Designing a dining room according to Vastu Shastra is a great way to create a harmonious and positive environment in your home. Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science of architecture, provides guidelines for the proper placement of rooms, furniture, and decor to attract positive energy and enhance well-being. The dining room is a powerful space where nourishment meets positive vibrations, signifying the emotional core of a residence where daily habits intertwine with special moments. By utilizing principles from Vastu Shastra as a spatial framework, one can craft spaces that promote layout, comfort, and overall well-being. A thoughtfully designed dining area can significantly impact behavior, with research indicating that supportive environments enhance perceived well-being and that user-centered design correlates with better satisfaction and productivity.
Optimal Location and Layout
According to Vastu Shastra, the ideal location for the dining room is the West, East, or North part of the house. The West direction is considered the most auspicious as it is believed to bring good health and prosperity. If placing your dining room in the West is not possible, East or North are also acceptable directions. Traditional Vastu recommendations suggest situating the dining space in the west or south, allowing the kitchen to be nearby for seamless meal service. This arrangement minimizes traffic disruption and enhances the hosting experience. Avoid placing the dining room in the South direction, as it may attract negative energy.
It is important that the dining area shares a direct connection without being awkwardly placed too far or too close. Avoid situating the dining space near the toilet or under a staircase. If a separate dining room is not available, one can make one in their home by following Vastu tips and guidelines, perhaps by separating an area and applying all dining room Vastu tips to this specific zone.
Dining Table Placement and Characteristics
The placement of the dining table is crucial in Vastu Shastra. The table should be placed in the center of the dining room or close to the West or East walls. It should never touch the walls, as this restricts the flow of positive energy. Ideally, the table should be positioned towards the center of the room or slightly towards the west or east wall. Avoid placing the table near the entrance door, as this may disrupt the energy flow.
Shape and Material
When it comes to the shape of the dining table, a rectangular or square table is the most recommended. Go for square or rectangular tables as they promote balanced family energy. Round or oval tables can disrupt the energy flow and should be avoided if possible. Irregular shapes should also be avoided as they disrupt balanced family energy.
Regarding material and proportion, wooden dining tables are recommended as they represent strength and stability in Vastu. Make sure the table size is proportionate to the room to maintain a balanced and spacious appearance.
Colors
Use dining tables with calming and earthy tones based on Vastu-compliant shades like cream, light yellow, or beige. For dining room walls, the best colors are pink, orange, yellow, cream, or off-white.
Seating Arrangement and Directions
Proper seating arrangement ensures that the energy consumed with food is positive. The family head should face the east while eating to attract positive energy and ensure prosperity. While dining, the head of the family must face East. Other family members should avoid facing south during meals, as it can lead to health concerns or negativity.
Essential Vastu Elements and Corrections
Wash Basin or Sink Placement
Install the wash basin or sink in the east or north directions for proper alignment with water elements.
Position of Your Room’s Door
Vastu Shastra suggests placing your dining room’s doors in the north, west, or east direction. Ensure that the room’s entrance door is not across the main entrance, as these can affect seclusion, allowing the outside disturbance to enter the eating area. Placing the door in the right direction helps preserve a calm and cosy atmosphere that boosts your connection with other family members and the entire meal experience.
Placing Mirrors in Dining Room
According to Vastu principles, correct placement of mirrors enhances the positive vibe in your dining area. You can hang a mirror in the East or North wall of the dining area. This can be either against the north or east walls. Placing a mirror on the North or East wall is believed to attract abundance by doubling the food symbolically.
Lighting and Ambiance
Try incorporating some gentle artificial lighting to give your dining room a warm and inviting feel. You can include elegant chandeliers or pendant lights. Since these offer a touch of sophistication, they are excellent for family get-togethers and special dinners. For optimal lighting, aim for about 300–500 lux at the table during meals, while using shielded pendants to manage glare. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) advises maintaining appropriate illuminance levels and minimizing glare for visual comfort. Keep the dining area clean and well-lit to improve mood and digestion.
Decor and Aesthetics
You can incorporate various decorating elements in your dining area, such as wall paintings and photo frames. Ensure that the paintings and pictures depict happy and positive scenes, such as nature, landscapes, and family gatherings. These images evoke a sense of joy, tranquillity, and togetherness, which enhances family experiences and promotes family bonding. Never add images of loneliness, violence, and sorrow. Including these images can create a negative atmosphere, disrupting the room’s energy.
Place posters or photos of mouth-watering dishes in the dining area to arouse hunger. Decorate the dining area with fresh fruits and green plants for positive vibes. Avoid placing the dining table under a beam, as it creates stress and negativity.
Behavioral and Holistic Considerations
While Vastu focuses on spatial arrangement, the emotional energy of the space is equally important. Eating in bedrooms can disturb emotional energy. A family, while eating, should always be relaxed, happy, and stress-free. Family members must speak politely to each other while eating; they should converse respectfully at all times. While a family is talking on a dining table, they should not make fun about inadequacy of anyone. The dining table must not become a classroom of etiquette for anyone as they may lose interest in consuming food.
Play soft and subdued music in dining room. Please avoid the idiot box (TV) in the dining room so that the whole family spends quality time together. Following these rules ensures your home aligns with cosmic energies.
Conclusion
Designing a dining room with Vastu Shastra principles involves careful consideration of location, table placement, seating directions, and decor. By adhering to these guidelines, such as placing the room in the West, East, or North; using rectangular wooden tables; seating the family head facing East; and incorporating positive imagery and gentle lighting, one can create a space that promotes health, prosperity, and strong family bonds. The integration of these ancient spatial principles with modern understanding of well-being and ergonomics allows for a dining area that is not only Vastu-compliant but also a nurturing hub for emotional connection and physical nourishment.