Expert Tips on Feng Shui for Your Living Room

If your living room has been feeling a bit off lately, you’re not alone. Perhaps it’s the awkward furniture arrangement that turns conversation into a game of Twister, or that lingering, vague sense of stagnant energy despite your best cleaning efforts. Before you rearrange everything again, consider turning to the ancient wisdom of feng shui—a 5,000-year-old Chinese practice focused on creating harmony between you and your environment through the thoughtful placement of objects, colors, and materials.

To guide you in feng shui-ing your living room, we consulted a team of experts: Dr. Hannah Yang, a licensed psychologist at Balanced Awakening with a focus on feng shui; Suzanne Roynon, a member of the International Feng Shui Guild; Classical Feng Shui Master Meena Jagpal-Paré; and Gala Magriñá, a holistic interior designer certified in the practice.

“The living room is where we spend quality time with ourselves, family, and friends. Creating a nurturing, energetically nourishing space is a vital part of self-care,” says Roynon. Ready to revamp your space? Read on for expert advice.

Embrace the Five Elements

Creating balance in your living room begins with understanding and incorporating the five feng shui elements. Jagpal-Paré offers this breakdown of how to integrate these essential components into your space:

Wood Element (Growth & Vitality)
Best for: Fostering creativity and personal growth

• Add tall, healthy plants
• Include wood furniture
• Use nature-inspired artwork featuring forests
• Opt for green tones in décor accents

Earth Element (Stability & Grounding)
Best for: Enhancing stability and support

• Choose earthy rugs and curtains
• Incorporate crystals and seashells
• Select earthen planters
• Use beige and light-to-medium brown colors

Fire Element (Energy & Transformation)
Best for: Boosting energy and transformation

• Add candles or a working fireplace
• Integrate red accents with cushions and throws
• Include warm scene artwork like sunsets
• Use bright pink and orange hues strategically

Water Element (Abundance & Wisdom)
Best for: Supporting career growth and emotional balance

• Incorporate blue and black tones
• Consider a small water fountain
• Use artwork with gentle water imagery, but avoid images of water flowing out of the home or harsh waves

Metal Element (Clarity & Precision)
Best for: Enhancing focus and productivity

• Add gray, white, and metallic shades
• Incorporate metal furniture and sculptures
• Use metallic picture frames and lighting fixtures
• Opt for white or gray paint

“Rooms with a blend of different elements tend to feel the most harmonious,” advises Dr. Yang. She recommends a balanced approach, like combining a picture of a waterfall (water), live plants (wood), a yellow rug (earth), a steel coffee table (metal), and a candle (fire) to create a dynamic and harmonious space.

Position the Sofa to Face the Door

The way you arrange your furniture can significantly impact the energy and functionality of your living room. According to Jagpal-Paré, the largest piece of furniture—typically the sofa—should be positioned near a solid wall, but not directly against it. This supports optimal energy flow while offering a sense of security.

The “command” position is essential in feng shui. “Position seating so you can see the door clearly,” recommends Magriñá. “This promotes a sense of control, making it easier to relax.” As you arrange your furniture, consider creating meandering pathways that allow energy to flow naturally through the room.

For the ideal conversation area, place seating to encourage natural interaction. While many living rooms focus around the television, Roynon suggests creating a balanced layout that fosters both entertainment and communication. Opt for a wooden coffee table instead of a glass one for a more grounding energy, as glass can create a sense of fragility.

Clear Your Living Room Regularly

Space clearing acts as an energetic reset for your home. Start with sound clearing—Roynon suggests using sound in all corners of your home to break up stagnant energy. “Clapping works well in smaller spaces, but for larger areas, try using a pan and wooden spoon,” she advises.

Next, use smoke cleansing, being mindful of cultural sensitivities. Jagpal-Paré recommends using energy-clearing herbs, with lavender being a particularly effective option.

Finish by setting intentions. “Walk through the space and bless it,” suggests Magriñá. “Speak aloud what you want the space to embody, like, ‘My intention for this living room is that it be filled with joy and celebration.’”

When it comes to timing, some practitioners recommend daily clearing, but you may also choose to align with natural cycles—such as during seasonal transitions, after stressful periods, or following the hosting of guests.

Choose Neutral Tones

This chic, neutral living room by fashion designer Carly Cushnie is both calming and stylish.

“Each feng shui element has a corresponding color palette,” explains Roynon. The goal is to find balance while being mindful of the energy each color brings to the space.

Start with neutral tones as your base. “For the living room, it’s best to keep the furniture in neutral tones to create visual appeal and grounding energy,” says Jagpal-Paré. From there, add color through accessories and accent pieces.

Earth tones like beige and sand provide stability, but too much can make the space feel stagnant, warns Roynon. Red hues, such as burgundy, orange, and hot pink, can energize the room, but should be used sparingly to avoid creating tension. Blue and black accessories, associated with water, support career growth and emotional balance, while greens bring vitality and growth.

Quick Feng Shui Fixes for Your Living Room

Want to boost your living room’s energy right away? Start with a thorough declutter. “Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy,” suggests Dr. Yang. This includes eliminating items like workout equipment or work-related objects that don’t belong in a living space.

Next, take a close look at your artwork. “Life often mirrors the art we spend the most time with,” Roynon reminds us. “Does your artwork reflect a positive lifestyle or make you feel lonely or unloved?”

Incorporate natural elements thoughtfully. Jagpal-Paré recommends adding healthy plants and crystals to enhance energy. Citrine can uplift, clear quartz grounds, and black tourmaline with mica offers protection.

Ultimately, “surround yourself with things you love,” says Jagpal-Paré. “Your subconscious connects to everything you see, so keep only the items that bring positivity and joy.”