Buzz
You might have heard of feng shui as a method for decorating your home to promote peace and serenity. However, it goes far beyond simply choosing colors or arranging furniture in a specific way.
Feng shui, in essence, is a form of Chinese Medicine that blends art, science, and spirituality. It aims to create balance and harmony in every aspect of life by altering the energy within our environments. Our surroundings influence how we think, feel, act, and even speak, often on a subconscious level. A well-balanced, energetically harmonious space leads to a clearer mind and, ultimately, a more peaceful life.
According to feng shui expert Anjie Cho, incorporating feng shui into your living room can be quite simple. She explains, "Feng shui views the living room as a communal area, more yang (outward-facing and social) than yin (private and introspective) in nature. As the least private room in the home, it serves as a space for connection and gathering with the outside world."
We reached out to Cho and feng shui specialist, as well as interior designer, Ashley Cantley for their expert advice on how to easily incorporate feng shui into your living room.
Integrate the Five Elements
Feng shui includes five core elements that can easily be brought into any space in your home: earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.
"When you incorporate all five elements, they bring harmony to your space, so make sure to include each one in some form. Life doesn’t demand an exact balance, so you don’t need to aim for 20 percent of each element. It can be fascinating if certain elements dominate—especially those qualities you want to amplify in your life," Cho explains. "You can introduce these elements through accessible colors or materials that represent them in your home."
Earth
To bring the energy of Earth into your space, focus on using colors like yellow or brown—earth tones. "You can incorporate this element through a rug, earthy crystals such as jasper or tiger's eye, or ceramics, which are made from the earth and carry its qualities," Cho suggests. Representations of the earth itself—such as landscapes or forests—also work well.
Metal
Metal elements, which symbolize clarity and focus, can be introduced through colors like white or gray, or by using actual metallic objects. Cho notes, "People often use pyrite, quartz, white crystals, or metal-made objects" to incorporate this element into their surroundings.
Water
Although you might associate water with the color blue, in feng shui, it is represented by black. "Black accents, such as pillows, rugs, throw blankets, furniture, artwork, paint, or even black crystals, can bring this element into your home," says Cho. She also suggests adding items related to water, like an aquarium or a water-themed image.
Wood
For those unfamiliar with feng shui’s elements, the wood element is associated with colors like green and blue, not brown or the presence of wooden furniture. "Living green plants embody the wood element, or colors like green, blue, and teal," explains Cho. Wood symbolizes creativity in feng shui. A lack of wood elements can make a room feel dark and gloomy, while an excess may create a sense of rigidity. Flowers and cotton are also great ways to bring in wood energy.
Fire
The fire element adds boldness and a sense of expression to your space. "Fire is represented by the color red, lighting, or candles. If you choose to use color to bring in this element, it’s best to apply it in moderation," Cho advises. Without any fire in the room, the space can feel cold and uninspiring.
Minimize Clutter
Feng shui’s goal is to create a space that energetically supports the person you want to become. According to feng shui expert and interior designer Ashley Cantley, "A space where energy flows smoothly isn’t cluttered with things in every corner. Embracing open space or minimalism is a beneficial approach in feng shui."
This doesn’t mean you need to discard everything you own, but rather take a moment to assess what truly matters to you. Evaluate your space and keep only the items—whether furniture, decor, or knickknacks—that you feel a meaningful connection with. If something no longer brings you joy, consider donating it. You might also think about rotating your furnishings and decor with the seasons to help prevent clutter from accumulating.
Add Light
Light has an uplifting effect, and according to Cantley, more lighting is always beneficial. "The lights don’t need to be on all the time, just having the option to turn them on is enough."
Cantley suggests using light bulbs that mimic natural sunlight if your space lacks natural light. "Choose energy-efficient bulbs that last longer. You’ll save money and reduce their environmental impact," she recommends.
"It’s important to have both low and high lighting in the space," Cho advises. "Uplighting is especially helpful for those who feel depressed, as raising the light raises the chi."
Ensure There's Enough Space for Everyone
Cho suggests viewing your home as a sanctuary that nurtures and supports you, rather than a source of chaos or distraction. It’s important to have enough seating for everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.
"Make sure there’s enough seating for each household member; create space for everyone. Having a few extra chairs on hand can set the intention that you’re open to more friendships or guests visiting your home," Cho explains.
Choose Colors with Purpose
Color plays a significant role in feng shui, so it’s important to use it thoughtfully. You can follow the feng shui color theory and consider how color interacts with the bagua map (a tool that divides your space into nine areas, each representing a different theme) and the five elements. Since the living room is a gathering place for people with their own energies, earth tones work well to ground the space. Opt for neutral shades like yellow, brown, and clay for large furniture, and brighten up the room with accents in vibrant blues, greens, and other bold colors to infuse energy and joy.
Pay Attention to Layout
In a feng shui living room, it’s best to arrange furniture in groupings that facilitate easy conversation. Ensure all seating options allow a clear view of the door, so everyone can see who’s entering or leaving.
However, if some seating must face away from the door, Cantley suggests, "Hang a mirror on the wall so you can keep an eye on what’s happening behind you, or place a piece of furniture, like a long table, with plants behind the couch that faces away from the door."
Create Balance
Feng shui’s core principle is balance, so avoid allowing any single material to dominate the room. Cantley emphasizes the importance of balancing textures. For example, if there’s a lot of metal, she recommends soft accessories like pillows and rugs. "If your space has lots of whites and pastels, add vibrant colors, plants, or wood elements to warm up the space," she advises.
Take Care When Decorating
When decorating, treat each space in your home as a unique area with its own purpose. For example, the kitchen should promote healthy eating and mindfulness, so avoid overwhelming the space with too much decoration. In areas where you entertain, avoid downward-pointing lighting fixtures. In living spaces where you can add artwork, be mindful of how you energize the room. "Wallpaper featuring flowers, birds, animals, trees, and leaves also creates stimulating energy," says Cantley.
Be sure to use every space and avoid leaving any area neglected. For instance, if your dining room is rarely used for meals, consider transforming it into an office space. Or, if you have two entertainment areas but only use one, try placing a plant in the underused space. Taking care of the plant will encourage you to spend more time in that area.
Consider the Size of Your Space
Maximizing your space, no matter its size, will help create an environment you’ll enjoy spending time in.
A Smaller Living Room
The goal of feng shui is to promote the flow of energy, so it’s crucial to minimize clutter and maintain cleanliness in smaller spaces. Since furniture arrangement is often limited in compact living rooms, a large mirror can help make the room appear more spacious. "A large mirror creates the illusion of more space, and don’t hesitate to incorporate color and patterns too," Cho suggests.
"In a small living room, avoid overstuffing the space. You need to allow for easy movement, so choose smaller furniture and make the best use of the space you have," Cho advises.
A Larger Living Room
For larger spaces, Cho recommends creating cozy, intimate gathering spots within the larger area. "By arranging club chairs with a small side table, you can create more opportunities for socializing and connection," she says.
View Your Space as a Living Being
Although it may seem unusual, treating your home and the rooms within it as a living, breathing entity can help you become more mindful of how you engage with your surroundings. "Feng shui encourages you to regard your space as a companion, a living member of your household that accompanies all aspects of your life. It’s something to appreciate, love, and care for," says Cho. "This perspective invites more relaxation and rejuvenation, fostering a deeper connection with both your environment and the outside world."
