Feng shui is about creating good flow and balance in the home. Keep the entrance open and tidy, avoid clutter, and balance the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) with colours and materials. Mirrors open up rooms and spread light, plants bring life, and candles bring warm energy. Less clutter and softer lines = more calm.
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging your home so that the energy – chi – flows freely and creates calm and balance. You don't have to believe in all of it to benefit from the principles: many of them are simply good, calm interior design. Here are the most important tips you can use straight away.
What is feng shui?
The words mean "wind" and "water". The idea is that your surroundings affect how you feel, and that by placing furniture, colours and objects wisely, you can create a home that feels harmonious and balanced. At its core is flow, balance and freedom from clutter.
Flow and entrance
The entrance is the home's "mouth", where energy enters. Keep it open, bright and tidy – no piles of shoes and post. Make sure you can move freely through the rooms without tripping over furniture. Free flow is feng shui's most important principle.
Tip: Start by decluttering. No feng shui trick works on top of clutter – a clear surface does more for calm than any furniture placement.
The five elements
Feng shui balances five elements, each with its own colours and materials. A harmonious room contains a bit of several:
- Wood: growth – green, plants, wooden furniture.
- Fire: energy – red, candles.
- Earth: stability – earthy tones, ceramics and stoneware.
- Metal: clarity – white, brass, metal details.
- Water: calm – blue, black, mirrors and glass.
Mirrors, plants and light
Three easy tools: Mirrors make small rooms feel bigger, bounce light further and "open up" dark corners – just not directly opposite the front door. Plants add living wood energy and purify the air. Candles bring the warm fire energy and soft light that instantly make a room more inviting.
Quick tips room by room
| Room | Tip |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Tidy, a mirror (not facing the door), good lighting |
| Living room | Soft lines, plants, balance between the elements |
| Bedroom | Calm, dimmed light, avoid mirrors facing the bed |
| Dining room | Candles, round shapes, warm earthy colours |
Summary
Feng shui is all about flow, balance and the absence of clutter. Keep the entrance open, balance the five elements with colours and materials, and use mirrors, plants and candles to open up rooms and create warmth. You don't have to follow it to the letter – just take the tips that give you the most peace of mind.
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Create flow and calm with our mirrors, candlesticks and vases.
