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According to Vastu Shastra, the main door of a home is not only the entry point for the family but also for energy. “The main door is a transition zone, through which we enter the house, from the outer world. It is a place from where happiness and good luck enters the home,” says Mumbai-based Vastu consultant, Nitien Parmar. “Consequently, the main entrance has been accorded prime importance, as it lets in or keeps out the cosmic energy flow that promotes health, wealth and harmony. Moreover, the main door also creates the first impression of a house,” he points out.
Direction of the main door
“The main door should always be in the north, north-east, east, or west, as these directions are considered auspicious. Avoid having the main door in the south, south-west, north-west (north side), or south-east (east side) directions. A door in the south or south-west, can be corrected by using a lead metal pyramid and lead helix. A door in the north-west can be corrected, with a brass pyramid and a brass helix, while a door in the south-east direction can be corrected, by using a copper helix,” suggests Parmar.
The main door should be bigger than any other door in the house and should open in a clockwise manner. Avoid having three doors in a line, parallel to the main door, as this is considered as a serious Vastu defect and can affect the happiness in the home.
See also: Vastu tips for bedroom
Materials used for the main door
- A wooden door is considered most auspicious for the main entrance.
- South direction: the door should have a combination of wood and metal.
- West: should have metal work.
- Northern door: should have more of silver colour.
- East: should be made of wood and adorned with limited metal accessories.

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Main door and its visibility as per Vastu
Both, Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui principles suggest that the main door should be prominent, visible and easily identifiable. Adding your house number or even your name are good ways to make the main entrance stand out. It is also better to have a simple nameplate on the door, rather than going in for engravings for ornamentation.

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Remember that the main door should be seven ft in height with a width of at least three ft. Big doors bring in more energy into the house. So, avoid short doors. Also, all the other doors in the house should be shorter in height. The back door should not be used by owners as the main entrance. It can be used by your domestic help or other staff.
Decorating the area around the main door
Cleanliness, especially around the main entrance, attracts positive energy in the home. Do not keep dustbins, broken chairs or stools, near the main door, cautions Kajaal Rohira, a holistic healer from Mumbai.
“The area surrounding the main door, should have adequate light. Never place a mirror opposite to main entrance, which reflects the main door, as it will cause the energy to bounce back,” says Rohira.
Tanya Sinha, a homemaker from Delhi, rejected almost a dozen flats, as the main entrance of the house was not according to Vastu Shastra, before buying a home with an entrance in the east. “The main door of my house has been artistically designed, with a matte gold finish. It has a carved swastika design and a gold-coloured name plate on it. The main entrance exudes a warm welcome and I have also placed a lovely yellow lamp at the entrance,” she explains.

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The main door should always have a threshold, (marble or wood), as it is believed that it absorbs negative vibes and allows only positive energy to pass through. Decorate the main door with divine symbols like, Om, swastika, cross, etc., and put rangolis on the floor, as they are considered auspicious and invite good fortune.
Vastu dos and don’ts for the main door
Lighting at the main door
Always have a bright light at the entrance but avoid red-coloured lights. The main door should be well-lit in the evening.
Decoration at the main door
Decorate the entrance with green plants, if there is space. Torans are also good as decorations for the main door. Animal statues and other figures or even fountains and water-elements should be avoided near the main door.
Positioning of the main door
The main door should open at 90 degrees, without any obstacles in the way. Ensure that it opens in a clockwise direction. Ensure that the hinges are oiled regularly and the door accessories are polished. There should not be any broken or chipped wood, or missing screws at the entrance. Extra nails must be removed.
Nameplate and Vastu
Always put up a nameplate. A metal nameplate is recommended, if the door is in the north or west direction. Use a wooden nameplate, if the door is in the south or east direction.
Quality of wood to be used in the main door
Use only superior quality wood and note that the height of this door should be greater than other doors in your home.

