Introduction

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that aims to harmonize individuals with their surroundings. It revolves around the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element is associated with specific colors, shapes and materials that can influence the energy flow in a space.

The wood element represents vitality, growth, expansion, kindness and flexibility. It is associated with the colors green, blue and teal, along with columnar, rectangular and freeform shapes. When the wood element is lacking, spaces can feel stagnant and lifeless. Integrating characteristics of the wood element through intentional decor can revive energy and foster personal development. This article provides tips for attracting more wood element through your home’s decor.

Wood Element Colors

The wood element is associated with the colors green, blue and teal. When decorating your home to enhance the wood element energy, focus on these cool, calming colors. Darker shades of green, blue and teal are especially recommended to evoke growth, health and renewal.

Paint living spaces like bedrooms, family rooms and studies in rich greens like emerald or forest green. Opt for a teal accent wall in the kitchen or dining room. Use shades like cobalt or navy blue in spaces where you want to promote intellectual focus and clarity. No matter which room you’re decorating, bring in wood element colors through paint, wallpaper, window treatments, area rugs or accent pieces. Just adding a few green and blue decorative items can make a meaningful energetic shift.

Wood Element Shapes

Incorporating shapes connected to the wood element can promote vitality and growth in your home. Focus on vertical lines, rectangular furniture, and soft, rounded edges when selecting décor.

Vertical lines represent upward movement and growth, which relates to the expansive energy of the wood element. Hang art on the walls with prominent vertical lines and patterns. Choose rectangular coffee and side tables over circular ones. Vertical wall prints and rectangular mirrors activate wood energy.

Rounded edges and soft lines also represent the flexibility and fluidity of the wood element. Look for furniture and accessories with rounded or oval shapes and curved edges. Avoid sharp corners or jagged edges. Circular dining tables promote harmony and community. Contoured headboards and arched windows and mirrors also introduce curving wood energy.

Overall, vertical, rectangular and softly rounded shapes in your furnishings, artwork and architectural details awaken the wood element within your home. Flowing lines and contours infuse rooms with balanced, vibrant energy.

Houseplants

Bringing lush, growing plants into your home is a quintessential way to incorporate the wood element. Choose houseplants with soft, rounded leaves to really maximize the harmonious wood energy. Excellent options include:

Ferns. With their delicate, lacy fronds, ferns are a perfect embodiment of the wood element. Place these beauties in bright, indirect light and keep their soil moderately moist. Maidenhair ferns and bird’s nest ferns have particularly rounded shapes.
Philodendrons. Known for their heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons come in vine and bush varieties. They thrive in bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Philodendrons help filter indoor air pollutants.
Rubber plants. With broad, shiny leaves, rubber plants have a lush, tropical vibe. Their large leaves unfurl from stems in a fluid way. Give them bright light without direct sun exposure. Let the soil dry out some between waterings.
Pothos. An easy-to-grow trailing vine, pothos sports glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It tolerates low light levels but does best in medium or bright indirect light. Allow it to dry out between waterings. Pothos is excellent for hanging baskets.
Other options. Plants like monstera, peace lilies, parlour palms, banana plants, and ficus also have the rounded leaves that exemplify the wood element.

Caring for houseplants properly helps them stay healthy and vibrant. Check leaves regularly for signs of pests or disease. Wipe leaves down every so often to remove dust. Turn plants periodically so all sides get light exposure. Keep wood element plants looking their best!

Botanical Prints

Botanical prints with vertical designs that depict trees, leaves, branches, and foliage are an excellent way to bring the wood element into your décor. When selecting botanical wallpaper or artwork, choose prints that have an orderly flow to them, rather than chaotic or overly cluttered compositions. The upward rising energy of vertical designs combined with the organic shapes of plants taps into the vitality and growth attributes of the wood feng shui element.

Prints featuring bamboo, flowering trees, ferns, palms, and vines make great additions around the home. Hang artwork or wallpaper with these vertical botanical motifs in living spaces, bedrooms and entryways to promote the nourishing and rejuvenating energy of the wood element. Stick to relatively simple and clean compositions for the best feng shui boost. Avoid floral prints that appear overcrowded or too busy. The goal is to bring a sense of freshness and rejuvenation into the environment.

Wood Furniture

Incorporating solid wood furniture and accessories into your home decor is an excellent way to bring in the wood element. The natural, organic energy of real wood promotes feelings of vitality and strength.

When selecting wood pieces, look for solid wood furniture made from maple, pine, oak, teak, walnut or bamboo. Avoid furniture made from particle board or cheap, composite woods, which lack the true essence of the wood element.

