How to feng shui your desk
If your home office currently consists of a laptop balanced on a pile of paperwork, a cold cup of coffee, and a chair that you stole from the dining table, it might be time for a rethink.
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice centred around how the arrangement of a space can influence the flow of ‘qi’, or energy. In simple terms, it is about creating surroundings that feel balanced, harmonious, and supportive, which seems like a pretty good ambition for a home office.
And while we can't promise that moving your desk will magically improve your productivity, there is something to be said for working somewhere that feels calm, considered, and distinctly less chaotic.
Start with your desk placement
Feng shui recommends putting your desk in the ‘command’ position: this means somewhere you can see the entrance without sitting directly in line with the door. Ideally, you should also have a solid wall behind you, creating a sense of support.
Try to avoid sitting with your back to a door, window, or busy hallway. And, if possible, don't position your desk so you’re directly facing a blank wall. Having some space and a view in front of you is thought to encourage a more open flow of energy. The aim is to try and give yourself something better to look at than a magnolia wall!
Keep your desk clear
A cluttered desk is rarely conducive to calm, productive work, feng shui or otherwise! Keep the area directly in front of you open, creating what feng shui calls a 'bright hall'.
Clear away unnecessary paperwork, cables (invest in a cable holder), and the collection of mugs that seems to multiply each day. Then introduce a little nature with a healthy houseplant to bring in growth and fresh energy.
Materials matter in feng shui, too. A sturdy wooden desk in earthy tones can help create a feeling of warmth and stability.
Where does your office clock fit in?
We couldn't talk about feng shui without discussing the role of clocks.
In feng shui, clocks represent the active flow of time and Yang energy, so their position matters. The general advice is to place an office clock somewhere you can easily see it, but not directly above or behind your desk. The thinking is that having a clock overhead or behind you can create an unconscious sense of pressure, as though time is constantly catching up with you.
For an office wall clock, positioning at eye level is generally recommended. A desk clock can sit slightly below eye level on your desk or a nearby surface, where it is easy to glance at without dominating the room.
Which direction should your clock face?
According to feng shui principles, the North is associated with career and wealth, making it a popular position for an office clock. The East and Southeast are linked with growth, health, and vitality. Another consideration is the 'Green Dragon' - this refers to the left side of your main seating position. This is traditionally associated with active energy and wealth generation.
And wherever you put it, keep your clock working. A broken or permanently slow clock is considered particularly unhelpful in feng shui. Symbolically, you don't want to be stuck in the past when you're trying to move your career forward.
Feng shui your desk with a Jones clock
Feng shui is as much about creating a workspace that feels good to be in as following a strict set of rules. Choose furniture you love, keep clutter under control, and bring in some house plants. And most importantly, remember to choose a stylish clock and give it a considered place in your room.
