A name plate or door plate, serves the functional purpose of identifying a house. However, a name plate can also serve as a décor element, which reflects the home owner’s style sensibilities. “Nowadays, name plates come in various styles, such as modern, abstract, concept-based, as well as name plates inspired by one’s religion and can be custom made in any Indian language. They can be hung or affixed on the doors, or at the entrance of the house or society,” says Abhishek Goyal, founder, Panchatatva.
Vastu Shastra, the ancient architectural science, emphasises on the right placement of rooms and other objects in the house to establish harmony and achieve balance of the five elements of nature – earth, water, fire, air and space. In this article, we share tips to place a name plate as per Vastu.
See also: Vastu Shastra tips for the main door/entrance
See also about: led name plate for home
Name plate Vastu: Quick facts
Best direction
North or east
Direction to avoid
South or west directions
Best location
On the main door or the adjoining wall on the left size
Height
Equivalent to the upper half of the door
Materials
Wood, metal, brass, acrylic or sustainable materials
Colour
White, gold or brass
Shapes
Regular shapes such as rectangular, square or circular/oval
Significance of name plate as per Vastu
As per Vastu Shastra, a house entrance holds a special importance as it is the place from where energies enter and leave the house. Name plates are the first point of contact between the house owner and the outside world. It serves as an identification of the house owner and the house name conveys positivity and creates a welcoming entrance. Placing a name plate at the house entrance makes your house Vastu compliant. Without a nameplate, it will make it difficult for the person to seek opportunities.
According to Vastu Shastra, the main entrance door of a house should have a name plate that should be clear, readable, and appealing. It is also essential to choose the right material for the nameplate to ensure harmony and positive energy flow into the house.
Name plate Vastu direction and position
According to Vastu, a name plate should be placed on the north or east direction of the house entrance as it is considered auspicious.
Avoid placing the name plate in the south or west directions as it can impact the flow of positive energies.
Always have a name plate on the main door or the adjoining wall, if the space permits, as it is believed to attract prosperity, opportunities and well-being.
The name plate should be placed on the left side of the main door, as it is considered more auspicious than the other sides.
The name plate should be placed at the height equivalent to the upper half of the door.
The name plate should be fixed properly and should not be left hanging.
Ensure that your name plate is not directly in front of the elevator.
The name plate should not be chipped or have any holes in it.
House Name as per Vastu
As per Vastu Shastra, a house name should have a positive meaning. This will help invite positive energies and ensure happiness for the family. The inhabitants of the house family members must resonate with the energy the name draws. Make sure the house name is unique and not used by any neighbour.
Consider engraving the house name on a name plate of materials like wood or stone, which is recommended in Vastu Shastra. Do not engrave the name of the house on the gate. The house name must be engraved on the wall. Keep the area well-lit by installing gate lights. You can also place auspicious symbols such as Om or Swastik to boost the positive effects.
Name plate colour as per vastu
The name plate colours, according to Vastu, colours for the nameplate should be chosen, as per its direction. For example, east-facing homes should have name plates designed with brown or green colours.
According to Vastu, white, gold or brass are lucky colours for nameplates as they represent purity, prosperity and positive energies. Other colours that are good for nameplates as per Vastu include wooden brown, yellow, green, red and silver.
When choosing name plate design, it is essential that you ensure that the colour of the name plate matches with the front door of the house. For a wooden front door, a white colour house name plate as per Vastu is a good option as it is believed to attract prosperity and new opportunities for the family. You can also pick a golden name plate on a wooden front entrance door that looks elegant. The entrance area can be enhanced by installing suitable lighting fixtures to attract positive energies.
See also: All about the significance and meaning of house number 3 as per numerology
Vastu tips for name plate
Ensure that the name plate is large enough to write one’s name or surname and the house number and is legible from at least a foot or two away.
As per Vastu for name plate, the design chosen for the name plate, should blend well with the main door.
The main door, as well as the name plate should be well-lit. If the lobby area of the house does not have enough light, then, brighten up the name plate with an external LED light of any warm colour. Avoid red-coloured lights.
Always opt for good quality and water-proof materials for the name plate, especially if it is a villa or a bungalow, to ensure that it can withstand the monsoon season. Even the paint should withstand harsh natural environments. As the main door is opened and closed often, ensure that the name plate is be strong, or else, it may break soon.
Use a name plate as well as lettering material which is resistant to corrosion.
Ensure that the name plate is regularly cleaned and is dust free.
See also: House number 4 : What does it signify in numerology?
Name plate materials as per Vastu
According to Vastu, one should choose a material that promotes a harmonious environment. Various materials are associated with different types of energy. Here are some good materials for nameplates as per Vastu:
Metal: Brass or stainless steel are materials known for their strength and durability and quite popular in use. The material helps absorb all positive cosmic energies. Seasoned wood, such as teakwood and railway sleepers, can also be used for making name plates. For budget-friendly options, commercial MDF (medium density fibre), plywood, veneer and pine wood, are ideal.
Wood: Wood is considered an auspicious material symbolising stability. A wooden nameplate can make the entrance look warm and secure.
