Feng Shui Cures for Stairs – Maisonettes and Penthouses

Stairs facing Main Door

Feng Shui Cures for Stairs – Maisonettes and Penthouses

In Singapore, maisonettes, penthouses, and even some landed homes often feature internal staircases. While they’re architecturally appealing and functionally necessary, from a Feng Shui standpoint, stairs can disrupt energy flow and create imbalances if not adequately managed.

We will be covering a bit more on interior stairways and how they impact Feng Shui with a focus on mansionettes and Penthouses (split-level homes). For landed property, there is a separate article that discusses the dos and don’ts.

This article will explain the Feng Shui implications of staircases, especially in residential duplexes, and offer practical cures and adjustments that align with Chinese metaphysical principles. Whether you live in a maisonette HDB or a penthouse condo, understanding staircase Feng Shui can dramatically shift your home’s energy.

Why Staircases Are Problematic in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, Qi energy (气) flows like water. It should circulate smoothly through your space, gently rising and falling. A staircase, especially a steep or poorly placed one, can cause Qi to rush or drop too quickly, creating instability. We can understand the stairs as a waterfall.

Common energetic concerns include:

1. Staircase Facing Front Door

This is one of the most inauspicious staircase layouts. When a staircase faces the front door of your main entrance, energy entering the home immediately rushes upward or downward, depending on direction, instead of dispersing gently throughout the house.

Effects:

• Wealth flows out or bypasses the home.

• Residents may experience instability in their careers or finances.

• Difficulty in retaining opportunities.

2. Staircase in the Center of the Home

Suppose your staircase is located at the center of the house (like in many maisonette HDB layouts). In that case, it symbolises drilling through the heart of the home, potentially weakening its stability. Well, the "center of the house" is not a common layman term. Still, rather, it is from a Feng Shui perspective, after considering your living space's layout and floor plan. Having such a layout is usually quite concerning from a Feng Shui standpoint as it signifies a lack of foundation and poor congregation of energy.

Effects:

• Emotional imbalance.

• Poor health, especially related to the digestive system or the heart.

• Tensions between family members.

  
  

3. Stairs Facing Bedrooms or Bathrooms

Staircases facing room doors, particularly bedrooms or toilets, channel rushing Qi directly into those spaces.

Effects:

• Restlessness or poor sleep.

• Financial instability.

• Weak health for occupants of those rooms.

Understanding Stair Types and Their Energetic Influence

Spiral Staircase

➤ Spiral Staircase

The fusilli-shaped spiral staircase is also very similar in shape to drill bits. Having a spiral stairway is usually not encouraged. It is especially harmful if this occurs in the centre of a home. Spiral stairways also create chaotic energy flow due to their tight and twisting structure. (Just imagine your energy flow is spiralling)

➤ Floating or Open-Riser Stairs

This means that each steps have a gap between them. Very popular for modern aesthetics, but they allow Qi to “leak” through each gap. Symbolically, this suggests a lack of support and may translate to health or financial instability. Notice that this issue is not mutually exclusive with the above or below situation. Hence, a combination is possible.

➤ Steep or Narrow Stairs

Too steep a gradient causes rapid energy flow, which can affect nervous energy and lead to stress or quarrels. Among the three, this is usually less observed due to practical issues. So we will not dwell further on this.

Feng Shui Cures and Adjustments for Stairs

Even if your home has a less-than-ideal staircase, not all is lost. Feng Shui offers practical ways to harmonise the energy. When there is a problem, there is always a solution.

For Staircases Facing the Main Door

• Use a Divider or Screen

Place a solid partition or tall indoor plant between the door and the staircase to slow down the Qi.

• Double Door

Having a double door is a less effective alternative. It symbolises the delay of chi energy flow. This concept is somewhat similar to what you might find at aviary parks.

• Rug, Plant and 六帝铜钱

Placing a rug, plant or Ancient Chinese coins are possible cures to advert the negative effects of this situation.

• Install a Door or Sliding Panel (Sometimes even a partitioned wall)

If space permits, a door or partitioned wall separating the staircase from the main hall helps contain energy.

For Staircases in the Centre

• Place a Feng Shui Item

Depending on the methodology of each Feng Shui Master, a Feng Shui cure will be very much dependent on the specific situation. In our practice, we typically use ceramic vases to mitigate the negative impact of having a staircase in the center. It will also promote good health and reduce medical issues, helping the occupants to avoid financial misfortune.

• Pi Xiu or Foo Dogs

Pi Xiu (貔貅) or Foo Dogs are also common alternatives that Feng Shui masters prefer. For spiral stairways in the centre, these Feng Shui mythical guardians can prevent poison arrows and create a balance of energy. Do note that Foo Dogs are commonly used for the main door.

For Floating Stairs

• Add Risers or Close Gaps

Retrofit with solid risers if possible to prevent good energy Qi from escaping.

• Place a Rug, Plant or 六地铜钱 at the Base

As with open stairs, the same items are used to advert the negative effects of a floating stairs. For Bedroom-Facing Staircases or Stairways facing the dining room

• Use Curtains or Door Beads

  
  

• Soft curtains can symbolically separate the two spaces. The longer the curtain, the more effective it will be.

  
  

• Movable partitioned with long rectangular paintings are also effective in creating a division between the stairways and living areas.

Real-Life Example from Singapore

One maisonette client in Bishan had a staircase facing the main door. Family members were experiencing frequent illnesses and unexpected expenses. We introduced a curved divider (opaque) with calming lucky bamboo imagery to ensure that the staircase does not directly meet the front door. We also recommended placing a floor mat at the base of the stairs to negate any negative energy.

Within months, the family reported improved sleep and fewer financial disruptions. Simple adjustments made with intention can create tangible results.

Do note that in other instances, other Feng Shui items may be more appropriate, and this can range from water bodies or water features, a crystal wind chime, or a glass-framed painting.

Final Thoughts

Staircases are vital architectural features, but energetically complex in Feng Shui. Although this problem is not faced by the majority of the population, having a staircase in one’s residence may be very concerning from a Feng Shui perspective. Left untreated, they can disrupt energy flow, affecting health, wealth, and harmony.

Assuming you have just gotten your keys to a new apartment, it is best to ask these Feng Shui questions before renovations. With this in mind, your Feng Shui consultant can work closely with your interior designer to ensure the stairways will not be a concern in the future.

If you live in a maisonette or penthouse and feel your space lacks balance, your staircase may be the silent culprit. Seek a consultation from a Feng Shui professional for Feng Shui Cures for stairs.

At Moon FengShui Consulting, we help Singaporean homeowners create harmony across all levels—literally and energetically. Reach out for a tailored Feng Shui review of your home today.

At Moon FengShui Consulting, we help Singaporean homeowners create harmony across all levels—literally and energetically. Reach out for a tailored Feng Shui review of your home today.

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.