Furniture Superstitions: Myths and Beliefs About Home Decor Around the World

Every culture has its own set of beliefs and superstitions around furniture, bringing a sense of tradition and mystique into home decor. From mirror placements to lucky colors, these beliefs shape how we arrange and decorate our spaces.

Mirrors and Feng Shui

In Chinese Feng Shui, mirrors are thought to amplify energy. While mirrors are often placed near entryways to invite positive energy, mirrors in the bedroom are sometimes discouraged, as they are believed to reflect too much energy and disrupt sleep. For a balanced and harmonious room, it’s suggested to avoid placing mirrors where they directly reflect the bed.

Bed Placement and Superstitions

In many cultures, the position of a bed is considered important for health and well-being. Feng Shui recommends placing the bed where it is visible from the doorway but not directly aligned with it, as this placement is thought to symbolize protection and security. Similarly, some Western beliefs discourage placing the bed under a window, where it’s thought that one’s “energy” could be disturbed by outside forces.

Lucky and Unlucky Colors

Color superstitions vary widely. In many cultures, red is considered auspicious and is often used in furniture or decor to attract prosperity. Conversely, green was once considered an unlucky color in Western cultures, especially during the Victorian era when toxic arsenic dyes were used to achieve vibrant shades of green in fabrics and wallpapers. Today, green is popular for its connection to nature and calming effect, making it a popular choice for modern decor.