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Main doors and bathrooms
Bathrooms should not be placed close to the main door.
Colour of the main door
Do not paint the main door in black colour.
What to avoid at the main entrance of your house?
No shoe racks
Most often people keep the shoe racks close to the main door of their house. It helps them remove their shoes and keep them away as soon as they come back home. While it is convenient, it should be avoided. The same holds true for dustbins and broken furniture near the main door.
Check the layout of the property
In big cities, you do not have much control or say about the layout of your home. However, if you are buying a property, check that the main door does not face another home’s entrance. This can create problems. Shadows cast by another person’s main door or even a plant, is not good for your house.
Nature and kind of doors
Avoid sliding doors at the entrance of your home. Even circular-shaped doors must not be used. They may look fashionable but do not abide by the rules of Vastu. Stick to simple, superior quality door for the entrance. Wood is a preferred choice and it is also said to correct any dosha. It is also recommended that there should be a threshold at the main door. Do ensure that the house is not on the same level as the ground. This signifies the positive environment inside the house, as against the negative energy that is outside. The threshold acts as a barrier for the entry of bad vibes and also prevents loss of wealth. If there are stairs, these should be in odd numbers. Similarly, a doormat is important. When you dust the feet before you step inside the home, it signifies leaving all sorts of negative energies outside the home.
Placement of septic tanks
A septic tank should never be placed at the entrance of the main door.
Placement of the main door
You must not place the main door in the corner of the house. The corners of the house must be left empty, for the wellness of the inhabitants.
Lighting near the main entrance
It is also advisable that your main entrance should be well-lit, just the way you want your mood to be lit up. Use warm lights and never go for dark, dingy entrances. It is both unwelcoming and distressing. Check for dents or scratches on the main door, as these are not advisable. Cracked doors can lead to loss of respect.
Foyer space
The foyer is also important as per Vastu. A well-decorated foyer space,as per our philosophy does wonders to the home and its inhabitants. Unfortunately not everyone in urban areas today can afford such homes due to lack of space. However, if you can afford the ideal positioning of a house is one where a narrow passage leads into a wider space – that is your home.
Mirror
Never place a mirror opposite the main door.
See also: How to use mirrors in home decor
Best positions for placing the main door
Refer to the image below, for the best direction to place your main door. 1 stands for the best position and the others are marked consecutively in the figure.
Here’s why certain directions are better than others:
- North-east: Like the figure shows, north-east is the most auspicious, when it comes to placing your main door. This is also a direction that derives immense energy owing to its exposure to the sun in the morning. It adds vitality and energy into the house and its inhabitants.
- North: It is believed that this placement can bring wealth and fortune to the family and hence, it is the second-best direction to place your main door or entrance.
- East: Not a very ideal location but the east direction is said to enhance your power. It also adds to the festivity.
- South-east: Never settle for south-west. It is the south-east you should choose, if there is no other option.
- North-west: If there is no other option and you must have the entrance in the north direction, ensure that it is the north-west direction. The benefits of the evening sun and prosperity can be welcomed this way.

FAQ
Which direction is good for house entrance?
The main door/entrance should always be in the north, north-east, east, or west, as these directions are considered auspicious. Avoid having the main door in the south, south-west, north-west (north side), or south-east (east side) directions.
Can main door face south-east?
Avoid main door in south-east direction. A door in the south or south-west, can be corrected by using a lead metal pyramid and lead helix.
Can we keep mirror in front of main door?
Never place a mirror opposite to main entrance, which reflects the main door, as it will cause the energy to bounce back.
What should be placed in front of main door?
A clean house, especially the main entrance, attracts positive energy. Avoid keeping dustbins, broken chairs or stools, near the main door. The main door should always have a threshold, (marble or wood), as it is believed that it absorbs negative vibes and allows only positive energy to pass through. Decorate the main door with divine symbols like Om, swastika, cross, etc., and put rangolis on the floor, as they are considered auspicious and invite good fortune.
(With inputs from Sneha Sharon Mammen)
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