A drawing room, often synonymous with the living room, serves as a central hub within a residence. It is a space that attracts attention, reveals personality, and hosts family gatherings as well as distinguished guests. According to Vastu Shastra, this area holds significant importance as it creates the first impression of the home and its residents. Ensuring that this space is aligned with Vastu principles is essential for maintaining a flow of positive energy, joy, and harmony. The drawing room is not merely a place for beautification; it is a strategic area for fostering a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel at ease and family members connect.
Vastu Shastra offers comprehensive guidelines on how to construct and organize a drawing room to ensure it is abundant with positive vibrations. By balancing the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—residents can transform this common area into a dynamic and encouraging environment. The principles focus heavily on directional alignment, furniture placement, and the strategic use of decor to enhance the flow of energy.
Directional Placement and Orientation
The orientation of the drawing room is a foundational aspect of Vastu compliance. The location within the house determines the type of energy the space attracts. According to Vastu Shastra, the best directions for a drawing room are the East, North, or North-West.
- East Direction: The East is associated with the rising sun and is considered highly auspicious. A drawing room in this direction allows positive morning light and energy to enter the home, fostering health and vitality.
- North Direction: The North is linked to wealth and prosperity. This direction is governed by the lord of wealth, making it an ideal location for a drawing room where business discussions or social interactions take place. It is recognized for promoting health and financial stability.
- North-West Direction: This direction is also favorable, particularly for social interactions and guest hospitality.
Conversely, the placement of the drawing room in the South-West direction is generally not recommended for this specific room, as that zone is typically reserved for the master bedroom or heavy storage to stabilize the home's energy.
Within these directions, specific zones require special attention. The North-East portion of the drawing room should be kept spacious and as free of furniture as possible. This area, known as the "Ishan Kona," is the most spiritually potent zone of the house. Keeping it light and airy ensures that positive energy flows freely throughout the space. Similarly, the East side should remain light and airy to welcome the morning sun's energies.
Furniture Placement and Layout
The arrangement of furniture plays a critical role in maintaining the energy flow (Vastu energy flow) within the drawing room. Heavy furniture impacts the energy of the zone it occupies.
- Heavy Furniture: All heavy furniture, such as large sofas, cupboards, or entertainment units, should be placed along the Southern and Western walls of the room. This placement ensures that the Northern and Eastern sides remain lighter, allowing positive energies to circulate freely.
- Seating Arrangements: When arranging seating, it is beneficial to ensure that family members and guests face the North or East while seated. This orientation promotes receptivity and positive engagement.
- Open Center: The central part of the drawing room (the Brahmasthan) should be kept free of any obstructions. Clutter or heavy objects in the center can block the flow of energy and create stagnation.
Use of Mirrors and Decor
Decor elements are not just aesthetic enhancements; they are tools for amplifying or balancing energy.
- Mirrors: Mirrors are powerful Vastu remedies. Placing a mirror on the Northern wall of the drawing room is highly recommended. This specific placement helps enhance the positive effects of the energies emanating from the North, thereby boosting prosperity and well-being.
- Artwork and Paintings: The selection of artwork should be intentional. Paintings that depict positive imagery, such as landscapes, waterfalls, or spiritual symbols, are beneficial. Avoid paintings that depict violence, sorrow, or negative themes, as they emit corresponding vibrations into the living space.
- Color Scheme: The choice of colors significantly influences the mood and energy of the room. While specific color recommendations may vary based on the direction, a balanced color scheme is generally advised.
- White: Provides a clean, modern aesthetic and is generally auspicious for maintaining purity and clarity in the space.
- Black: Should be used cautiously. While it can create a dramatic look and make a bold statement, it must be balanced with lighter accents to prevent the energy from becoming too heavy or restrictive.
Electronic Devices and Energy Flow
Modern drawing rooms are filled with electronic devices, which emit electromagnetic radiation and can disrupt the subtle energy flow if not managed correctly.
- TV Position: The position of the television should be carefully considered. Generally, it should be placed in the South-East (fire element) or South-West corner, ensuring it does not dominate the room or block essential energy pathways.
- Cable Management: Keeping wires hidden is crucial. Exposed cables create visual clutter and are considered "poison arrows" in Vastu, causing energy blockages.
- Integration: Electronic devices should be integrated seamlessly with traditional decor elements to maintain a balance between modern functionality and ancient wisdom.
Everyday Maintenance for Positive Energy
Vastu is not a one-time setup but a continuous practice of maintaining harmony. Incorporating daily habits ensures the space remains charged with positive energy.
- Declutter Regularly: A clutter-free room is the most important step in enhancing energy flow. Unused items, broken objects, or piles of paper create stagnant energy. Regular cleaning and organizing are essential.
- Use Natural Elements: Incorporating natural elements bridges the gap between the indoor environment and nature. This can include:
- Vastu Plants: Placing indoor plants like Tulsi (Holy Basil) or money plants can purify the air and attract prosperity.
- Water Features: A small indoor fountain or an aquarium in the North-East zone can enhance the water element, which represents flow and abundance.
- Natural Stones: Using crystals or natural stones can help balance the energy.
- Lighting: The drawing room should be well-lit. Natural light during the day is vital. In the evenings, ensure adequate ambient artificial lighting. A dark room can harbor negative energy and lower the spirits of the inhabitants.
- Ventilation: Proper air circulation is necessary to prevent the accumulation of stale energy. Windows should be opened regularly to let fresh air and sunlight in.
Specific Guidelines for Different Facings
While the ideal directions are East, North, and North-West, specific guidelines apply to different house facings to maximize the benefits.
- North-Facing Drawing Room: This is considered one of the most auspicious orientations. It attracts the energies of prosperity and growth. Heavy furniture should still be placed on the South and West walls, while the North wall can hold a mirror or lighter decor.
- East-Facing Drawing Room: This orientation is excellent for health and social recognition. It allows the morning sun to energize the space. The East wall should be kept light and free of heavy obstructions to allow the morning rays to enter unhindered.
- South-Facing Drawing Room: While often viewed with caution, a South-facing drawing room can be made Vastu-compliant by placing heavy furniture in the South-West corner and ensuring the North and East zones are kept open and light. The entrance door for a South-facing house should be located in the South-East or North-East corner of the South wall.
Holistic Integration of Vastu Principles
The ultimate goal of applying Vastu to the drawing room is to create a space that supports the well-being of the residents and impresses guests with a sense of harmony and prestige. It is about creating a "haven of serenity and success."
By following these guidelines, one ensures that the drawing room becomes a place where positive thoughts are generated, relationships are strengthened, and the overall energy of the home is elevated. The integration of ancient Indian wisdom with modern living standards allows for a design that is both functional and spiritually uplifting.
It is important to note that while these principles provide a strong framework, the specific needs of the residents and the architectural constraints of the building must also be considered. For complex issues or specific personalized advice, consulting a qualified Vastu expert is always recommended to ensure that corrections are applied correctly and effectively.
Conclusion
The drawing room is the public face of a home, serving as a space for relaxation, socialization, and the display of personal identity. Vastu Shastra provides a roadmap for transforming this space into a powerhouse of positive energy. By focusing on the correct directions—specifically East, North, and North-West—and adhering to guidelines for furniture placement, decor, and maintenance, residents can cultivate an environment of prosperity, health, and happiness. Regular decluttering, the strategic use of mirrors, and the integration of natural elements are practical steps that maintain the flow of positive vibrations. Ultimately, a Vastu-compliant drawing room is not just about following rules; it is about creating a balanced space that resonates with the cosmic principles of nature, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who inhabit and visit the home.