A feng shui office layout takes inspiration from an ancient Chinese practice that theorises that our living space should mirror what’s happening inside of us. Feng shui is all about creating a thoughtful balance and harmony between people and the five elements.
The name of the concept itself, which translates to ‘wind and water’, is symbolic of the flow of energy or chi, and how the arrangement of our environment and all the elements within it can influence our mood and impact our focus.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through some key concepts to help you design a feng shui office layout - from selecting the right workplace furniture to adding simple touches that create harmony and peace. But as Stefan Emunds wisely reminds us, ‘Always keep in mind that the strongest factor of your feng shui is you.’.
Let’s get started!
What is office feng shui?
In an office setting, feng shui practices can be harnessed to increase our productivity and promote mental well-being. It’s about making considerate furniture or layout choices and subtle adjustments that make the biggest difference.
Rather than simply chucking in an office desk and a computer chair, office feng shui invites you to think more deliberately about your surroundings as a dynamic ecosystem of energy and the symbolism represented by the natural elements.
It requires carefully placing objects that resonate with your inner state, letting positive energy effortlessly seep through the space. From the placement of your desk and the colours you choose to the plants and decorations you bring in - every aspect should nourish your professional energy and protect you from anything that disrupts your flow and productivity.
Use the ‘commanding position’ for your feng shui office layout
The commanding position is the foundational concept derived from the feng shui philosophy. It’s the ideal spot in a room that makes you feel empowered and driven. It’s the furthest space from the door, an area that makes you the commander of your energy and your most powerful self, free from distractions and grounded in clarity and focus.
In bedrooms, it’s placing a bed where you feel most at ease. In office spaces, it’s positioning the desk in direct alignment with the door, where you have eyes on the entrance and gives you full authority over the room. This concept also suggests having a solid wall behind you for complete support and visibility of what’s going on around you.
Consider the shape of office furniture
In feng shui, shapes and symmetry have a large role to play when it comes to balancing energy. Coffee tables in office environments offer a central spot to catch-up on emails over a cup of tea, or provide a nice surface for ornaments and interesting books. However, round or oval tables are favoured for their curved shape which promotes a balanced flow of positive energy.
Oval pieces symbolise continuity and harmony thanks to their smooth shape and lack of harsh corners (which are believed to emanate negative energy). This principle also applies to meeting room tables, where the rounded silhouette encourages conversation and ‘togetherness’.
When it comes to additional furniture, opt for a balanced blend of shape to represent the elements:
- Triangles signify fire, known to amplify our lives and invigorate our work.
- Circles/ovals channel the energy of metal, bringing purity and precision.
- Squares represent the Earth element, which stands for growth, inner stability and health.
- Wavy lines and irregular shapes embody water, enhancing flow and freedom when incorporated in moderation
Some objects and furniture will feature properties of multiple elements, be sure to assess whether their energy aligns with the room’s purpose and flow.
Locate the ‘wealth corner’
Any professional working their way up the career ladder has dreams and aspirations. Following best practices from feng shui’s wealth corner concept is an effective way to begin manifesting the right energy for success and wealth.
The wealth corner is usually located in the far right corner of a room according to the Bagua map, which associates this dedicated spot with abundance and prosperity. It’s important to fill this area with objects that represent abundance and professional growth. Think candles, crystals, flowers, water features and symbols that are globally recognised as lucky. Focus all of your energy into this space to promote material wealth and professional advancement.
Add feng-shui inspired objects to your desk
Productivity at work starts with a clear mind and a clear desk. Clutter can disturb focus, and is also recognised in feng shui as blockers to manifesting your desired energy.
It’s been long believed that cluttered corners can have a negative effect on your wealth, sticking you in money ruts or impacting promotions at work. On the other hand, a completely empty computer desk is known as ‘yin’, meaning there is no life or energy in that location.
Here’s how you should decorate your desk:
- Add a real, vibrant plant to attract growth in all aspects of the meaning. Ensure it’s right for the desk surface and not too overpowering.
- Place a fluorite crystal by your laptop to refocus your energy and claim the focus and intellect that this favoured crystal emits.
- Activate good career possibilities by placing a small red lamp or compact mirror on the right side of the desk. These items are believed to reflect opportunity and wealth.
- Don’t forget to add something personal to the desk or hung above it. Think about what motivates you to succeed, whether that’s a famous quote or a photo of the life you wish to live.
Embrace colour psychology
In feng shui, every colour has a meaning and unique energy or vibration that affects our mood. When decorating an office space, consider the metaphysical significance of shades and how they can alter the atmosphere.
Whether it’s the wall coverings or the office sofa, consider the following colours for your office space:
Red is considered invigorating due to its high vibration. It’s associated with passion and excitement, known to increase blood pressure and inspire feelings of desire.
Blue is a great colour choice for offices, due to its ability to destress those around it and offer calmness and tranquility. Blue also sends out energising vibes that promote clarity and effective communication.
Purple has a low vibration and is more about evoking spiritual connection and imagination. It’s also symbolic of luxury and success, making it perfect for working environments.
Yellow instantly brightens up a space and promotes a sense of contentment, happiness and optimism. Yellow is a good colour to choose if you want to create a space that inspires focus.
Add mirrors to the space
Among all the items rooted in ancient feng shui beliefs, mirrors hold particular significance. Not only do they recirculate energy and brighten a space, but they also reflect the energy within it. So, a mirror capturing a neat, tidy, and visually pleasing view is likely to amplify positive energy, but a mirror reflecting clutter and disarray can contribute to negative vibes.
Be careful, however, as hanging a mirror directly across from your desk can do more harm than good. This placement could result in doubled workload!
Office feng shui FAQs
How can I promote positive energy in my office?
There are many underused methods to promote positive energy in your office, now is your time to put them to good use. Start by arranging furniture in a way that leaves a clear ‘energy path’ to allow energy to circulate without obstructions.
Amplify motivation by placing mood boards above the desk, so you always have visibility of your professional vision. Finally, prioritise natural lighting over synthetic lighting for harmony and focus. Ensure every corner is well lit, as dark spots can create stagnant energy and affect the flow of energy.
What to keep in the office to attract wealth?
Attracting good fortune, according to feng shui, starts with mindset and concentrating on money in a positive way. Make sure there are no lingering bills or debt letters in your office space, as this can drain positive energy when it comes to wealth. Replace anything that has negative financial implications with lucky objects such as a money plant, loaded piggy bank, a buddha or crystal tortoise. These items attract positive energy and invite financial abundance.
What is bad feng shui for offices?
Bad feng shui for offices include failure to follow basic practices such as the careful positioning of the desk and overloading a room with clutter. Avoid facing a wall as you work, don’t sit in front of a window to open yourself up to distractions, avoid working in rooms without adequate natural lighting and steer clear of spikey plants and sharp objects.
Failure to adhere to the practices is believed to drain energy and leave you feeling exhausted throughout the day.
Get feng shui-approved furniture at Order Office Furniture
Hopefully, by now you’re feeling inspired and ready to transform your office space. At Order Office, we stock office desks and chairs made to boost productivity and alleviate the strains and pains of everyday working.
We have desks in all shapes and sizes, as well as chairs designed to mould to your body for complete support. Let our furniture become part of your new feng shui layout shop today.
