Creating a home office or study using feng shui principles is said to enhance productivity, focus, and a sense of harmony. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arranging spaces to optimise energy flow, and balances elements like positioning, colours, and organisation to create a supportive environment.
With so many of us now working from home a lot of the time (and probably feeling a little uninspired!), surely it’s worth a shot?!
Let’s take a look at how you can transform your workspace into a haven of positive energy…
Firstly, what exactly is feng shui?
Feng shui revolves around the flow of chi (energy) and balances five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The aim is to harmonise your environment with these elements to support your goals, whether productivity, creativity, or calmness. In a home office, feng shui focuses on positioning furniture and objects to encourage an unobstructed and energised flow.
Where should your desk go?
The desk is the heart of your workspace, so it makes sense to focus on your desk first and foremost. According to feng shui principles:
Command position: Place your desk in the "command position" of the room, where you have a clear view of the door but are not directly in line with it. This gives you a sense of control and security.
Avoid facing the wall: Sitting directly against a wall can feel constraining. If this is unavoidable, use wall art or a wall clock to open up the space visually.
Natural light: Position your desk near a window to access natural light, but avoid sitting with your back to it, as according to feng shui, this can symbolically expose you to "attacks" of negative energy.
Which direction should you face?
Facing east or south east is ideal in feng shui as these directions symbolise growth, health, and abundance. Facing the door is also preferable, however, if your room layout forces you to face away from the door, place a mirror in front of you to reflect the doorway. This symbolically gives you awareness and control.
How to feng shui your desk
A cluttered desk disrupts chi flow. Organise your desk using these feng shui principles…
Left Side for Wealth: Place items like a small plant, lamp, or desk clock on the left to symbolise growth and prosperity.
Right Side for Creativity: Keep creative tools or inspirational decor on the right side of your desk to spark ideas.
Centre for Clarity: Keep the middle of your desk clear to promote focus and avoid mental clutter.
Earthy Accessories: Incorporate items made of wood or natural fibres on your desk to ground the space.
Why you should include a desk clock
A desk clock can ground you in the present and promote productivity by encouraging time awareness. It’s also a feng shui approved way to keep your workspace organised.
What colour should your desk clock be?
Colour plays a significant role in feng shui, so when you’re choosing your desk clock it’s important to understand the properties of each colour, and how they could help you achieve your goals. Here are the main guiding principles to colour from a feng shui perspective…
Black or blue: These colours symbolise water energy, enhancing wisdom and focus: great qualities to have in the workplace!
Green: Green represents wood energy, fostering growth and creativity. Consider choosing a green desk clock to help spark creativity.
White or metallic tones: These tones reflect metal energy, promoting clarity and precision. So if you’d like to be more organised and precise in your work, a white or metallic desk top may be the way to go.
Yellow or earthy tones: Yellows and earthy tones such as mustard, oranges, and browns, encourage stability and balance, which could be particularly helpful during stressful Zoom calls!
By aligning your home office with feng shui principles, you create a workspace that not only looks inviting but also inspires and supports your success. A considered layout, organised desk, thoughtfully-chosen desk clock, and harmonious colours will set the stage for an energised, productive workday.
