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Your Guide to Unlocking the Magic of Feng Shui Stairs

winding wooden staircase

In the practice of feng shui, stairs and staircases are considered very important elements of a home. This is because they are pathways that allow energy, or “chi”, to flow throughout the space. 

In order to promote positive energy flow, it is essential to pay attention to the design and layout of stairs and staircases in the home. By incorporating feng shui principles, you can create a harmonious and balanced environment that promotes well-being and prosperity.

If you want to maximise the positive energy of your home, follow this guide to all things feng shui and elevate your quality of life. We cover:

  • How to design staircases with feng shui principles in mind
  • How to decorate your stairs to promote positive energy
  • Common feng shui staircase issues and their cures

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice that involves arranging the environment in a way that promotes positive energy flow. It is based on the belief that how we arrange our living spaces affects our well-being and can improve various aspects of our lives, including health, relationships, and success. Feng shui principles are often applied in interior design, architecture, and urban planning.

There are different positions that are believed to influence the energy flow in a space. Here are some common positions and what they mean:

  • North – represents career and life path
  • Northeast – represents knowledge and wisdom
  • East – represents health and family
  • Southeast – represents wealth and abundance
  • South – represents fame and reputation
  • Southwest – represents love and relationships
  • West – represents creativity and children
  • Northwest – represents helpful people and blessings

The idea is to balance the energy in each area of the space to promote harmony and balance in all aspects of life. This can be done through the use of colours, shapes, and elements that are associated with each position, as well as the placement of furniture and other objects.

Essential Feng Shui in Stairs

beautiful white wooden stairs with a tiled floor

Staircases possess distinctive energetic qualities and can often pose significant obstacles; stairs emit continuous waves of agitating “up/down energy”, which can differ based on their design and placement within the home.

If you’re in a position where you are designing stairs before they’re being built, follow these key principles:

Staircase Placement 

The staircase should be positioned in a way that allows energy to flow smoothly throughout the home. Ideally, the staircase should be located in the centre of the home and not directly facing the front door. In feng shui, main doors are called “The Mouth of Chi” because they are how the house absorbs its energy. If the staircase is directly facing the front door, it can cause energy to rush up and out of the house, leading to a loss of wealth and opportunities.

Staircase Design

Choosing the right staircase design is also important for creating positive feng shui in the home. The staircase should be open and well-lit to allow for the free flow of energy. A staircase that is too narrow or closed off can create a sense of constriction and can negatively affect the flow of energy throughout the home.

Number of Steps

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many steps are good in feng shui, as it can vary depending on the specific layout and design of the home. Most people believe the number of steps should be even and consistent, as an uneven number of steps can disrupt the flow of energy. 

However, some practitioners suggest that a staircase with an odd number of steps is more auspicious than one with an even number of steps. Particularly, staircases with a number of steps that is a multiple of three are believed to be particularly harmonious, as the number three is considered a powerful symbol in feng shui. 

Ultimately, the most important factor for positive feng shui stairs is creating a balanced and harmonious environment, so try to just make the number of steps proportional to the height of the staircase; a staircase that is too tall or too short can create an imbalance in energy flow.

Decorating the Staircase

If you can’t change the design or placement of your staircase, then decorating your staircase is a great way to promote positive energy in your home. 

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider adding artwork to the walls or a stair carpet runner to the stairs. You could also add a decorative mirror or small statue on the landing to create a focal point and promote positive energy flow. Choosing colours that reflect your personal style and preferences can also help in establishing a welcoming and harmonious environment.

Plants on Stairs Feng Shui 

Plants are a refreshing way to bring positive energy into your home, and they can have a powerful impact on the feng shui of your staircase. In general, plants are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, and they can also help to purify the air. 

To incorporate plants into your staircase design, consider adding potted plants to the stairs themselves, or placing larger plants on the landing or nearby windowsills. Just make sure you don’t create clutter.

Feng Shui Lighting

Illuminated staircase with wooden steps and white risers

Installing good lighting can also help to promote positive energy flow and make the space feel more inviting. Consider installing overhead lighting on the stairs or using wall sconces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You could also use a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting levels depending on the time of day and the mood you want to create.