Light, natural wood finishes work best to maximize the wood energy. Unfinished, stained or lightly lacquered solid wood allows you to feel the natural grain and texture. Stay away from dark stains or heavy varnishes that cover up the natural qualities of the wood.

Upholstered wood furniture frames are also a good option, just ensure the majority of the visible parts are made from high-quality solid wood.

Some key wood element furniture and decor pieces to incorporate:

Dining table and chairs
Bookshelves
Cabinets and hutches
Beds and bed frames
Benches and stools
Wood accessory bowls and trays

By thoughtfully selecting wood furniture and decor items, you can infuse your home with balanced, vibrant wood energy.

Wood Element Fabrics

The wood element is associated with natural materials and textures, making fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo ideal for bringing wood energy into a space. When selecting fabrics and textiles for a home with a wood element focus:

Choose fabrics in colors connected to the wood element such as greens, blues, browns, and neutral earth tones. Light green and teal linens can be an easy way to incorporate the look.
Opt for soft, natural fiber fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo, wool, and silk. The wood element represents nature, so including natural materials connects back to the source.
Incorporate organic patterns and prints like leaves, branches, trees, ferns or other plants. These types of designs reflect the wood element’s origin from living plants and trees.
Consider texture and opt for fabrics with a soft, fuzzy or nubby feel. Tactile fabrics that are cozy and inviting evoke the wood element’s nourishing qualities.
Avoid stiff synthetic fabrics that are overly sleek or shiny. Stick to materials that feel comforting, familiar and grounding.

By thoughtfully selecting wood element inspired fabrics, you can enhance the energetic flow in a space and promote growth, creativity and connection. Natural materials in earthy, organic prints or soothing textures are the key.

Outdoor Trees and Plants

Fostering thriving trees, bushes, and plants in your yard or garden also represents the nourishing wood element. Having lush greenery right outside your home provides a harmonious flow of vital energy.

Regularly nurture any trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. Water and feed them appropriately. Prune back overgrowth to encourage new blossoms and growth. Tending your outdoor woodsy havens keeps their energy vibrant.

Planting additional trees introduces fresh wood energy. Choose varieties with rounded leaves or interesting bark. Evergreen trees promote year-round vitality. Place new trees thoughtfully to enhance feng shui and avoid blocking pathways or darkening your home.

By caring for the lush trees and blooming gardens beyond your walls, you invite revitalizing wood energy into your living space. A verdant outdoor oasis sets a fertile stage for growth, health and creativity within.

Avoid Clutter for Wood Element Energy Flow

A cluttered home can disrupt the natural flow of wood element energy. When rooms and surfaces are overloaded with items, it creates a feeling of being trapped or weighed down. The wood element represents vitality and forward movement, which clutter directly opposes.

To keep wood energy circulating freely:

Organize closets, surfaces, and storage areas. Donate or discard what you no longer need or use.
Remove broken, unused or unneeded items. Clutter attracts more clutter over time, so it’s best to purge regularly.
Maintain clear pathways and open floor space. Avoid overcrowding rooms with too much furniture.
Use storage baskets, bins and containers to neatly corral items. Conceal clutter you can’t immediately deal with.
Keep surfaces like counters, desks and tables clear except for a few decorative items.
Deal with paper clutter and unsorted mail right away before it piles up.
Give each item a proper home so it can be easily returned after use.

By removing clutter regularly, your home will feel lighter, brighter and more energized. You’ll think more clearly and feel motivated to pursue new directions aligned with wood’s vitality. A clutter-free home supports personal growth and creativity.

Conclusion

Bringing the wood element into your home through deliberate decor choices can have a profoundly positive impact on your environment and mood. By incorporating colors like greens, blues and browns, adding houseplants, vertical botanical prints, and wood furniture, you allow the energy associated with trees, plants, and the forest to flow into your personal space.

The wood element represents vitality, freshness, creativity, flexibility, and growth. It brings a vibrant, nourishing energy. Decorating with attributes of the wood element helps evoke feelings of tranquility, inspiration, kindness and compassion. Surrounding yourself with shades of green and the presence of living plants fosters an environment conducive to new beginnings, transformation, and flourishing.

In summary, even small touches honoring the wood element through wall colors, fabrics, shapes, and natural materials can invite more balance, order, and vitality into your home. Try adding a few wood element decor items and see how much lighter and more optimistic your space feels.

Feng Shui Wood Element Decorating Tips