Paintings Behind Office Chairs

When choosing paintings to hang behind office chairs, caution is advised, as there are both taboos and suitable options to consider.

Taboos:

• Content of the Paintings: Avoid paintings of fierce animals, such as tigers or lions, as these can create a sense of oppression. Negative paintings, like those depicting withered trees or sunsets, can diminish work motivation. Paintings with dark colors can easily make people feel down. It is also best to avoid hanging calligraphy, as there is a superstitious belief that it brings bad luck.
• Layout of the Paintings: Be cautious with portraits, especially abstract ones, as prolonged viewing can cause irritation. Paintings with sharp corners are considered to have negative energy in Feng Shui, affecting the stability of the atmosphere. Collage paintings are not recommended, as their scattered appearance can be unsettling. It is most taboo to hang photos of deceased relatives, as this can affect work performance.
• Other Considerations: It is not advisable to hang calligraphy behind office chairs, as the lack of supervision can lead to laziness, and the calligraphy may distract attention, affecting work efficiency. Hanging calligraphy or paintings of landscapes like waterfalls behind you may tire others and affect their concentration. While the phrase “Heaven rewards diligence” is encouraging, improper use can backfire and increase work burdens.

Suitable Options:

• Feng Shui Backing Mountains: Many leaders and business owners prefer to hang Feng Shui backing mountain landscape paintings behind their office chairs, symbolizing support and creating a harmonious office layout that enhances career luck. For example, traditional Chinese paintings of the Great Wall, with mountains but no water, symbolize the enduring strength of a family or company. Paintings of Mount Tai represent stability and a solid foundation, as per Feng Shui principles. Paintings of high mountains and flowing water feature towering peaks and rugged landscapes, blending scenery and emotion to create a profound and artistic ambiance.
• Other Landscape Paintings: Works like Chen Hougang’s “Mighty万里雄风” depict the Great Wall as a backing mountain with a continuous dragon vein, symbolizing thriving career development. Qin Dingyuan’s “Auspicious Autumn” features red mountains, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity in business. Ning Liangcheng’s “Treasure Mountain and Rich Waters” showcases majestic mountains, exuding a powerful and rugged energy.

Size and Placement of Paintings: In smaller offices, it is advisable to hang paintings that are four to five feet in size to avoid a sense of oppression. In larger spaces, larger paintings can be used to maintain harmony. Paintings should be placed on the wall behind the desk, with the center of the painting positioned slightly above the eye level of a standing person, around two meters high. Avoid hanging too many paintings.