Art and paintings have the power to uplift the energy of a space. But according to Vastu Shastra, a traditional Indian architectural science, some artworks can attract negative vibrations. While aesthetics matter, it’s equally important to align your interior décor with positive spiritual energy.
In this article, we will walk you through which paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra so that your space radiates peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Paintings to Avoid at Home According to Vastu Shastra
According to Vastu Shastra, some paintings can disturb the energy flow in your home. Below are the types of paintings to avoid at home to maintain peace, positivity, and prosperity.
1. Paintings of Wars or Battles

Artworks depicting wars—be it historical battles, mythological wars like Mahabharata or Ramayana, or even fantasy war scenes—are strongly discouraged in a home environment according to Vastu Shastra.
These paintings symbolize continuous conflict, violence, and aggression. Hanging such artworks on your walls may subconsciously instigate arguments, restlessness, or a competitive and hostile atmosphere among family members. Especially in spaces meant for relaxation such as the living room or bedroom, war-related imagery can disturb peace and emotional stability.
Since paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra include any visuals that portray aggression, it’s better to avoid military scenes, swords, or army displays. Choose calming art pieces that promote harmony instead.
2. Paintings of Sad or Crying Faces

Visuals of people crying, appearing depressed, or in visible emotional pain are among the paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra. While these artworks might represent realism or emotional depth, they can affect your home’s energy.
Such paintings are believed to carry vibrations of sorrow and suffering, which could directly impact your mental and emotional well-being. Keeping these in the home can lead to a heavy, gloomy atmosphere, especially in places like the living room, children’s room, or even personal corners like a study.
Vastu encourages uplifting and joyful representations. Replace sad portraits with paintings that show smiles, celebrations, or hopeful expressions to invite positive emotions into your living space.
3. Depictions of Storms, Thunder, or Natural Calamities

While dramatic storm paintings may seem artistic and expressive, they are another category of paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra. Storms, earthquakes, floods, or lightning visuals symbolize uncontrollable chaos and destruction in Vastu.
Such imagery can affect the subconscious mind, inducing feelings of fear, unpredictability, or instability. These emotions, when reflected in your surroundings, can disrupt personal peace and create emotional turbulence. Over time, this might even translate into frequent stress, anxiety, or conflicts within the household.
To maintain an environment of calm and grounded energy, opt for artwork that portrays stable and serene elements of nature like blooming trees, flowing rivers, or gentle mountains.
4. Paintings of Wild Animals or Predators

Another commonly overlooked but significant category in paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra are artworks that feature wild or dangerous animals like lions, tigers, snakes, or wolves—especially when they’re shown in attack mode or roaring.
These animals symbolize dominance, territorial behavior, and threat. While they may appear majestic and powerful, in a Vastu context, they introduce fear, aggression, and competition into your living space. Such paintings may influence relationships in the home, triggering ego clashes or constant confrontations.
If you enjoy animal artwork, opt for domestic or calm wildlife visuals like elephants, cows, deer, or birds in a peaceful setting. These reflect grace, bonding, and peace.
5. Paintings Depicting Poverty or Begging

Paintings showing poverty, helpless individuals, beggars, or slum areas are definitely paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra. These images are symbols of lack, despair, and misfortune.
Displaying such visuals in your home might unknowingly block financial prosperity and abundance. The subconscious mind constantly interprets the visual cues around us. When such negative symbols are in view, they can influence your money mindset and create a mental association with scarcity.
Replace these with paintings that represent wealth, progress, or success—such as golden fields, growing trees, or images of Goddess Lakshmi.
6. Abstract or Confusing Art with Dark Themes

Abstract art is often a personal or intellectual choice. However, when abstract paintings have chaotic patterns, distorted forms, or dark and unsettling colors, they are considered paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra.
Such art can bring a feeling of confusion, imbalance, or psychological discomfort to the people viewing it regularly. While not all abstract art is bad, those with sharp, distorted figures or muddy color schemes may not suit spaces where harmony and focus are needed—like study areas, bedrooms, or living rooms.
Instead, go for abstract paintings with symmetrical shapes, soothing tones, or meditative designs that evoke clarity and balance.
7. Paintings of the Mahabharata or Ramayana War Scenes

Many households display epic war scenes from Indian mythology as a mark of tradition and culture. However, Vastu experts categorize these as paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra, especially in domestic settings.
These war scenes, although sacred, represent familial conflict, karma struggles, and intense drama. Hanging such visuals in living rooms or bedrooms might unknowingly stir unrest, disputes, or misunderstandings among family members.
Instead, choose divine or serene representations from the epics, like Krishna playing flute, Ram-Sita in the forest, or Hanuman in a blessing posture.
8. Pictures of Loneliness or Isolation

Paintings that show a person walking alone, sitting under a tree alone, or any lonely scene symbolize isolation and emotional detachment. According to Vastu, such visuals emit solitary energy which may impact emotional bonding within the family.
These kinds of paintings may influence individuals to feel distant, withdrawn, or emotionally disconnected from their surroundings. Especially harmful in bedrooms and family areas, these visuals must be avoided to maintain warmth and bonding.
A better alternative would be paintings that reflect unity, like group dances, family meals, or festivals.
Why Following Vastu for Paintings is Important
In Vastu Shastra, paintings are more than just décor. They’re energetic representations that influence the vibrations of your living space. By understanding which paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra, you protect yourself and your family from emotional, mental, and even financial disturbances.
Art speaks to the subconscious mind. When the visuals in your home radiate positivity, peace, and growth, your life aligns with those energies too. Negative or disturbing imagery, on the other hand, creates invisible blocks and stress.
Choosing the right paintings helps:
- Maintain peaceful family relationships
- Support emotional and mental well-being
- Attract prosperity and good luck
- Elevate the overall vibration of your home
Where to Buy Vastu-Compliant Paintings?
If you’re looking for positive, Vastu-approved paintings, visit Artshaili.com. We specialize in original, handmade Indian paintings that are both artistically rich and spiritually balanced.
You’ll find:
- Calming nature scenes
- Spiritual and deity art
- Peaceful Buddha and Krishna paintings
- Custom-made Vastu artwork for homes and offices
Every piece is crafted with intention, positivity, and cultural wisdom to complement your interiors and your energy.
Conclusion
Your home is your sanctuary. By being mindful of which paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra, you create a space that nurtures your soul, protects your peace, and supports your prosperity.
Avoid imagery that reflects negativity—such as violence, sadness, chaos, or loneliness. Choose instead to fill your walls with love, light, and joy. Let your art speak positivity every day.
Explore beautiful, Vastu-compliant, handmade art at Artshaili.com and transform your home into a haven of happiness and harmony.
FAQs
Tandav represents cosmic destruction. It’s best to avoid such intense visuals in home interiors. Opt for meditative or peaceful forms of Lord Shiva.
No. Wild predator paintings invite aggression and domination. They are among the paintings to avoid at home according to Vastu Shastra.
Waterfalls, rising sun, blooming lotuses, Lord Krishna, Buddha, and peaceful natural landscapes are considered auspicious.
Only if it feels chaotic or disturbing. Balanced and colorful abstract pieces are safe and can even uplift creativity.
They carry low vibrational energy, which can affect emotional well-being and reduce the positivity of your home.