Nothing tops the feeling of sipping a hot cup of chai on the balcony or chilling on the terrace when life feels too overwhelming, right? But do you know that this simple ritual can steal your mental peace if your balcony or terrace doesn’t face the right direction? According to Vastu Shastra, the incorrect direction of balconies and terraces might lead to financial, emotional, and health issues. Wrong placement blocks the positive energy flow, affecting your the harmony of your home.

We asked Mumbai-based Vastu consultant Isha Sinhal to suggest tips for the placement, décor, and directions for balconies and terraces at home.

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Ideal directions for a balcony in Vastu Shastra

Your balcony isn’t just a space to unwind; it’s a doorway for energy to flow into your home. The balcony should face the right direction to keep you energised. Isha suggests that a balcony should ideally be in the North, Northeast or East of your home. “These directions allow fresh air, natural light, and positive pranic flow into the home,” the Vastu consultant says. You must avoid constructing the balcony in the Southwest as this direction is considered highly inauspicious in Vastu. “It carries heavy, grounding energy and might cause stagnancy or instability in life when left open,” Isha explains.

Ideal directions for a terrace in Vastu Shastra

Just like the balcony, the direction and layout of your terrace also play a crucial role in maintaining harmony and peace at home. So, you must ensure that your terrace faces the Northeast or East direction, according to Isha. “This way, the terrace will receive soft morning sunlight and cool air, which will promote clarity, vitality, and balanced energy,” the Vastu expert says. Isha suggests avoiding a South or West-facing terrace, as it receives harsh afternoon light, which can lead to extremely warm interiors. This might cause restlessness and frustration among your family members. But what if you can’t change the direction of your terrace? Isha suggests covering it with a shade to balance the excessive heat and emotional tension.

Like the direction of your balconies and terraces impacts mood, air quality, and the mental environment of the home, so does where you sit in such spaces.

Vastu-approved seating for balconies and terraces

According to Vastu Shastra, the right seating spot on balconies and terraces can enhance positivity and relaxation. Here are some ideal directions Isha suggests for sipping your morning coffee and meditating on balconies and terraces.

• Place seating along the South or West wall, so that you’re naturally facing the East or Northeast when seated.
• The East direction is ideal for morning tea, yoga, reading, or meditation, as it brings in healing light and mental clarity.
• You must avoid creating seating in an area where you face the Southwest for extended periods.

Many people also have balconies higher or lower than their room levels in a home. Is it Vastu-compliant either way, or should you be concerned?

Should a balcony be higher or lower than the main floor?

In Vastu Shastra, the height of your balcony can subtly affect energy and safety. A balcony should be lower or at the same level as the main indoor floor, according to Isha. “A raised balcony, especially in the Northeast, might block energy flow, disrupting financial and emotional growth,” Isha explains.

Do you also get annoyed when pigeons create a mess in your balcony? No matter what you do, these little pests won’t rest until they claim your space. Are you thinking of getting your balcony covered with a roof? Isha suggests placing a light, breathable cover, like fabric, bamboo, or pergola-style shade. You must not install a permanent roof or full glass covering, especially in the East or Northeast. “This might block natural energy and reduce Vastu benefits,” Isha says. The Vastu expert recommends opting for open or semi-open designs to cover your balconies. This will keep the light coming, leading to better energy flow in the home.

Now that you’ve made your balconies and terraces Vastu-compliant, it’s time to get the décor right as well.

Vastu-compliant décor for a balcony at home

We all love those Pinterest-like balconies and terrace spaces with lush green plants, cosy seating, and fairy lights. But does Vastu approve such décor? Yes, but with some conditions. For plants, Isha recommends keeping tulsi in the East or Northeast. She suggests placing your money plant in the North to attract wealth and financial opportunities. You can also keep other fragrant plants, including jasmine, areca palm, and marigold, as they enhance positivity. Isha warns against placing thorny plants except roses, as they attract negative energies and cause stress. You should also avoid placing plants like cacti or dried, dead plants, as they block incoming energy.

Apart from decorating your balcony and terrace spaces with plants, you can also use other décor items. Isha recommends hanging metal wind chimes in the Northwest. This will promote career opportunities, prosperity, and welcome influential people in your life. Isha also suggests placing soft green cushions in the East of your balcony as the colour symbolises growth and harmony. You must avoid heavy stone décor in the Northeast zone, as this might block the free flow of positive energy in your home.

If you want to connect with Vastu consultant Isha Sinhal for more personalised Vastu-related advice, you can find her here.

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