Feng Shui Principles and Tips for Beginners

Introduction to Feng Shui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging your surroundings to increase flow of positive energy (chi). The term feng shui literally means “wind” and “water” – relating to how elements influence harmony. Historically, Chinese homes and businesses would consult a feng shui master for advice on optimal layout, decoration and placement to improve health, relationships, and prosperity.

Perhaps most importantly, feng shui aims to help people connect spiritually with their environment. By today’s standards, feng shui principles may seem unscientific. However, there are potential psycho-emotional benefits to creating a sense of harmony in your space. Applying feng shui is thought to help reduce stress, foster creative inspiration, improve mood and cultivate a general feeling of wellbeing. Practitioners believe a well-balanced environment not only provides mental calm, but can also elevate personal growth.

Feng shui emphasizes the importance of mindful living by tuning into your surroundings. Simple adjustments like clearing clutter or optimizing furniture placement are believed to have a positive ripple effect on your life. Even skeptics can appreciate how a serene, orderly space can provide comfort amid life’s chaos. With some basic knowledge, anyone can begin improving their home or workspace using feng shui principles. This article will cover fundamental tips to help you start cultivating good energy flow in your home.

The Five Elements

In feng shui, the five elements – earth, metal, water, wood and fire – represent different forms of energy that make up the universe. Understanding and balancing these elements within a space can create harmony and support wellbeing.

Earth

The earth element represents stability, grounding and self-care. Earth energy comes from solid materials, squares and horizontal lines. Incorporate earth energy in your home with:

Pottery, clay or ceramic decor
Earth tone colors like brown, yellow, orange
Square or horizontal shaped rugs, artworks, mirrors
Solid wood furniture and decor

Creating a nurturing, comforting environment supports the earth element.

Metal

The metal element represents strength, joy, precision and beauty. Metal energy comes from refined materials, circles and arched shapes. Bring in the metal element with:

Metallic decor accents and hardware
Round mirrors, art frames or window treatments
White, grey, gold and silver color schemes
Curved lines in furniture or architecture

Polish and care for metal items in your home to honor the energy of joy and precision.

Water

In feng shui, the water element represents fluidity, wisdom and connection. Water energy comes from the movement and sound of water, the color black and wavy lines. Engage water energy through:

Fountains and aquariums
Black or navy blue color schemes
Wavy or zigzag patterns in rugs, pillows or art
Glass or acrylic transparent decor

The presence of water brings a sense of tranquility.

Wood

The wood element represents health, growth and expansion. Wood energy comes from living plants, the color green and vertical lines. Welcome the wood element by:

Adding houseplants and fresh flowers
Choosing bamboo, rattan or wood furniture
Displaying art with tree or nature themes
Incorporating green accents and accessories

Wood energy promotes vitality, creativity and healing.

Fire

In feng shui, the fire element represents passion, fame and transformation. Fire energy comes from candlelight, triangles and the color red. Ignite fire energy with:

Candles and fireplaces
Triangular or pyramid shapes
Bold red accents
Lighting that creates warmth

The fire element inspires, energizes and brings feelings of joy.

Commanding Position

In feng shui, the commanding position is an important concept for the placement of key furniture like beds, desks, and stoves. The commanding position refers to a location that allows a clear view of the entrance to the room without being in direct alignment with it.

Ideally, a bed should be placed in a commanding position within the bedroom. This means positioning the bed so that you can see the bedroom door while in bed, but the door is not in a straight line pointing directly at the bed. Having a bed in commanding position promotes a greater sense of safety and stability while sleeping.

Similarly, desks and office furniture benefit from being situated in a commanding position. An ideal desk placement enables you to view the entrance to the home office as you work, without the door opening right at you. This arrangement supports focus and productivity.

For stoves and ovens, a commanding position allows the cook to keep an eye on the kitchen entrance and activity outside, without compromising comfort and ease while cooking. It’s best not to have a stove positioned where the cook’s back is directly to the door.

Overall, the commanding position provides a feeling of control and security, while allowing for an open flow of energy. This placement taps into key principles of feng shui to promote harmony and success.

Entryway Tips

Your entryway provides your home’s first impression, so keeping it tidy and functional is key for good feng shui. Clutter in the entryway can create a sense of chaos and block the flow of positive chi into your home.

Keep surfaces like benches, shelves, and tabletops clear of clutter. Only display a few decorative items that bring you joy. Store shoes, coats, bags, etc out of sight.
Consider placing fresh flowers, a small fountain, or green plants in your entry to purify the air and provide a welcoming vibe.
Make sure there is adequate lighting in the entryway. Add mirrors to reflect more light if needed. Install bright bulbs to energize the space.
Place a rug in front of the entry door to symbolize welcoming guests. Keep it clean and shake it out regularly.
Hang wind chimes above or near the door to promote harmony.
Display art or objects with uplifting messages or spiritual symbols.

Living Room Tips

The living room is the heart of the home where you want to feel relaxed and sociable. When designing your living room for good feng shui energy, focus on the following:

Comfortable, Inviting Seating

Choosing the right furniture is key to creating a welcoming vibe in your living room. Opt for comfortable yet supportive chairs, loveseats and sofas. Avoid stiff, rigid furniture. Your guests should feel like they can relax and unwind. Layer pillows, throws and cushions to enhance the coziness.

Conversation-Friendly Layout

Arrange seating in a way that promotes interaction, facing chairs toward one another at an angle. Avoid having all the furniture lined up against the walls. Bring pieces inward to create intimate groupings for conversation. Have side tables nearby for setting down drinks.

