Standard dimensions for altars in apartments and homes

Altars are sacred spaces in every household. Folk beliefs suggest that altars should be properly constructed, designed to the right dimensions, facing the correct direction, and regularly maintained with incense and candles for the well-being of the family.

Dimensions of hanging altars, standing altars, and altars for deity worship

1. Most common dimensions of altars

Currently, in Vietnam, standing altars (altar cabinets), and hanging altars are two common types chosen by many families for worshipping Buddha and ancestors. Some families involved in production, business, trading goods, services, etc., also set up wealth altars to attract wealth, prosperity, and good luck to their businesses.

1.1. Standing altar dimensions

Standing altars, altar cabinets, come in various types and sizes. However, the types of standing altars available on the market are usually constructed according to standard ban hole sizes and are commonly found in the following dimensions:

- Width: 1m27; 1m57; 1m75; 1m97; 2m17;...
- Depth: 61cm; 69cm; 81cm; 97cm; 107cm; 1m17;...
- Height: 1m17; 1m27;...

Generally, standing altars are used for worshipping Buddha and ancestors. They are divided into 3 main types: single-tier, double-tier, and triple-tier, and are typically used for spacious homes with dedicated worship spaces (townhouses, villas, single-story houses, etc.).

Dimensions of standing altars, Buddha altars, ancestral altars

Additionally, you can also explore beautiful altar designs here

1.2. Hanging altar dimensions

Similar to standing altars, hanging altars also have their own conventions regarding dimensions to bring prosperity, luck, and blessings to homeowners. Specifically, the common length and depth of hanging altars according to ban hole standards are:

- Hanging altar dimensions 48 cm x 81 cm (depth x width): symbolizing Wealth
- Hanging altar dimensions 48 cm x 88 cm (depth x width): symbolizing Progress
- Hanging altar dimensions 49.5 cm x 95 cm (depth x width): symbolizing Prosperity
- Hanging altar dimensions 56 cm x 95 cm (depth x width): bringing Wealth to homeowners
- Hanging altar dimensions 61cm x 107cm: symbolizing fertility for homeowners

Hanging altars are often used for families with limited space, such as apartments, dormitories,...

Dimensions of hanging altars, dimensions of apartment altars

In addition to the size of the hanging altar, people also pay attention to the hanging height of the altar. Below are some ideal hanging heights for altar placement according to Feng Shui that you can refer to:

Chart of ideal hanging heights for Feng Shui-friendly hanging altars

After understanding the dimensions of hanging altars, you should refer to Mytour's collection of beautiful hanging altar designs to easily choose a beautiful altar for your own home, apartment.

1.3. Dimensions of earth god and wealth altars.

In addition to ancestral altars, households engaged in business and trading also have wealth altars. Accordingly, the dimensions of wealth altars are also specified according to ban hole standards and divided into various sizes measured in mm as follows:

- Dimensions of small wealth altars, width x height x depth respectively are 48 x 48 x 68
- Dimensions of Feng Shui wealth altars, width x height x depth respectively are 61 x 61 x 88
- Dimensions of medium earth god altars, width x height x depth: 68 x 68 x 108
- Dimensions of large earth god altars, width x height x depth respectively are 81 x 81 x 108

Dimensions of Feng Shui wealth altars

1.4. Dimensions of Buddha altars
 

2. What is the ban hole standard? Why design altar dimensions according to the ban hole standard?

After referring to the common altar dimensions above, there's a frequently mentioned concept called the ban hole standard. And you might be wondering what the ban hole standard is? What's its significance in spiritual Feng Shui?
Simply put, the ban hole standard is a specialized ruler used to measure dimensions in Feng Shui (measuring Yang houses and Yin houses). The ban hole standard has 3 main types, classified by the cycle of the ruler: the 52.2cm ruler, the 42.9cm ruler, and the 38.8cm ruler. According to regulations, the ban hole standard used to measure altar dimensions is the 38.8cm (39cm) ban hole standard.

Besides the conventional distance measurement units, the ban hole standard ruler also features arcs to divide favorable and unfavorable zones. Good altar dimensions fall into arcs like Ding, Vuong, Nghia, Quan, Hung, Tai on the ban hole standard ruler. Conversely, bad altar dimensions fall into arcs like Hai, Kho, Tu, That, bringing about many negative outcomes, unfavorable for homeowners.

Lookup table for altar dimension meanings according to the ban hole standard: Table 1

Lookup table for altar dimension meanings according to the ban hole standard: Table 2

3. Tips for choosing Feng Shui-friendly altar dimensions

- Consider the family's altar space: If you have a spacious altar area, opt for large-sized altars, tables, or alcoves. Conversely, if your house has limited space for altars, you can choose hanging altars or multi-tiered altars.

- Choose an altar size that fits: Depending on the altar space, preferences, and financial capacity, you can consider choosing altar models with suitable sizes.

- If you prefer custom-made altars rather than buying ready-made ones, pay attention to the altar dimensions according to the ban hole standard and devise a design plan with suitable dimensions.

- Additionally, for family harmony and blessings, after selecting the appropriate altar size, also consider the homeowner's age, altar orientation, altar feng shui, and arrangement of offerings on the altar. If you lack experience in this, it's best to seek advice from experienced spiritual practitioners such as ritual masters and feng shui masters.

Above, Mytour has shared in detail the standard, common dimensions of altars on the market along with some tips for choosing altar sizes according to feng shui, stimulating luck, and prosperity for homeowners. See you again in the next articles.