Acrylic or fibre: The most commonly used and budget-friendly name plates for apartments, are made of acrylic or fibre.
Multi-compound name plates: These name plates are made from a combination of different materials like wood, glass, steel, terracotta, brass, etc. for a contemporary yet traditional appeal.
Eco-friendly materials: Sustainable materials such as jute, fabric, grass or coconut are quite popular in the design of home décor items, including nameplates.
Name plate shapes and size as per Vastu
One can custom make name plates in various shapes, like rectangle, square, oval, round, house-shaped and other irregular shapes. The name plates can be etched with motifs, or engraved with images of deities, or have photographs with floral designs, eye catching calligraphy, etc.
What to write on name plate for home?
Usually, the surname of the family is mentioned on the name plate. Nowadays, people also mention the names of all family members on the name plate. It is important to keep the nameplate stylish but simple as per Vastu guidelines. Do not clutter it with too many designs, calligraphy, engravings, and idols of deities. Refrain from using stylish fonts that are thin, wavy and hence, illegible.
See also: Is 8 a lucky number for house as per numerology?
Name plate for home: Personalised designs
Modern-day home owners prefer personalised name plates. Consequently, name plate designs often incorporate themes or the interest of family members, or the profession of a person, etc., says Goyal. “Traditionally, the trend has been to write one’s surname on the name plate. Then, people started writing their complete name. Now, people write their family name, along with the names of all members, including children. Recently, a client asked us to leave a blank space on the name plate, to add the name of a ‘soon to be born’ baby. People also add their pets’ names and photos on the name plates, as they are considered part of the families. With a growing trend of naming bungalows, row houses, villas and apartments, even these names get inscribed on the name plate. Regional language name plates have become very popular,” Goyal elaborates.
Neha Mehta, a home-maker from Mumbai, maintains that an attractive name plate is important, to create a good impression. “The name plate on my house is made of glass and raw wood, with lettering in gold and illumination behind it. My son, who is a Bollywood fan, has a film clapboard painted as a name plate outside his room and the name plate on my daughter’s room is pink and white, with flowers on it,” she explains.
The name plate will be the first thing a guest will notice when entering your home. Name plate for a house is a unique decor element which is why you should carefully select the design that suits your overall home décor. There are a variety of designs to choose from, but make sure you follow all the Vastu principles when picking a design.
See also: Personalised house warming invitation design ideas
20 name plate designs as per Vastu: Placement and colour tips
Check out these beautiful home name plate design ideas:
#1. Nameplate with wooden boards
Modern name plate designs made with wooden boards have always been in trend. Personalised name plates lend a personal touch to your abode. Besides picking the preferred materials based on your home décor, one can get their nameplates customised in their regional language.
Source: Pinterest
See also: Gifts for house warming ceremony
#2. Traditional name plate designs
Religion-inspired name plates are quite popular. Among the various house name plate ideas, religious symbols or images of god, like one shown below on their personalised name plate are most sought-after by homeowners.
Source: Pinterest
#3. Wooden name plates
From dark brown to subtle hues, there are a plethora of options you can find in wooden name plate designs for home. Homeowners also prefer wood name plate designs where the details are engraved.
Besides wooden name plates, the other materials preferred by people today are glass, marble, acrylic, ceramic, steel, or stone.
Source: Pinterest
#4. DIY name plates
Creative name plate designs or DIY drawings or artwork are also emerging as an option for those who like to be creative or do not want to spend a lot of money on expensive name plates for their home. You can use materials like cardboard for designing the name plate. You can also pick a flat rock to engrave the name and house details using a sharp object like knife. Installing background lights is yet another example of creative name plate ideas for home.
Source: Pinterest
You can also use a wooden plywood material to design a creative name plate with drawings and handpainted designs using acrylic colour.
See also: All about House gate design
#5. Glass name plate design
Glass adds sophistication to the home décor and works as a perfect choice for designing name plates for the house. However, since it is a fragile material. So, a glass name plate has to be handled with care.
#6. Marble name plate designs
To lend a luxurious appeal to your home exteriors, you can pick a marble name plate designs for your main gate or front entrance door.
#7. Granite name plates
Granite is an excellent material that can be used for home décor, as per Vastu. Modern granite name plate designs for the home entrance looks remarkable. The material, besides its shine, can withstand extreme weather and last for years. Moreover, granite name plate for home is suitable due to its easy cleaning and maintenance, while also being affordable.
#8. Stone name plate
Stone brings a rustic appeal to the house when used for the exterior house design. Stone for the name plate also gives a unique look to the house entrance.
#9. Steel Name Plate
If you are looking to bring a metallic touch to your home entrance décor, use stainless steel that is an ideal material for outdoors. There are plenty of name plate designs for main gate available in steel. For choosing name plate designs for main gate in steel, go for personalised designer options to bring a luxurious appeal.
#10. Charcoal sheet name plate
Textured charcoal sheet is a popular material used for designing name plates for modern homes. It is a PVC-based material, which is water-resistant and thus, can be used for placing nameplates outside the house. The charcoal sheet nameplates are available in numerous designs, which allows you to customise the nameplate based on your personal preference.
