The Chinese are obsessed with the number eight; they go to great lengths to incorporate its auspiciousness into their lives. Associated with prosperity, the more 8’s, the better. Examples? Building an 88-story building (the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia), forking over a fortune for a phone number of all 8's (sold to Sichuan Airlines in Chengdu, China, in 2003 for $280,000), and even going to jail (five men were imprisoned for 16 months in 2009 after arguing about a license plate that ended in four 8's). Want a piece of the prosperity? Here are eight more affordable and less risky ways to bring the number 8 into your home.
Above: A Number 8 Poster in a hallway imparts a warm welcome even in a chilly setting; 595 SEK from Swedish company Wall Stuff, which offers worldwide shipping.
Above: Double luck—this Vintage-Style Gas Station Number 8 has a background that hints of gold (a Chinese symbol of wealth and prosperity); $159 from Native Vermont via Etsy.
Above: Why pay $280,000 for eight 8's when you can amass as many as you want for next to nothing? We count 17 on this mood wall belonging to Molly Meng, founder of San Francisco stationery line 8mm Ideas. Do you see more? Image via Apartment Therapy.
Above: A Small Planter for a mini air plant or succulent with the number 8 pairs auspiciousness with life energy, a winning combination; $10 from Old and Board via Etsy.
Above: Graphic artist Eva Juliet will help you create a Personalized Number 8 Poster (or any number) with your own message at the bottom; $38 from Eva Juliet via Etsy. Like the idea of using a coat hanger in lieu of a frame? See our post New Ways to Hang Art.
Above: For the Chinese, prosperity is closely linked to work—try hanging an 8 in your workspace and see what happens. Photograph by Murray Mitchell.
Above: Combining Chinese auspiciousness with a rustic aesthetic, this framed Wooden Number 8 from Wayfair would work well in a family room or child's bedroom; $94.49.
Above: Not above a little superstition myself, my living room mantel sports a Vintage Gas Station 8; $19 from Whattawaist via Etsy. Go to Minimal Moves for Maximum Impact in Christine's Connecticut House to see how my husband and I "worked with what we had" in our remodel. Photograph by Christine Chang Hanway.
Another easy way to add the number 8 to your life is with house numbers. For some standout options, have a look at 10 Easy Pieces: House Numbers and Slow Design House Numbers.