attracting good luck.) For the feng shui living room aquarium, a square or rectangular shape is best, with round being the second choice.
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Candles in the South – Candles work well in most feng shui living rooms, balanced with other elements of course. It is recommended that this type of décor is mostly located in the south part of the living room, which is not surprising since a feng shui living room's fireplace is in the south as well. (Candles on the mantel for the double-win.)
If you aren't familiar with the five elements of feng shui, they are earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. They work together to offer good health and wellbeing to our homes, and you should strive to include something representing each element in your home. The five elements don't need to be taken too literally, and instead, you can add shapes or colors to represent these elements. For example, fire is represented by red or triangular-shaped items. On the other hand, water can be added in the way of blue colors and curvy furniture or decorations.
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Wood Pieces – Feng shui living rooms tend to have a variety of wood items, from large furniture pieces to small décor details. Small and mid-sized wood pieces, such as photo frames and bookshelves, work well in the east and southeast parts of the living room. Wood furnishings tend to do well in the south as well.
On top of wooden pieces, try to add green plants into your living room. This is an inexpensive and quick way to add feng shui into your space. Of course, you will want to ensure you don't neglect to look after your new plants, as dead plants will cultivate bad energy in your room. The health of your home's plants indicates the luck within your household, so ensure they aren't dying off and reducing your good luck.
Consider adding one larger plant in your living room or a collection of smaller plants to offer the same benefits. A large potted plant is perfect for the living room and can attract wealth to your home. Try to find a plant with large and round leaves, as pointy leaves are not recommended in feng shui. Plants also add a wide variety of additional benefits to your home in addition to the feng shui elements discussed here.
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Metal Décor – Metal objects in the feng shui living room often include things like metal bowls, trays, candlesticks, and photo frames. These are particularly beneficial when placed in the west and northwest areas of your living room. In fact, if you're looking for a place to incorporate a family photo into your living room, consider framing it in a metal frame and hanging it on your living room's west wall for good luck.
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Hanging Crystals – Sometimes, even in a feng shui living room, poison arrows brought about by right-angled pieces or wall corners simply can't be avoided. One technique for alleviating the harsh negative ray is to hang a multi-faceted crystal from the ceiling, which reflects and refracts the negative qi and helps to dissipate its potency.
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Keep it Personal – Remember that feng shui isn't simply about Chinese furniture and décor. Rather, it is a feeling in a space. True feng shui is about form and placement, not specific symbols and statues placed in the four corners of your room. Be sure to reflect your personal style and preferences.
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Feng Shui Living Room Colors – The Bagua map can give you a good indication of color in your living room, as well as incorporating the five elements of feng shui. Color works to enhance your life, and by choosing certain colors, you can try to cultivate a specific type of energy. For example, purple may encourage wealth and prosperity, whereas red is connected with the crown chakra and represents royalty or abundance. You don't have to go ahead and paint your whole room in a color you are looking to add, but you can instead add furniture, accessories, or artwork to your room for a splash of color. In feng shui, we always encourage you to listen to your intuition and go for what feels right in your home. Don't feel like you must add a color into your living room if it doesn't feel right for your space.
After the bedroom, the living room is the space that we spend the most time in. Regardless of the size of your home or apartment, the living room acts as a social space, and you'll usually sit here to entertain guests. The importance of this space means you should take the time to ensure you create a good flow of energy to avoid feelings of chaos. By following the tips listed above in regards to layout, location, and furniture, you can feng shui your living room without too much effort to create a space you enjoy spending time in.
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