Use Mirrors

• Fireplaces cause an energy leak in the area in the home in which they are positioned. For example, if the fireplace is located in the wealth area of your home, the leaking chi will suck out prosperity as well. A fireplace in the health area of your home could spur exhaustion. Counter these leaks by placing a mirror above the mantelpiece or near the fireplace. This will reflect the chi away from the fireplace and prevent drainage. Be careful not to position the mirror so that it bounces chi directly back toward the entry door, where it will escape the home. Turn it in a way to reflect energy into a different area of the home.
  
  

Block Chi

• To prevent energy from escaping up the chimney keep a metal screen over the fireplace at all times. During the summer months, when the fireplace isn't active, place a painting or large photograph in front of the mouth of the fireplace. If the fireplace isn't used at all, consider blocking it completely with bricks or other construction materials.
  
  

Grow Plants

• Fireplaces destroy wood and wood is an important element in feng shui. Counter this destructive effect by adding leafy green plants to both sides of the fireplace. The point is to make it seem like things are alive and growing. Artificial plants do not work as well as live plants, but are better than nothing. If you must use artificial plants choose those with silky leaves that look and feel like real plants. Photographs or paintings of trees or forests also work well in this area.
  
  

Use Water and Earth Elements

• Make the fireplace less wood-destructive by battling it with the water and earth elements. Water and earth destroy fire and are both required for wood to grow. Place a fountain near or inside the fireplace. A bowl of seashells, representing water, works well placed on the mantel. Pottery and clay decorations made from the earth are a good way to incorporate that element into your home.