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Image credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty ImagesContrary to common misconceptions, feng shui is not just a decorative style or a form of Chinese interior design. It is both a science and an art, focused on creating a space that evokes specific emotions and energies. When you apply feng shui principles in your home office, you can influence the ambiance and energy of your workspace.
The feng shui strategies you choose for your office will depend on your personal goals, the nature of your work, and how you use the room. For most people, the aim is to create a productive and motivating environment that can lead to career growth. We consulted design experts to gather their top feng shui office recommendations to help you design the perfect home office.
1. Position Your Desk Facing the Door
To begin, position your desk so it faces the door. This allows you to observe who is entering and leaving the room. Interior designer Ashley Cantley explains, "This is a power position, and it leads to major success." She adds, "Having your back to the door creates vulnerability and anxiety."
Feng shui educator Anjie Cho suggests, "When your desk is near the door, you're more focused on the opportunities ahead rather than distractions." She emphasizes the importance of being able to see the entry without aligning directly with it.
In cases where your office layout doesn't allow for the ideal desk position, Cantley recommends hanging a mirror in front of your desk so you can monitor the door and see who's coming in or out, even if your back faces it.
Placing your desk directly facing a window is bad feng shui. "Your energy, or chi, will escape through the window, and you won't be fully engaged in your work," says Cho. Instead, position yourself with the window to your side, so you can take occasional breaks and enjoy the view when needed.
2. Select Your Desk and Chair Thoughtfully
The desk is the most essential item in any home office. Cantley advises ensuring that your desk is sturdy above all else (so steer clear of desks that wobble, for example). No matter the style, make sure it’s in good condition, with even legs and no instability.
"The ideal desk is one that’s solid, stable, and spacious enough to meet all your work needs," says Cho, who recommends avoiding glass desks, where items can fall through. She suggests, "A brown wood desk is the most supportive and stable for feng shui."
A comfortable, quality chair is just as crucial as a good desk, as a sturdy chair provides proper support for your work. "A high-back chair that offers support is symbolic of having a mountain behind you to back you while you work," explains Cho. Take your physical comfort into account when choosing a chair to ensure the best sitting posture.
3. Create Boundaries in Shared Workspaces
"Many are now working from home, at least part-time, which wasn’t something many planned for when they first moved in," says Cho, noting that not everyone has a dedicated home office. "If you can’t have a separate office, consider setting up a visual barrier, such as a freestanding bookcase. This will keep you from looking directly at your bed or other areas of your home." Cho adds, "When working from the dining room table, make sure to remove any reminders of dining or socializing to maintain focus."
When it comes to the door, whether it is open or closed during work hours doesn't have a significant impact. "It's a practical matter because other people may be in the house, but if you’re alone, feel free to leave it open," explains Cho.
4. Choose the Right Feng Shui Office Colors
Color plays a crucial role in feng shui, particularly within your office space. The colors you select should align with the type of work you're doing. For instance, the feng shui colors an accountant might choose might not be as productivity-boosting as those favored by a graphic designer.
Cantley shares, "White or pastel shades encourage creativity, green symbolizes growth, black represents the water element and is linked to wealth, while purple fosters clarity."
If you're feeling stressed or need more stability, Cho suggests opting for earthy tones and elements. "Introduce brown, like a wooden desk, or yellow. You can incorporate these colors with items like notebooks, pens, journals, desk blotters, or even your coffee cup," advises Cho.
For fostering growth, Cho suggests incorporating shades of blue, green, or teal, along with live plants to enhance the space.
5. Display Motivational Art
Art holds significant importance in feng shui offices, and it's an area with considerable flexibility since there are minimal specific guidelines for using art in feng shui.
"You can bring in various colors through art depending on your goals," Cho says. "If you seek more energy and visibility, red, associated with the fire element, is perfect. To encourage more connections, black, representing the water element and wealth, is ideal."
Cantley recommends hanging artwork that motivates you to enhance productivity and make the workspace more enjoyable. "Display images of individuals you admire and aspire to be like, or include positive affirmations, whether painted or hung on the wall," suggests Cantley.
6. Incorporate Plants and Fragrance for Harmonized Energy
"Currently, my favorite plant for feng shui is the Pilea Peperomioides, or Chinese money plant. Its round leaves resemble little coins, and it’s a stunning addition," Cantley shares, recommending any plant with rounded leaves.
"Succulent sets are fantastic for feng shui and make an ideal desk ornament. Flowering plants, particularly purple and red, are also great options," Cantley adds. An orchid fits perfectly in this scenario as well.
Scent is another important aspect of feng shui. Cantley suggests using citrus essential oils to ease stress, especially on hectic days. A decorative diffuser or candle can also serve as a stylish addition to your decor.
7. Enhance Lighting to Boost Concentration
While natural light is ideal, many office spaces require additional lighting from lamps. "For proper lighting, ensure you have enough light to clearly see what you're doing, as task lighting is essential," explains Cho.
Regardless of the type of lamp you choose—be it desk, floor, or standing—Cantley recommends steering clear of fluorescent light bulbs, as they can drain your energy.
8. Embrace Feng Shui Cleanliness
Good feng shui cleanliness means tidying your workspace at the end of each workday. Cho suggests covering your desk or packing up your office when work hours are over to maintain positive energy.
"Many people working from home struggle with maintaining a work-life balance. To avoid getting sucked back into work, close your desk or store away your computer. It’s all too easy to be drawn back into emails and tasks," says Cho.
