How to Create Good Feng Shui in Your Home

Introduction to Feng Shui

Feng shui, which translates to “wind water” in English, is an ancient Chinese philosophy and practice that dates back over 3,000 years (1). It is based on the belief that the placement and arrangement of objects and space can impact the flow of chi, or life force energy, in an environment (2).

Some key principles of feng shui include:

Chi – This refers to the universal energy or life force. Good feng shui seeks to promote smooth, balanced chi.
Bagua – This is a map used in feng shui that divides space into nine sections, each corresponding to areas of life such as health, family, wealth, etc.
Five elements – The five elements in feng shui are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Bringing a balance of these elements into a space is thought to improve chi.

The main goal of feng shui is to arrange your surroundings to optimize the flow of good chi and cultivate a harmonious environment. Benefits associated with good feng shui include improved health, relationships, focus, and good fortune or luck. By following feng shui principles, people aim to welcome positivity and prosperity into their lives.

Brighten Your Entryway

The entryway is considered the mouth of chi in feng shui, making it an important area to tend to in order to allow positive energy to flow into your home (1). Keeping your entryway clean, open, and bright sets the tone for the energy in the rest of your home.

Start by decluttering your entryway. Remove shoes, coats, bags, and any other items cluttering the space. Give the area a deep clean by dusting, mopping floors, and wiping down surfaces. A tidy entryway frees up the flow of chi.

Next, focus on letting in ample lighting. Good lighting from both natural and artificial sources creates a warm, welcoming feel (2). Open curtains and blinds to allow daylight in. Install lighting on both the interior and exterior of entry doors.

Consider placing fresh flowers, greens, or a blooming plant in your entry. Living plants bring vitality. Hang art you find uplifting. These touches give guests a positive first impression when they enter your home.

Clean Your Windows

Windows are an important feature in Feng Shui because they represent the eyes of the home, allowing for chi (energy) to flow in and out. As the saying goes, “Chi comes in the front door and goes out the windows.” Keeping windows clean is vital for allowing beneficial chi to enter while negative chi can exit (source).

To keep chi flowing optimally through clean windows, follow these tips:

Wash windows regularly with a glass cleaner. Pay extra attention to edges and corners where dirt accumulates.
Wipe down window sills and frames to remove dust and debris.
Make sure exterior windows are clean on both sides. A buildup of dirt outside can block energy inside.
Consider adding sheer curtains or blinds. They allow light in while giving privacy. Curtains made of natural fabrics like cotton work best.
Check windows for any broken seals or gaps that let in dirt and moisture. Make repairs as needed.
Avoid cluttering windowsills with too many items that can obstruct sunlight and chi.

Keeping your windows clean and clear is an easy way to improve energy flow in your home. The brighter and more pristine the window, the better quality chi it can allow inside. Consider adding regular window cleaning to your routine for improved Feng Shui.

Give Your Doors Attention

Doors allow chi (life force energy) to flow in and out of your home (Source). It’s important that doors function properly and look inviting. Fix any broken doors in your home so they open and close smoothly. Consider painting or decorating your doors in an appealing color to create a welcoming vibe. The front door is especially important in feng shui. Make sure it makes a strong statement that acts as a portal for positive energy into your home (Source).

Create a Commanding Position

According to Feng Shui principles, arranging your furniture and workspace in the “command position” promotes stability, power, and control over your environment (1). The commanding position is typically facing the door of a room or office, with a solid wall behind you for support. This allows you to see anyone who enters, without being startled from behind.

For your bed, place the headboard against a solid wall for the commanding position. Don’t position your bed directly in line with the door as this creates an inauspicious “coffin position” (2). The ideal placement is diagonal from the door, giving you a wider view.

At your office desk, face the entrance with your back supported. Avoid sitting with your back to the door or windows, as this can leave you feeling vulnerable or distracted. The commanding desk position allows you to control interactions and focus on your work.

Arranging furniture in the commanding position throughout your home creates stability and strength. This allows you to optimally control your environment according to Feng Shui principles.

Remove Obstacles

According to feng shui principles, clutter blocks the flow of chi (or energy) through your home, creating stagnant areas where chi cannot circulate freely [1]. Removing clutter is one of the most important things you can do to improve energy flow and cultivate good feng shui.

Clutter tends to accumulate in areas we don’t use or see often, like closets, basements, attics, and storage spaces. But just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it’s not causing problems! Here are some tips for decluttering key areas of your home:

Living Room

Go through shelves, surfaces, and storage spaces and remove anything you haven’t used in over a year. Don’t forget about clutter accumulating under tables and sofas!
Remove excess furniture to open up space.
Organize media and games so they don’t create visual clutter.

