Decorating with the Metal Element

True to its character, the Metal element gives shape and form to many household furnishings. For example, a metal base is often used to give support to a table. Lamp bases, chair legs, window casings are other examples. Metal is also used in building construction, particularly in multi-story buildings in the form of steel construction where strength is paramount. Metal is often used for appliances, such as a stainless steel dishwasher. Metal comes in a variety of forms, including aluminum, steel, and iron. Because of the functionality of the Metal element, it most commonly occurs in our spaces in its literal form as opposed to symbolically.

A variety of rocks are considered to be the Metal Element in some Feng Shui Perspectives. Different composites of rock are used to create granite, slate, and marble finishes in homes. These finishes are often used as countertops because of the compatibility of the Metal and Water elements. For example, a wood countertop would soak up water, whereas a granite countertop is impervious to water and is able to maintain its integrity. This is the same reason metal is used for plumbing fixtures and even copper plumbing lines.

Metal is also used for decorative purposes in a balanced feng shui home. For example, metal art and frames are common. Accenting furniture and art with gold and silver is another way to bring Metal into a space. Including rocks in a decorative arrangement is a nice way to include the Metal element in an organic way. Crystals and gemstones are also Metal elements and can be used decoratively and/or to energetically charge spaces according to feng shui. Gemstones are known for having energetic properties specific to their color and composition.

Shape

The shape associated with the Metal element in feng shui is round. I always think of a metal washer used in construction as an example of the round shape of the Metal element. Examples of round-shaped items include tabletops, clocks, mirrors, lamps or table bases.

Color

The colors associated with the Metal element in feng shui are gold, silver, white, and pastels. Gold and silver are the most common associations with metal because base metals most commonly occur in this way.

Common Metal Element Household Items are:

Appliances
Granite and slate countertops
Marble finishes
Aluminum finishes
Stone finishes, i.e. exterior of home, fireplace
Copper finishes
Concrete
Shells
Salt lamps
Rod-iron railing
Metal chair legs
Metal table bases
Wall clocks
Metal art
Crystals and gemstones

Tisha Morris is a feng shui consultant, energy healer, and author of Mind Body Home (Llewellyn Worldwide) and Feng Shui Your Life: The Quick Guide to Decluttering Your Home and Renewing Your Life (Turner Publishing).  She is also a well-known entertainment lawyer and publisher and is passionate about her clients and the wellness of the world.