Basements, while useful, can possess energy that is literally like the room itself in that it’s below the ground. There are other things to contend with such as a lack of natural light, low ceilings, or the presence of extra moisture.
Adding the proper feng shui elements will help protect the health and well-being of all who spend time in a basement environment.
In some areas homes with basements are a common feature. They are sometimes built into the side of a hill or made into apartments. But, with a basement, the space is below the ground creating its own set of feng shui challenges.
One of those is that the basement is yin because it is literally down inside the earth, much like when we are buried at death.
This makes basements require more fire and wood elements to lift the energy for working or living successfully in your basement. Now, if your home has a basement that’s used for storage or a laundry room, that’s a great way for it to be used.
But what if you have a living area or your home is an apartment or office below grade?
If so, you’ll want to know how to create good feng shui in your basement. This requires some strategic feng shui thinking. You’ll want to find ways to lift the energy and improve the feng shui so that the basement is supportive and energetic for all who live or spend time there.
Below ground remedies
There are certain guidelines you’ll want to follow if your home, office, or living space is below ground. The best remedy is to remember that the energy of basements is pressed down, so a lifting energy that incorporates active elements and energies is the most helpful.
Add light.
If natural light can be added to your living space, then do your best to incorporate it. This helps lift the energy. When that’s not possible, give your space extra light with wall sconces, lighting at the ceiling, and on tables. Floor lamps are also excellent ways to lift energy in the basement.
Keep ceilings painted white so that they visually expand upward. Images or murals of the sky or sun will help to energize the basement.
Add nature.
To build growth energy, be sure to add images or murals of nature, such as trees or plants, particularly in the wood sectors of east and southeast, and also in the south fire sector. Adding living or artificial plants can also create an energy that is alive and growing, something very important for basements and for health. These motifs are especially helpful at stairways that show upward growth, but avoid strong or large plants directly in the center sector as these can drain health and relationships.
Protect the center.
The center of the basement is much like the center of the house, and if this is your home, it’s especially important to protect it and to enhance it with vibrant activities, like a game area or bar with plenty of lighting to help lift the energy of the center sector. Because area is ruled by the earth element, adding fire elements, colors, and lighting will energize the whole space.
Add movement.
Placing mobiles, fans or other items that move is a great way to add energy to a basement. Aquariums filled with brightly colored fish or a kinetic sculpture will keep your basement space from becoming too still or stagnant.
Use color.
Bright, yang, and growth-focused colors such as red, green, orange, pink or brown all represent the colors of wood and fire. Bright yellow brings the energy of the sun and helps lift and brighten below ground energy. White is another color that lifts energy and makes rooms appear larger.
Use yang images.
Because the earth element in basements is yin, adding yang images like figures or paintings of the sun, will help add more yang and lifting energy to your basement. Images related to the south fire element, triangles pointed up, or birds, horses and images of fire will energize and enliven your basement area. Mirrors are also helpful for improving light and making the room appear larger.