Add Plants and Natural Elements

Incorporate lush green plants, fresh flowers, natural wood accents, stones, crystals, and flowing water features. Living things generate vibrant energy, so have plenty of plants and fresh-cut flowers. Try a small indoor fountain for soothing background noise. Bring in natural sunlight with large windows and skylights if possible.

Kitchen Tips

The kitchen is the heart of the home where nourishment begins. Keeping your kitchen clean, tidy, and infused with natural light and life-giving colors supports overall wellbeing.

Maintain a clean, clutter-free look in your kitchen. Counter tops should be open instead of crowded with appliances and items. Store any non-essentials in cabinets, drawers or a pantry so your counters can “breathe.”
Paint your kitchen walls a warm, nourishing color like yellow. Yellow evokes feelings of brightness and vitality. For accents, add artwork, linens or dishtowels with natural, organic motifs.
Ensure proper lighting over main kitchen work areas like the sink and stove. Task lighting helps you prep and cook with ease. Consider pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting. Nearby windows also allow nourishing natural light into the space.
Incorporate living elements like fresh flowers and potted herbs. Placing plants and florals brings vital energy into the kitchen.
Arrange the stove, sink and fridge in the kitchen’s “command position” where the cook can view the doorway without standing in direct line with it. This placement allows a feeling of control.

Keeping your kitchen tidy, comfortably lit and infused with natural elements creates an uplifting space to prepare nourishing meals for yourself and loved ones. A welcoming kitchen supports the health and energy flow of the entire home.

Bathroom Tips

The bathroom is associated with the water element, so it’s important that energy can flow freely and not become stagnant. Here are some feng shui recommendations for your bathroom:

Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use. An open toilet is considered bad feng shui because it allows energy to flow out of your home. Keeping the lid closed prevents this.
Add a living plant. Live plants represent fresh energy and life in the bathroom. They also help purify the air. Choose a plant that can handle the humidity well, such as a philodendron, orchid, bamboo or ferns.
Ensure proper ventilation. Stagnant or stale air in the bathroom creates unhealthy energy. Make sure to run the fan or open a window after bathing to allow fresh air to circulate.
Use calming colors. Cool tones like blue, green or grey promote relaxation in the bathroom. Avoid reds and oranges which are too energetic.
Declutter frequently. Because of moisture, bathrooms tend to collect clutter easily. Maintain clean surfaces and clear away items that are not frequently used.
Fix leaks promptly. Dripping faucets or leaks underline the water element but in a destructive manner. Repair any leaky faucets or shower heads right away.

Bedroom Tips

Creating a restful bedroom with good feng shui is key to getting deep, restorative sleep. Pay special attention to your bed placement and the storage options in your bedroom.

Avoid Under-Bed Storage

Under-bed storage is believed to disrupt sleep and cause unease according to feng shui principles. Storing anything under the bed can create an accumulation of stagnant energy in that space. It’s best to store extra items in closets, dressers or storage chests instead.

Position Your Bed in the Commanding Position

Place your bed in a “commanding” position that allows you to see the door while not being in direct alignment with it. You’ll want to feel protected and have a sense of safety when sleeping. Avoid positioning your bed under a window or in direct line with the door.

Include Soothing Colors and Textures

Decorate your bedroom with cool, calming colors like blues, greens and lavenders. Choose natural fiber bedding and window treatments in soft, cozy textures. Lighting should be gentle and adjustable for nighttime reading or relaxation before bed. Reduce clutter and items that create visual busyness.

Home Office Tips

Your home office is where you likely spend a good deal of time working, so optimizing its feng shui is important. One of the most critical things in a home office is your desk placement. Your desk should be in the commanding position, which means you can see the entrance to the room without having your back to it. This allows you to keep an eye on things from a position of authority and power.

It’s also crucial to avoid clutter in your home office. Papers, books, and other items piled up can negatively impact your focus and productivity. Make sure documents are filed away properly and remove things you don’t need. A clean desk clears your mind.

Finally, hang inspiring artwork, calming paintings, or uplifting affirmations on the walls. Surrounding yourself with positive visuals while you work can give your creativity and motivation a boost. Avoid overly stimulating or distracting decor. The goal is to create a calming yet energizing environment.

Outdoor Spaces

Creating an inviting and balanced outdoor space is an important part of feng shui. When designing your yard, patio, balcony or other outdoor areas, focus on incorporating natural elements, flowing shapes and paths, and cozy seating areas.

Bring in natural elements like plants, rocks, water features, and wood. Having living plants and flowers nourishes the energy of a space. avoid artificial greenery when possible.
Incorporate flowing, curved shapes and meandering pathways. Straight lines and sharp corners create sharper energy. Gently winding paths allow energy to move in smooth, harmonious ways.
Design seating areas where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the space. Face seating toward pleasing views and balance with natural features like plants. Avoid seating that faces busy streets or unattractive views.
Consider adding a small water fountain, which balances the energy flow. Ensure proper drainage so water movement is smooth. Situate the fountain so it can be heard but not seen from seating areas.
Use natural materials like wood, stone, clay, or tiles to create a grounded feel. Incorporate permeable surfaces like pea gravel, decomposed granite, or flagstone rather than large expanses of concrete.
Position lighting carefully and utilize fixtures on timers or dimmers. Soft, indirect lighting prevents glare and inviting in the evenings. Candles also add cozy ambiance.

Taking feng shui principles into account when designing your outdoor areas creates spaces that nurture you physically and spiritually. A balanced flow with natural elements promotes relaxation, joy, and harmony with your surroundings.