Chinese culture has used Feng Shui in everyday life for thousands of years. Good Feng Shui is believed to bring good fortune, and bad Feng Shui the opposite. According to its principles, the shapes of your picture frames, and the way you lay them out, can help bring positive energy to a room.
What shapes mean in Feng Shui
Five shapes matter in Feng Shui, each standing for one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
The rectangle: wood
The rectangle, the shape of most picture frames, embodies growth and represents wood.
In Chinese culture the number 4 is associated with bad luck, much as 13 is in the West, where hotels and aircraft often skip it. A rectangle has four sides, which can be a problem. One way round it is to hang rectangular frames in a group of three. You needn't follow this if you aren't superstitious!
The triangle: fire
The triangle represents fire. It is best used in small doses, since too much fire is thought to be dangerous. But a triangle pointing upwards also stands for growth.
To use it, arrange frames of different shapes and sizes in a triangular gallery that points up towards the ceiling, not left, right or down. Put large rectangular frames along the bottom, a smaller rectangular frame in the middle and a small square frame at the top.
The square: earth
If you want grounding in your life, use the square, which represents earth. Squares are believed to bring a firm foundation and to benefit family, friendships and relationships. If you are moving in together for the first time, square Instagram-style frames are said to bring the stabilising energy a relationship needs.
Curves and waves: water
Curved or wavy shapes represent water. Wavy frames are uncommon, but there are plenty of wavy mirrors. Too many are said to bring unhappiness into a home. Used sparingly, in an office for example, they are thought to bring growth and prosperity.
The circle: metal
The circle represents metal. If wood is overpowering a room, perhaps because you have a collection of wooden frames, circular frames and objects bring balance and tone down the energy. A circular metallic frame could do it.
Final thoughts
There are many ways to bring balance to a room. Sometimes, with the best intentions, something still isn't working, and the principles of Feng Shui may nudge you in the right direction. As we've said before, the creative process involves trial and error, so don't be disheartened if things don't come together at once. Do let us know how you get on.
Need frames in a particular shape or size? Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@EasyFrame.co.uk. We'll always chat, even if you don't want to buy.