Kitchen

Clear countertops completely, aside from a few daily-use items.
Go through cabinets and drawers and remove duplicate, unneeded, and rarely used items.
Organize pots, pans, and containers so you can easily see what you have.

Bedrooms

Remove items off the floor and don’t allow clutter to accumulate under the bed. This creates stagnant energy in your personal retreat!
Go through closets seasonally and remove items you haven’t worn in over a year.
Organize closets and dressers so you have a clear view of everything you own.

Bathrooms

Clear countertops completely aside from a few daily essentials.
Remove expired products from cabinets and drawers.
Store extra toiletries and linens neatly in closets or under sinks.

[1] https://metrointeriors.com/feng-shui/feng-shui-decluttering/

Use Space Efficiently

When working with a small space, it’s important to avoid creating a cramped or cluttered feeling. Feng shui principles emphasize allowing chi, or positive energy, to flow freely throughout a space (Source).

There are several techniques to open up the layout of a small room:

Position furniture along the walls rather than clustered in the center of the room. This creates a feeling of openness and flow (Source).
Use multifunctional furniture, like a storage ottoman or a desk that converts to a dining table. Items that serve double duty help maximize space.
Add mirrors to reflect light and give the illusion of extra room. Strategically placed mirrors can make a small space feel more expansive.
Limit clutter on surfaces. A minimalist, tidy look allows chi to move freely. Store extra items out of sight in cabinets, drawers, or storage baskets.

By avoiding a cramped layout and clutter, you can create an open, inviting ambiance even in a tiny home. With smart feng shui enhancements, small spaces can feel cozy rather than confining.

Space Clearing

Space clearing is an important practice in feng shui because it removes stagnant or negative energy from a home. This allows for fresh and positive chi (life force energy) to flow freely through the space again. There are various techniques used in space clearing including burning sage (known as smudging), ringing bells or chimes, clapping, playing uplifting music, and chanting [[https://konmari.com/home-purification/]].

A common space clearing practice is to burn dried sage, wafting the smoke around the room with a feather to push out the negative energy [[https://cosmiccuts.com/blogs/healing-stones-blog/space-clearing-rituals]]. The sage smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke lifts and disappears, so does the negative energy. Using sound vibrations like ringing a bell or clapping is also believed to shake up and expel stagnant energy [[https://karenrauchcarter.com/space-clearing-ritual/]].

It’s recommended to perform space clearing regularly, such as at the new moon, the changing of seasons, or any time the energy feels heavy. It’s also important when moving into a new home. This ritual allows you to reset the energy and make the space your own.

Bring In Living Plants

Living plants can bring tremendous benefits for improving feng shui in the home. Not only do they purify the air, but they also promote the healthy flow of chi or life force energy (source). When selecting plants, go for varieties known to enhance positive energy.

Some of the best plants for feng shui include:

Snake plant – One of the top recommendations by feng shui experts. The snake plant purifies the air, removes toxins, and helps protect the home from negative energy (source).
Jade plant – Known for attracting wealth and prosperity. Place in the southeast corner to activate financial luck (source).
Rubber plant – Has expansive energy that helps open up new opportunities. Put in the east or southeast area (source).
Bamboo – Represents strength, flexibility, and resilience. Place in the east for health (source).

When positioning plants, avoid blocking pathways and entrances. Keep them lush and healthy, pruning dead leaves and stems. The ideal locations are the health, wealth, and relationship areas of the home. With living plants, it’s easy to harness the benefits of improved chi and air quality.

Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a key principle in feng shui. When we focus on appreciation, it opens up positive energy flows in the home (source). There are a few ways to incorporate gratitude into your feng shui enhancements:

Set up a small gratitude altar or space. This could include notes of thanks, photos of loved ones, or any meaningful mementos. Sitting with this space helps you reflect on what you appreciate.
Write thank you notes to your home. Literally write a letter thanking your home for providing shelter, comfort, and joy. This helps personify the space.
Verbally give thanks. Walk from room to room expressing gratitude aloud for different features – from windows to furniture.
Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down 3-5 things you appreciate about your home everyday. This builds awareness.
Offer blessings. Wish your home well before going to sleep or leaving for the day. Visualize positive energy infusing the space.

Focusing on gratitude shifts your mindset to abundance rather than lack. As you make feng shui enhancements, remember to show appreciation for your living space. A little gratitude goes a long way in cultivating good energy!