Creating a harmonious home office isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about designing a space that supports your productivity, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. Since working from home became the new normal for many of us (I have been working from home for 16 years), I’ve realised the impact that the environment has on our energy, mood, and motivation. That’s where Feng Shui comes in. I first started following Feng Shui principles way back in 2014 and haven’t looked back since.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonising your surroundings with the flow of qi energy—also known as life force. When you apply Feng Shui principles to your home office, you can boost your energy, focus, and success while creating a calm, nurturing space to work.
Whether you’re juggling remote work with family life (like me!) or carving out a little corner just for yourself, here’s how to feng shui your home office for better energy flow and productivity.
Why Office Feng Shui Matters in a Home Setting
Over the years, my home office has gone from a corner of the dining table to a dedicated workspace that truly supports me. If your office space feels off—maybe cluttered, uninspiring, or just a bit ‘meh’—you might be dealing with stagnant energy.
Office Feng Shui isn’t about dramatic makeovers. It’s about small, intentional changes that improve the flow of qi, bringing positive energy into your work area and helping you stay centred throughout your day.
If you’re new to the topic, the International Feng Shui Guild provides a wealth of background on the history and benefits of this ancient Chinese practice.
Start with Your Desk: The Command Position
One of the most important aspects of home office feng shui is desk placement. According to Feng Shui experts, your desk is in the command position when you:
- Have a clear view of the room
- Are not in line with the door
- Can see the door without being directly opposite it
This helps promote mental clarity, focus, and a sense of control—especially important when your day involves Zoom calls, deadlines, and snack requests from the kids.
Where Should You Put Your Desk?
You might be wondering: What direction should my desk face? While this varies depending on your personal energy and goals, generally, placing your desk face toward the room (not a wall) is ideal.
Try not to have your desk in your bedroom, as it blends rest with work and can impact sleep quality. If it’s your only option, separate the spaces with a screen or plant to improve energy flow.
For more detail on the ideal desk placement, check out this helpful visual guide from The Spruce, a respected source on home organisation and wellness.
Declutter to Let Energy Flow
I’ll be the first to admit—I’m guilty of the odd paperwork pile! But clutter seriously blocks the flow of energy. A tidy desk and clean workspace help energy (and ideas) move freely, reducing overwhelm and boosting your productivity and well-being.
Keep only what you use daily on your desk, store the rest out of sight, and make space for items that inspire joy, like a favourite photo or a crystal (I keep a citrine stone to support wealth and prosperity – among others).
You can learn more about the connection between clutter and mental wellness in this article by Psychology Today.
Let Natural Light Boost Your Mood and Energy
Natural light is a powerful mood enhancer and a key principle of effective Feng Shui. It helps maintain a good energy balance and keeps you connected to the natural world, even when you’re deep into spreadsheets or blog drafts.
If possible, position your desk near a window. If that’s not doable, office lighting should be soft, warm, and layered—avoid harsh overhead lights and consider a soft-glow desk lamp to promote positive energy or a Serious Readers light like I use for perfect lighting.
According to research from Harvard Health Publishing, natural light exposure also plays a crucial role in maintaining circadian rhythms and supporting mental clarity.
Use Feng Shui Colours to Elevate the Energy
Feng Shui encourages you to choose colours based on the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The best Feng Shui colour for your home office depends on what you want to attract.
Here are a few Feng Shui office colours to consider:
- Green or brown (Wood): For growth and vitality
- Blue or black (Water): To improve mental clarity
- Yellow or beige (Earth): For stability and support in your work
- Red or orange (Fire): To boost passion and energy levels
- White or grey (Metal): For focus and clear thinking
Choose one or two shades and complement them with accessories rather than repainting everything at once.
Enhance the Energy with Natural Elements
Bringing the elements of Feng Shui into your workspace can help balance energy. A small plant, a wooden desk organiser, or a metal-framed chair can ground your space and make it feel more harmonious.
A few personal favourites:
- Snake plant or bamboo for clean air and positive energy
- Wooden shelving for stability
- A metal desk chair to encourage discipline
Layout Matters: Best Feng Shui Office Layout Tips
A best Feng Shui office layout isn’t one-size-fits-all, but a few golden rules include:
- Put your desk in a commanding position
- Avoid sitting with your back to the door
- Keep corners clear of clutter to avoid stagnant energy
- Use rugs or furniture to define your work area if it’s part of a shared room
If you’re struggling, consider consulting a Feng Shui consultant—they can help align your space with your goals.
Bring Feng Shui Into Your Home Office
When you feng shui your home office, you’re doing more than rearranging furniture—you’re creating an environment where qi energy can flow, ideas can flourish, and your work life feels more aligned with who you are.
As a mum who works from home, I know how chaotic life can get. But by making small, intentional changes—clearing clutter, adjusting my desk direction, embracing natural light, and using the principles of feng shui—I’ve created a space that truly supports me.
If you’re ready to bring good vibes and energy into your own home office, give some of these feng shui tips a try. Your productivity (and peace of mind) will thank you.
Final Thought
Feng Shui can help you reclaim control over your workspace, elevate your energy, and create a space that reflects who you are and what you need. Whether you’re deep into remote work, running your own business, or just trying to get through the to-do list, making space for positive energy and purpose matters more than ever.
So go ahead—feng shui your home, breathe life into your home office, and let that qi energy work its magic.