Feng Shui and Mirrors – The Good and the Bad

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

In modern homes, mirrors are often praised for their aesthetic appeal and practical uses—they make rooms look bigger, bounce light around, and serve everyday grooming needs. But in Feng Shui, mirrors are not neutral objects. They are powerful energy reflectors, and how you place them can make or break the balance of Qi in your home.

The question isn’t whether mirrors are good or bad—it’s about where, how, and why they are used. Whether a mirror placement is beneficial or not, it will depend on how and where you place it. So let’s explore the good and bad Feng Shui of mirrors, especially in the context of Singapore homes where space constraints and urban layouts present unique challenges.

The Symbolic Role of Mirrors in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, mirrors are associated with the the metal element, known for its reflective and flowing nature. The rationale is that in Ancient china, mirrors are usually made of brass or bronze hence it is closely associated with the metal element.

Mirrors are primarily used for reflection and this “doubles” the image. This connection makes mirrors tools of magnification and redistribution—they reflect not only physical forms but also energy.

Mirrors:

• Expand spaces energetically

• Amplify what they reflect

• Redirect Qi (energy) flow

• Double both positive and negative elements

Because of this, a mirror can either solve a Feng Shui problem or create one, depending on placement. A double edge sword is something that we usually tell our clients when during Feng Shui consultation.

 

The Good: When Mirrors Enhance Feng Shui

Dining Room: Doubling Abundance

Dining Room Mirror

One of the most auspicious places to hang a mirror is in the dining room, especially when it reflects a table full of food. In traditional Chinese symbolism, this represents doubling of wealth and abundance. This is especially true if your dining table is always full of auspicious fruits such as mandarin orange, apples or pineapples. However, if the table is usually empty, then you may want to consider having picture of fruits to reflect instead.

Tips:

• Ensure the mirror is large, clean, and reflects the full table

• Avoid placing it too high, otherwise, the effect might not be there.

Narrow Hallways and Dark Corridors

Singapore flats often have narrow corridors or internal spaces that lack natural light. Placing a mirror here can help brighten and expand the visual space, improving Qi flow. From an interior design perspective, having mirrors also create the illusion of a wider space.

Ideal placements:

• On the side wall of the hallway, not at the end

• Paired with warm lighting or plants to enhance positive energy

The Bad: Common Mirror Mistakes and Their Consequences

Mirrors Facing the Bed

This is perhaps the most serious Feng Shui mistake involving mirrors. You may read this separate article that talks about bed placement and mirrors. Having a mirror that reflects the bed can:

• Disrupt sleep patterns

• Cause anxiety or nightmares

• Create tension in romantic relationships

• Invite a “third party” energy (symbolically another person)

Mirrors also extend to those of a dressing table, a TV (Reflective) or a mirrored wardrobe that directly faces the table.

Facing the Main Door

When a mirror reflects the main entrance, it pushes all incoming Qi back out. This results in:

• Difficulty attracting wealth and opportunities

• Poor retention of good fortune

• Instability in household energy

Facing the Stove

Mirrors reflecting the kitchen stove double the Fire element, leading to:

• Increased arguments or temper issues

• Digestive problems or restlessness

• Imbalance in family harmony

This is especially damaging in smaller flats where the kitchen is already compact.

Facing Toilets or Rubbish Bins

Mirrors amplifying negative areas—such as toilets, drains, or garbage bins—also double the undesirable Qi. This can lead to:

• Health problems

• Financial drains

• Emotional stagnation

Special Mirror Shapes and Frames

In Feng Shui, the shape of the mirror matters:

• Round mirrors – Represent unity and harmony (best for dining and living areas)

• Square or rectangular mirrors – Stable and grounding (suitable for offices or hallways)

• Octagonal mirrors (Ba Gua mirrors) – Ba Gua mirrors are used as one of the common Feng Shui items to address sha qi. This is usually used for external purpose and should not be place in internal layouts unless special circumstances. If uncertain, it is best to consult a professional Feng Shui consultant on placement of Ba Gua Mirrors

• Odd-shape Mirrors – Some mirrors may have different shapes. This could have different representation.

Avoid:

• Broken or cracked mirrors (symbolise distorted Qi and poor self-image)

• Frameless mirrors in bedrooms

• Mirrors with pointed or jagged edges

Tips for Safe Mirror Use in Singapore Homes

1. Always reflect something positive

   Place mirrors where they reflect beauty—such as plants, a neat living room, or soft lighting.

2. Keep them clean

   Dusty or fogged mirrors disrupt clarity and attract unclear thinking or delays in life.

3. Avoid tilting mirrors downward

   This symbolises pressure and suppression, especially when placed above work desks or dining tables.

4. Avoid mosaic or segmented mirrors

   These can fragment a person’s reflection, representing disunity, scattered thoughts, or fractured relationships.

5. Do not use mirrors on ceilings, especially in bedrooms.

   Popular in some design trends, ceiling mirrors bring excessive Yang energy and create pressure while sleeping—definitely not Feng Shui-friendly.

Remedies If You Can’t Move a Mirror

If a mirror cannot be relocated due to built-in carpentry or design constraints:

• Use curtains or mirror covers at night in bedrooms

• Consider having a retractable cover for the mirror

• If it is a tv, we advise covering it or consider a furnishing that enables you to hide the tv when unused.

Conclusion - Placing your mirror correctly for Good Feng Shui

Mirrors are powerful tools in Feng Shui. Used correctly, they can brighten, expand, and uplift the energy of your home. But misused, they can double chaos, drain fortune, and disturb sleep and relationships.

In compact urban homes like those in Singapore, mirror placement requires extra care. A little attention to their location, reflection, and symbolism can go a long way in preserving your household’s harmony.

Not sure if your home’s mirrors are helping or harming your energy? Consult Moon FengShui Consulting today and reflect your best self.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional Feng Shui advice. Feng Shui practices and interpretations can vary, and their effectiveness may differ based on individual circumstances and specific locations. For personalized guidance, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified Feng Shui Master or professional consultant who can assess your unique situation. The author and company are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the application of Feng Shui principles described in this article. Always use caution and discretion when implementing any Feng Shui methods.