#11. White name plate with a wooden backdrop
A clear white name plate is an excellent option for the house entrance if you are looking for a minimalist and elegant décor appeal. Choose a grey, rustic wall or a dark wooden background based on your preference.
Source: Pinterest
#12. Traditional, polished metal name plate
A polished metal nameplate can bring a luxurious appeal to your house entrance. Place the metal nameplate against a solid or neutral-coloured wall for a more enhanced look.
Source: Pinterest
#13. Simple rectangular name plate
A standard rectangular name plate is an ideal choice if you want a simple yet elegant look for your house entrance. You can customise the look with the preferred font and colour and add small panels on the sides.
Source: Pinterest
#14. Vintage name plate
A vintage-style nameplate never goes out of fashion. Choose intricate designs or carvings and bold fonts for the names. The golden colour is an ideal choice for the letters.
Source: Pinterest
#15. Ceramic name plate
Opt for ceramic nameplate with floral designs for calm and serene visual appeal for the house entrance.
Source: Pinterest
#16. Honeycomb style nameplate design
Pick nameplate designs in honeycomb style for a unique look for your house entrance.
Source: Pinterest
#17. Simple circular name plate
A simple circular nameplate can be an excellent idea as it brings positive Vastu-compliant energies and creates a great visual appeal.
Source: Pinterest
#18. Rounded rectangle name plate
Nameplate designs in rounded rectangular shape helps create a pleasing look and complies with Vastu guidelines.
Source: Pinterest
#19. Creative wooden block, rectangular name plate
Give a twist to the traditional nameplate designs by opting for a solid wooden block with a holder where you can place flowers or other decor items.
Source: Pinterest
#20. Ceramic name plate with golden letters
A ceramic name plate in navy blue colour with golden font placed against a marble backdrop can elevate the visual appeal of your house entrance. You can enhance the design by including auspicious symbols such as Om.
Source: Pinterest
Name plate Vastu: Importance of lighting
As per Vastu, the nameplate area should be well-lit. Avoid poor lightning or shadows falling on it, and it should be clearly visible and readable to everyone. Install energy-efficient LED lights or incandescent lamps.
Name plate Vastu: Things to avoid
When placing a nameplate at your home entrance, it’s essential to avoid certain mistakes that might affect the positive energy flow. Here are some things you should definitely avoid:
Ensure there’s no pole, tree, or any object blocking the view of the nameplate.
Avoid placing electronic items near the nameplate, as they can interfere with the energy flow.
Keep cleaning items away from the nameplate area to maintain its cleanliness and significance.
Ensure the nameplate is not torn or broken, as it symbolises the home’s positive identity.
Avoid having images of animals, birds, deities, or anything distracting on the nameplate.
Limit the text on the nameplate to two lines for clarity and elegance.
Regularly clean the nameplate to prevent dust, dirt, cobwebs or any obstructions.
Use easily readable fonts; avoid complex or hard-to-read styles for better clarity.
Never place two nameplates side by side, as it might create confusion or conflict in energies.
Make sure the nameplate doesn’t offer a space for lizards or animals to settle behind it.
Ensure the letters on the nameplate are intact and well-maintained; damaged letters are considered inauspicious as per Vastu.
Name plate Vastu: Maintenance tips
Keep the nameplate dust-free to avoid accumulation of negative energies.
In case of any cracks, repair or replace the nameplate.
Make sure the nameplate is illuminated at all times to promote positivity.
Housing.com News Viewpoint
Nameplates symbolise positivity and reflect the houseowner’s personal style. Installing a nameplate is a must according to Vastu. However, there are a number of designs, materials, colours, etc. that helps you personalise the nameplate based on your preference. However, when selecting a nameplate, one should adhere to the Vastu guidelines for maximum benefits. If you are buying a new house, make sure to install a name plate before you move into the house.
FAQs
Where do you put name plates?
Name plates can be hung or affixed on the doors, or at the entrance of the society or house.
What is written on the name plate?
The general trend it to write one’s surname on the name plate. People have also started writing their complete name. Nowadays, many households write their family name and the names of all members, including children.
What is a name plate?
Besides identifying a house, a name plate is used to enhance the décor of a house and create a good first impression.
Which name plate is good as per Vastu?
According to Vastu, a metal name plate is recommended if the door is in the north or west direction. Use a wooden name plate if the door is in the south or east direction.
Which metal is best for name plate?
Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices for nameplates due to its extreme durability.
Which colour name plate is best for wooden doors?
For wooden main doors, a white name plate is the preferred choice in Vastu as it attracts positive energies and prosperity. Alternatively, a golden-coloured name plate is also a good option, as it looks elegant and signifies illumination.
Why is a name plate important in home?
According to Vastu principles, if your home does not have a nameplate on the gate, opportunities might pass you by. Additionally, a nameplate adds a welcoming touch to the entrance of your home.
(With inputs from Surbhi Gupta and Harini Balasubramanian)
Source link