There are many important tenets of feng shui, or the art of arranging living spaces to create balance with nature. The practice notes that you should never put a bed on the same wall as a door (you should be able to see the entrance from your perch), allow clutter to accumulate (it can disrupt the flow of energy), or leave your toilet lid open (good fortune can go right down the drain!). But, as it turns out, there are some paint colors that are also pretty unlucky.
According to Victor Cheung, a traditional feng shui practitioner and owner of Feng Shui Nexus, there are no truly "unlucky" colors in feng shui, but there are hues that can have a negative impact when used improperly. Here, we outline the unluckiest paint colors and the beneficial ways you can use them instead.
READ THIS NEXT: The Luckiest Colors to Paint Your Front Door, According to Feng Shui Experts.
1 | Black
ShutterstockCheung notes that although the color black isn't technically "unlucky," it might be best to avoid using it in an entire room.
"Pitch black absorbs light and makes the room seem dark, which drains away energy," says Cheung.
Other colors on the dark side of the spectrum can do the same, as they "represent Water in the Five Elements of feng shui," explains Cheung. "Too much of that will demotivate and drain one's life energy away—which ultimately hurts career and wealth."
2 | Red
archideaphoto / iStockRed is often considered a lucky color, but too much of it can have the opposite effect, which is why Cheung advises against using it excessively.
"Red represents Fire in the Five Elements, and although it can stimulate love and emotions, too much of it irritates us, potentially leading to altercations and negatively affecting relationships," he says.
If your relationship already suffers from frivolous fights and high tempers—or if you're routinely overstimulated by the smallest of things—you'll want to take a pass on the vibrant hue.
READ THIS NEXT: 5 Unlucky Things You Should Never Keep in Your Home, Feng Shui Experts Say.
3 | Pink
iStock / onurdongelA soft pink looks harmless, right? According to feng shui consultant and astrologerLinda Berry, not so much.
"It might seem to represent romance and love, but if used in large quantities in the home, this color easily makes people irritable to the point of disharmony and non-trust," she explains. "It can actually lead to separation and disillusionment of relationships as well as divorce."
She says to avoid it, especially if you're a vulnerable newlywed or your relationship is on the rocks.
4 | Bright Yellow
iStock /You'll want to exercise caution when decorating with this highly stimulating hue.
"An excessive use of intense yellow may create an overwhelming and chaotic energy in a space, potentially leading to restlessness or irritability," says Matthias Dettmann, a tarot reader and feng shui teacher. "It's all about finding the right balance and creating a harmonious environment that supports the specific needs and preferences of the occupants."
Offset bright yellow with colors that are softer and less bold.
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5 | Anything Neon
ShutterstockNeon colors fall into a similar category—and Dettmann says he personally avoids using them.
"These colors can create an imbalanced and disruptive energy in a space, potentially affecting the overall harmony and well-being of the occupants," he says. "Instead, I prefer to work with a palette of soothing and balanced colors that promote a sense of calmness and harmony, such as soft neutrals, pastels, or earthy tones."
If a neon shade intrigues you, add it to your space in the form of an accent piece. Or find a paint chip and consider the shade a few levels lighter—it just might improve your life and good fortune.
