Vastu Shastra tips for the dining and living rooms

“Usually, in apartments, the living room is closest to the main entrance or the foyer that leads into the house. The main entrance should be clean and have enough light. Place a figure of a Buddha giving blessings near the entrance, or a pair of elephant figures above the door, to invite prosperity. The different directions have an impact on the location of your living room in the house. Ideal locations for the drawing-room are east, north-east, west, or north,” says Mumbai-based Nitin Parmar of VastuPlus.

The foyer that leads to the living room should be broad and allow for smooth entry into the living room. It should be free of heavy furniture. “Vastu Shastra is all about balancing energy. The main door is a place, from where good luck enters the home and it should be aesthetically designed. So, one can keep some green plants, which improves and boosts the flow of energy, a small fountain, or even an aquarium,” suggests Jayshree Dhamani, a Mumbai-based Vastu Shastra and astrology expert.

Vastu tips for living room: Placement of furniture

The right kind of furniture is an essential part of any comfortable living space. According to Vastu Shastra, heavy furniture, like sofas, should be placed in the west or southwest direction of the room. However, items like television sets and electronic systems should be ideally kept in the southeast area.

In case, your home is designed in a way that there is a combined dining and living room, then, it is better to keep the dining space on the east or southeast side of the room.

Vastu colors for living room and dining room

Colors can impact our well-being and when used aesthetically and in the right combination, they can create a warm atmosphere. The colors recommended for the living rooms and dining rooms are off-white, pink, light yellow and other soothing colors. “If the dining area is in the east, then, paint the walls yellow, saffron, or peach. If it is in the north, opt for light green and blue colors. In the morning, open all the windows and ensure that the room is well ventilated, as sunlight leads to cleansing. Avoid watching television while eating. Instead, listen to some soothing music,” Dhamani advises.

Dining room Vastu: Directions and furniture

A dining area is a place where the entire family gets together for meals on a daily basis and on special occasions when joined by friends. “The dining room is a sacred space and the dining table is a symbol of health, nourishment, and bonding. Ideally, one should eat meals facing east, west, or north. Regularly eating meals, while facing south, will invite health issues. The dining table should be square or rectangular in shape and not round or any irregular shape,” adds Parmar.

The dining area should have adequate light and not be dull. Try and create a warm and inviting dining area, to make mealtime enjoyable. Choose attractive pendant focus lights or a chandelier above the table, to create a soothing ambiance. One can have simple wooden chairs, leather upholstered chairs, or fabric upholstered chairs. For furnishings, use patterned options against plain walls or vice-versa. However, avoid excessive use of design and colors, as this can be distracting.

“Paintings near the dining area should be cheerful. Avoid paintings that symbolize violence and negative aspects of life. Ideal depictions include fruits, vegetables, farms, relaxing natural sceneries, or Annapurna (goddess of food). Dress up the table with fresh flowers and colorful table linen. Ensure that the table is visually appealing, including the crockery and cutlery. Never use broken or damaged crockery. Do not keep too many unwanted things on the table. Clutter creates stagnant energy and impedes the flow of positive energy,” concludes Parmar.

Vastu Shastra dos and don’ts for the living and dining rooms

Which picture is best for the living room as per Vastu?

Pictures with vibrant colors can do wonders for your living room. You can place paintings of scenery, flowers, waterfalls, flowing rivers, and mountains. Avoid abstract paintings or pictures that depict negativity.

Can the mandir be placed in the living room?

Yes, you can place a mandir or puja space in the living room. As per Vastu, this space can be created in the northeast direction.

What should be placed in front of the main door?

You can keep decorative items that allow the free flow of positive energy into the living space, including sacred symbols like om, cross, swastika, etc. Avoid keeping items like broken furniture, dustbins, etc.

What are the Vastu rules for dining table shape?

Avoid selecting a dining table with a circular or any other irregular shape. Choose a dining table that is either square or rectangular in shape, which ensures stability and a uniform flow of positive energy.

What should be kept on a dining table?

The dining area, the place where a family eats food, has an influence on the members and ensures that the food consumed brings positive effects. According to Vastu Shastra, the dining table should not be kept empty. To attract good energies and prosperity, always keep a bowl of fruits, a jug of water, or some food items on the dining table.