The Feng Shui Anatomy of Ceilings

Representing the sky and limited possibilities such as the saying “the sky is the limit” the ceiling can provide an uplifting optimistic feeling and lofty ideas, or on the contrary make one feel oppressed and depressed. It all depends on the height, colour and the finish of the ceiling.

Height

8 – 10 Feet

From a Feng Shui perspective the most preferred ceiling heights are ones that range from 8 to 10 feet tall. Offering attainable possibilities to achieve ones desires.

This ceiling height is perfect for any room in the house as it makes one feel safe, secure and well protected. Ceilings at this height are best finished in white or light pastel colours.

10 Feet and Over

While ceilings exceeding 10 feet such as those of a cathedral ceiling are better suited for common rooms they offer a perception of limitless possibilities and possibly unattainable goals as the height is out of physical reach.

Heights above 10 feet also have the potential to create a space that is yang/masculine in energy as the height is so vast. A darker finished ceiling of this height will help to give the illusion that the ceiling is lower and therefore goals attainable.

8 Feet and Under

Ceilings that are below 8 feet and best for crawl spaces and storage spaces are considered less-than-excellent as they do not providing amply opportunity for foresight, inspiration and growth while creating a feeling of being under control with limited options.

Styles

While there are a vast number of ceiling finishes suited for as many design styles choose one that is appropriate for the height of your ceilings.

Timber ceilings offer a rustic look and feel but are better used for a ceiling that exceeds 10 feet as the weight of the colour and bulk of the beams give the illusion of dropping the ceiling a foot or two.

Wood tongue and groove used in traditional, colonial and country design when painted white offer a beautiful accent to any room. The direction of the boards will help to direct the flow of chi so if installing tongue and groove to your ceiling do so with a mind to the direction in which you want to draw your attention.

Tin ceilings are making a comeback all-be-it most replicas are made of plastic offer a beautiful decorative touch for the right decor and are very much suited for specific rooms such as the kitchen and the dining room.

From a Feng Shui perspective the preferred finish and detailing is best chosen when considering the gua in which the room sits. For instance a tin ceiling tile with a diamond shape painted a red bronze would be best suited for the Fame and Reputation Gua. While a tin ceiling in a brushed nickel with a circular design would be best suited for the Children & Creativity and Helpful People & Travel Gua.

Coffered ceilings like the image above add architectural interest to a space while clearly defining boundaries. Where the definition between the recessed ceiling and the suspended borders of this image are lovely the dramatic dark accent edging draws ones eye to the limitations perceived in the associated aspects related to the gua in which the ceiling aligns. Best installed in common room such as living and dining rooms coffered ceilings are perfect for someone who has a tendency to have their head in the clouds as they help to “pen them in”. Coffered ceilings are less-than- perfect for a person with creative, inventive characteristics as they limit their creative thoughts and inspired ideas.

Dropped or suspended ceilings are excellent for creating a sound barrier between floors and are commonly used for specific applications. Often used in basements and commercial buildings dropped or suspended ceilings offer the ability to access mechanical components needed for maintenance and repairs.

In the case of leaking and staining tiles are easily replaced.

Angled ceilings such as those found in rooms with dormers are less than-excellent as they compromise the head space of the room and oppress the chi of the space.

People sleeping in bedrooms with slanted ceilings often suffer pain and discomfort in the area in which the slant aligns with their body. It is not uncommon for me to meet clients who frequently suffer with chronic migraine headaches from the head of their bed being placed directly under the roof line of the slanted ceiling.

Drywall or Plaster Ceiling

Smooth

Perfect for any room flat, smooth finished, painted ceilings in a white or light pastel colour offers light reflection and clearing insights.

Textured

Stippled popcorn or spantex ceilings over a multitude of drywall and plaster sins which is why many contractors opt to apply the ceilings of their homes with these products. Hiding imperfect taped and mud seams and stained boards.

Although best avoided in kitchens and bathrooms as the humidity and cooking smells, fluids and greases can be absorbed into the pours product.

Best Practice

For best practice make sure that your ceilings are in excellent condition. That all stains and leaks have been sealed, repaired and resurfaced with the most appropriate product. A stained or leaking ceiling will depending on the gua in which the integrity has been compromised will indicate a deeper meaning offering an opportunity to deep healing and understanding.