Check out more staircase lighting ideas

How to Feng Shui a Mirror at the Top of the Stairs

Mirrors can be used to enhance the flow of chi throughout a home. Placing a mirror at the top of the stairs can help to reflect this energy and bring it into other areas of the home. However, it is important to ensure that the mirror does not reflect negative or stagnant energy, such as clutter or a bathroom, as this can disrupt the positive energy flow. A well-placed mirror at the top of the stairs can be a simple and effective way to promote a positive flow of energy.

Feng Shui Cures for Stairs: Common Issues & How to Solve Them

feng shui diagram

If you’re trying to rectify bad or chaotic energy, there are simple cures you can rely on:

  • Feng shui stairs facing door
    To mitigate this issue, add a decorative runner rug at the base of the staircase or hang a crystal in between the staircase and the front door to slow down and redirect energy.
  • Feng shui stairs in the middle of the house
    Place a potted plant or a decorative object around the bottom and top of the stairs to redirect the flow of energy. Hanging crystals are particularly effective.
  • Feng shui staircases with missing or broken steps
    Repair or replace the steps as soon as possible to restore a sense of stability to the home.
  • Feng shui staircases without handrails
    Install handrails on both sides of the staircase to create a clear path for energy to flow up and down the stairs, and to prevent accidents.
  • Feng shui staircases that are too steep or narrow
    Adding lighting to a narrow staircase will help to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment. You could also consider adding a handrail or decorative runner to make the stairs feel safer and more secure.

Feng Shui Under the Stairs

Rooms under the stairs can be a challenge to decorate and arrange, but with feng shui principles in mind, they can become a valuable addition to any home. Whatever the use of the space, it’s important to ensure that it is kept clutter-free and well-lit, with plenty of natural light if possible. 

Bathroom Under the Stairs Feng Shui

For a bathroom or toilet under the stairs, it’s important to keep the space light and airy, as well as to incorporate elements of wood and water to create a naturally balanced energy flow. A mirror should be added to the bathroom to expand the space and enhance the flow of energy.

Bed Under the Stairs Feng Shui

Placing a bed under the stairs in a home can present some feng shui challenges. The position of the bed and the overall flow of energy in the room are important considerations when trying to create a harmonious space. Use soft lighting, warm colours, and comfortable bedding.

Place the bed in a power position and incorporating elements such as artwork or plants can help to create a calming and restful environment. A power position is a place in a room or space, such as facing the door or place with a clear view of the room, where an individual can feel empowered and in control of their surroundings.

Desk Under the Stairs Feng Shui

For a home office, the desk should be positioned in a commanding position, facing the door and with a solid wall behind it. This will help to create a feeling of security and control, and will allow for maximum productivity. Additionally, incorporating elements of wood and earth will create a grounding and suffuse productive energy in the space.

Dining Table Under Stairs Feng Shui

In feng shui, the dining room is considered an important area where families gather to eat and bond. Placing a dining table under the stairs can be challenging, therefore, but it is not impossible. The key is to ensure that the dining area feels separate from the rest of the space and is well-lit. You can also use colours to help create a separate dining space and promote positive energy flow.

Take Your Home’s Feng Shui to the Next Level With Stair Rods Direct

wooden stairs with a colourful blue stair runner

By following these feng shui tips, you can ensure that your staircase and the surrounding area are promoting positive energy flow throughout your home, enhancing your life in ways you didn’t know were possible.

If you’re looking for high-quality, stylish accessories to complement your feng shui stair design, look no further than Stair Rods Direct. We have the perfect stair rods, door thresholds and carpet runners to add the special finishing touches to your design. 

With a wide range of colours, finishes, and customisable options, our stair rods and stair carpet runners can provide the perfect finishing touch to your staircase. And with our focus on quality craftsmanship, you can trust that our products will stand the test of time.

Browse our selection today and see how Stair Rods Direct can help you create a flawless feng shui home. Any orders over £75 qualify for free UK delivery.