Should the Main Door Open Inward or Outward?
The main door is not just an entrance but also the face of the house, the first place to welcome guests. It is also the intersection of indoor and outdoor airflows, directly affecting the home’s feng shui. Therefore, a reasonably designed main door not only creates convenience but also helps attract positive energy and brings good luck and fortune.
Many homeowners pay attention to the size and color of the main door but often overlook whether it should open inward or outward. Although a minor detail, the opening direction can impact both feng shui and daily life convenience.
Opening the door outward saves indoor space and creates a more spacious feeling, especially suitable for small houses. However, if the house has a narrow front, opening the door outward can be inconvenient for passersby and easily affect the neighbors, especially when the houses are close together.
On the other hand, inward-opening doors avoid the above limitations. However, this arrangement occupies indoor space and can be obstructive in a small area.
According to feng shui principles, the main door should open inward. This is because the main door welcomes positive energy into the house, and inward opening allows for better guidance and circulation of this energy. Conversely, if the door opens outward, good fortune and luck may be pushed away, and negative energy may enter the house.
In reality, the opening direction also depends on the overall design and type of door used. For example, if the house has two layers of doors (such as a combination of a wooden door and a rolling door, stacking doors, etc.), the main door usually opens inward due to the outer protective door. Additionally, if there is a height difference between the indoor and outdoor areas, opening the door inward is a more reasonable solution.
Other Considerations for Main Door Design
Ensure proper air circulation: The main door plays a crucial role in welcoming natural light and air into the house. Therefore, the design should focus on air circulation to keep the indoor space airy and harmonious.
Appropriate door size for the house: The size of the main door should be calculated based on the house’s area and number of stories. When building or renovating, consult an architect to design a door that is proportional to the overall structure. If the door is too large, positive energy may escape; conversely, if it is too small, it will restrict the inflow of positive energy.
If the door is already built and is not suitable, remedies can be applied. For instance, if the door is too wide, hanging wind chimes outside can effectively prevent negative energy and disperse positive energy. If the door is too narrow or low, consider renovating to widen it to avoid affecting the feng shui.
Avoid placing the main door directly opposite the back door: If the main door and back door are in a straight line, the incoming airflow will quickly escape, reducing positive energy. To remedy this, place a tall plant or design a shield between the two doors to redirect the airflow and improve energy circulation.
Do not place the main door directly opposite a large tree or mountain gap: A large tree in front of the main door can obstruct positive energy and bring negative energy that affects the family’s health. It is also not advisable to have the main door facing a cul-de-sac as this area tends to accumulate negative energy. Additionally, if there is a mountain gap directly opposite the door, the homeowner may feel anxious and worried.
Keep the main door area clean and bright: The area in front of the main door should be regularly cleaned to create a comfortable and spacious feeling. If the area lacks lighting, consider installing additional lamps to enhance brightness and increase positive energy for the house.