Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt at ease, as if you were wrapped in a warm hug? Or maybe you’ve stepped into a space that left you feeling a bit off-kilter, like navigating an obstacle course blindfolded? Well, my friends, it’s time to talk about the ancient art of Feng Shui, the delightful practice of arranging your home to create harmony and boost those positive vibes. And don’t worry; it’s not all about positioning furniture in perfect symmetry. Here are 10 easy and practical tips on how to apply Feng Shui to your home.

Where Does Feng Shui Come From?

Ancient Feng Shui practitioners at work

Feng Shui, pronounced ‘fung shway,’ is an ancient practice that can be traced back over 3,000 years to ancient China. The term ‘Feng Shui’ is a combination of two Chinese words: fēng which means wind, and shuǐ, which means water. These two elements were seen as vital forces that shape the environment and influence the well-being of the individuals and communities within it.

The practice of Feng Shui initially evolved as a system for understanding the natural world, including the land and its topography, to figure out the most promising locations for building homes and settlements. It was closely tied to the principles of Taoism, which emphasises harmony with nature and the flow of energy (or chi).

Feng Shui practitioners observed the landscape, the direction of the wind and water flow, and the orientation of mountains and bodies of water to identify areas with favourable energy. They believed living in harmony with these natural elements could bring prosperity, health, and happiness.

10 Ways To Apply Feng Shui To Your Home

A homeowner using Feng Shui in their house

1. Clear the Clutter

Have you ever tried to meditate in a room that looks like a tornado recently paid a visit? It’s not exactly Zen. 

Feng Shui encourages us to declutter our spaces to free up energy flow.

2. Balance the Elements

In Feng Shui, there are five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. A harmonious home combines these elements in a balanced way. For example, you can introduce wooden furniture, light candles for fire, use earthy colours, display metal accents, and have a small water feature or mirrors to represent the water element. 

3. Bring Nature In 

Feng Shui is all about being in harmony with the natural world. So, invite the outdoors inside by merging plants into your home decor. They not only purify the air but also add that touch of vibrant vitality. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and create a jungle!

Some Plant Types Recommended by Feng Shui:

• Money Tree – Pachira Aquatica
• White Bird Of Paradise – Strelitzia Nicolai
• Jade Plant Or Money Plant – Crassula Ovata
• Snake Plant – Sansevieria
• Philodendron Heart Leaf – Philodendron Scandens

4. Bed Placement

Where you place your bed can affect your sleep and overall well-being. According to Feng Shui, it’s best to position your bed so that you have a clear view of the bedroom door while lying in it, but it’s not directly in line with the door. This placement is believed to give you the best sense of safety and control over your space.

The 3 Best Bed Placements, According to Feng Shui:

• Avoid the ‘coffin’ position: you’ll want to sidestep the dreaded ‘coffin position’, which is where your feet point towards the door. This position, also called ‘dead man’s position’, is said to disturb sleep by provoking stress and worry. 
• Make sure your headboard is against a solid wall: In Feng Shui, the headboard represents stability, support and security in your life. 
• Leave space on both sides of the bed: It is good practice to have enough ‘open’ space on the left and right sides of the bed. The open space on each side allows a positive balance of your yin and yang. The recommended space would be between 40-50 centimetres on each side.

5. Add Mirrors Wisely

Mirrors can work wonders in making a space look bigger and reflecting light. But in Feng Shui, they also reflect energy. Avoid placing mirrors directly across your bed or dining table, as it’s believed to bounce energy away. Instead, place mirrors strategically to enhance the flow of positive energy.

The Best Way To Place Mirrors, According to Feng Shui:

• Hang your best mirrors in the dining room 
• Be careful when hanging mirrors that face a ‘bad’ window (windows facing unpleasant parts of the street such as electric wires, poles, and piping).
• Position mirrors facing attractive views
• Mirrors should never face the toilet
• A bedroom mirror should not face your bed

6. Let There Be Light! 

Good lighting is important in Feng Shui. Natural light is the best, so open those curtains and let the sunshine in. For artificial lighting, opt for warm, inviting lights instead of those harsh, cold ones. Soft lighting can create a restful and pleasant atmosphere.

7. Your Colour Coordination Counts

In the practice of Feng Shui, colours are believed to carry specific energies that can influence our well-being and the flow of chi in our spaces. Each colour is associated with one of the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—and these elements coordinate different areas of life. For example, the colour green is linked to the Wood element and represents growth, renewal, and vitality. It is often used in areas related to health and family. 

On the other hand, fiery reds and oranges are associated with the Fire element and can be used to evoke passion and energy in spaces related to love and creativity. By strategically incorporating these colours into your homes and workplace, you can tap into their energies to create spaces that support your physical and emotional well-being.

8. Tidy Up Your Entryway 

Your front door is where energy enters your home, so make sure it’s welcoming and clutter-free. A colourful doormat, a potted plant, or some wind chimes can make a big difference in setting the tone for positive vibrations coming your way.

According to Feng Shui, the entryway — or ‘Mouth of Chi’ — is where you welcome prosperity into your life. This entrance sets the living space’s tone and decides the quality of the energy which enters the household every time the front door opens.

9. Fix the Furniture

Furniture plays a crucial role in the practice of Feng Shui, as it directly impacts the flow of energy and the overall harmony within a space. In Feng Shui, it’s essential to choose furniture that not only complements the aesthetics of your room but also aligns with the principles of balance and positive energy. Rounded and curved furniture designs are often preferred over sharp-edged, angular pieces, as they are believed to soften the flow of energy and promote a more relaxed atmosphere. 

You should favour furniture made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, or stone, as they resonate with the Earth element and bring a sense of grounding to your space. When arranging furniture, consider the Bagua map, which divides a room into different areas fitting to parts of life, such as career, relationships, and health. Correctly placing furniture within these zones can help enhance those areas of your life. 

10. Keep It Positive 

Surround yourself with things that make you happy, whether  it’s family photos or artwork you love. These positive elements will boost your energy and create a welcoming environment. If there’s an item with negative connotations, give it a long, hard look and decide whether your home should be its home too.

A couple carrying boxes to their storage unit

Today, Feng Shui is practised worldwide, and it has been adapted to modern living environments. Feng Shui’s ancient beliefs and traditions have practical design and arrangement guides that can improve the functioning and aesthetics of your spaces.

Incorporating Feng Shui principles into your home or office doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you’ve found yourself with a surplus of possessions then self storage might be the solution to your cluttering problems. Seasonal storage can also be handy for making sure your belongings only live in the house when they serve a purpose or are wanted.

StorageWise is a premium provider of storage units in Limerick, Ireland. We have over 100 years of experience in this industry and use it to our advantage by offering the most user-friendly services in Limerick. View our range of storage units to see which one best suits your needs.