The dining area represents a sacred space within the home where nourishment is received and family bonds are strengthened. According to Vastu Shastra, the placement, orientation, and design of the dining table and surrounding area significantly influence the health, prosperity, and harmony of the household. The provided guidelines emphasize that the dining room should be situated close to the kitchen, ideally in the southwest, northwest, or northeast directions of the house. For those seeking to promote profitability, locating the dining room in the western direction of a building is considered highly auspicious.
When considering the kitchen's location, Vastu principles advise against placing the kitchen in the southwest corner of the house, as this is believed to obstruct financial growth and deteriorate the owner’s health. Conversely, the kitchen should ideally be located in the southeast or northwest directions. The act of cooking itself is best performed facing east. If a kitchen is situated in the northeast, it is considered a significant Vastu dosh, potentially bringing negative vibes and causing feuds amongst family members. In such cases, specific remedies are suggested to mitigate these effects.
The relationship between the kitchen and dining area is crucial. It is recommended that different floors for the kitchen and dining room should not exist, as carrying food from one floor to another causes inconvenience and disrupts the flow of energy. Therefore, setting the dining table direction as per Vastu involves placing it nearby the kitchen to avoid worriment and ensure ease of service.
Optimal Placement and Orientation of the Dining Table
The placement of the dining table within the dining room requires careful attention to spatial energy. The table must be placed in the centre of the dining room and not in the southwest corner of the house. Furthermore, the dining table position should never be pushed against a wall; there should be sufficient space around the table to allow energy to circulate freely and to ensure easy movement. Positioning a dining table under a staircase is considered a major Vastu flaw, as is placing it under a beam, which creates pressure and stress.
Regarding the orientation of family members during meals, the head of the house must face east while eating. Other family members should face either east, west, or north directions. Facing south while eating is strictly avoided, as it is believed to cause petty quarrels. To further enhance positive energy, it is suggested that family members ideally sit facing East or North while eating.
The dining room door also holds significance. The door of the dining room must not face the main entrance of the house. Instead, the door should face either east, north, or west. While the door can be decorated, the focus remains on its directional alignment. Additionally, the wash-basin within the dining area must be located in the east or north directions but never in the southeast or southwest corners.
Directional Attributes for Dining Areas
The choice of direction for the dining area is paramount in Vastu Shastra. The West direction is considered the best for placing the dining table, believed to promote good digestion, a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen family relationships. North or East-facing dining areas are also auspicious. The North direction helps attract wealth and prosperity, while the East direction is linked to overall health and vitality. However, the South direction should be avoided, as placing the dining table in the South zone may lead to conflicts or health issues among family members.
| Direction | Recommendation | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| West | Highly Recommended | Promotes good digestion, healthy lifestyle, strengthens family bonds. |
| North | Good | Attracts wealth and prosperity. |
| East | Good | Linked to overall health and vitality. |
| South | Avoid | May lead to conflicts or health issues. |
It is also important to note that the dining room should ideally be on the ground floor and adjacent to the kitchen. The home's main entrance should not directly face the dining table, as this disrupts the overall Vastu balance of the living and dining areas.
Ideal Shapes and Materials for Dining Tables
Vastu Shastra places significant emphasis on the shape of the dining table. Square or rectangular tables are preferable, while round, egg-shaped, oval, or irregular shapes should be avoided. A stable, rectangular, or square table encourages clear thinking and decisive action, which can positively impact financial matters and foster a sense of togetherness. Square or rectangular shapes represent harmony and stability. In contrast, round or oval shapes do not have a clear head and can cause confusion and disturb the energy flow.
The material of the dining table also plays a vital role in the energy of the space: * Wood: The wood table indicates growth and ranks first when selecting a dining table. It brings warmth, natural energy, and grounding vibes. * Stone: Stone tables represent earth elements according to Vastu and ensure stability. * Glass: A glass table promotes transparency in the conversation. However, it is preferable to have a wooden base to maintain balance. * Metal: Metal dining tables are not ideal as they can emit cold and harsh vibrations.
Additionally, dining tables should be sturdy and not foldable or attached to walls, ensuring a sense of permanence and stability.
Aesthetic and Environmental Considerations
The color and ambiance of the dining space significantly influence the energy. Light and soothing colors are recommended. Opting for natural wood finishes, light browns, or shades of cream and beige promotes a calm and pleasant atmosphere. Specific Vastu colors like light blue, yellow, saffron, or light green painted on the walls can create a happy atmosphere. Conversely, dark colors such as black or very dark brown should be avoided for the dining table and in the dining area, as they can absorb positive energy and create a sense of heaviness.
Maintaining cleanliness around the dining table is essential to encourage positive energy. Clutter or unused items on or under the dining table should be avoided. Broken or chipped crockery should never be used on the table, as it is believed to invite negative energy. The dining area should be well-lit and ventilated. Adding a small indoor plant, such as a money plant, near the dining table can help attract positivity.
Prohibitions and Remedial Measures
Several placements are strictly prohibited in Vastu for dining areas: * Toilets: Toilets should never be in the same room as the dining area, as this creates inauspicious and unhygienic conditions. However, a laundry area or room does not pose any harm. * Bedrooms: Dining tables in bedrooms disturb the sanctity of personal space and should be avoided. * Center of the House: Placing the dining table right in the center of the house disrupts the energy balance and should be avoided. * Main Entrance: The dining table should not be placed directly in front of the main entrance.
For kitchens located in the northeast, which is a significant Vastu defect, specific remedies are suggested to avoid inconvenience and negative impacts. Additionally, the placement of the washing area in the kitchen should face the northeastern direction and be kept away from the stove to hold back peace and love within the family.
To enhance the energy of the dining area, a mirror can be kept on the North or East wall of the dining area. This is believed to double the food and wealth, symbolizing abundance.
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu guidelines for dining table and kitchen placement is a practical approach to creating a positive, peaceful, and prosperous home environment. By carefully selecting the direction, shape, material, and color of the dining table, and by ensuring the dining area is clean, well-lit, and harmoniously connected to the kitchen, households can foster better health, stronger relationships, and overall well-being. The principles guide the creation of a space that not only nourishes the body but also supports the spiritual and emotional vitality of the family.