9 Expert Feng Shui Tips to Revitalise Your Living Room

The living room is often referred to as the heart of your home because it serves as a sanctuary for you to unwind and rejuvenate, but also for your family and friends to connect.

Being such an important space in your home, embracing the principles of Feng Shui can elevate the energy in the room, fostering balance and tranquillity.

If you’re looking to balance the latent energies in your space, Dato Joey Yap shares his Feng Shui insights on how you can truly transform your living room!

Joey Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics and Chief Consultant of the Joey Yap Consulting Group. He is an authority in Chinese metaphysics and a prolific author of 186 books and counting.

Why follow living room feng shui rules

While some feel that Feng Shui is just a gimmick, many people have benefited from following simple Feng Shui principles in the living room. Joey believes that, at the root of Feng Shui, it contains “principles of design, architecture, and environmental psychology.”

When applied thoughtfully, Feng Shui can create a more harmonious and balanced living space.

Here are some reasons why Feng Shui in the living room is so important:

Improved energy flow

Feng Shui emphasises the smooth flow of energy, or chi, throughout a space. By aligning furniture and arranging elements thoughtfully, you encourage a positive, harmonious energy flow in your living room. This can contribute to a more vibrant and balanced atmosphere.

Increased comfort and functionality

Feng Shui encourages intentional furniture placement and a clutter-free environment, ensuring that the living room space is both comfortable and functional. Feng Shui aside, a thoughtfully arranged space also promotes ease of movement and enhances the practical aspects of daily living.

Increased productivity and creativity

A clutter-free and organised living room promotes a clear mind. By following Feng Shui guidelines, you create an environment that supports focus, creativity, and productivity. This can be particularly beneficial for those who use the living room as a home office or creative hub.

Creates balance in your home

Feng Shui principles emphasise creating a balanced environment and focus on Yin and Yang. From personal balance like your emotional well-being, to interior design balances like furniture placement, Feng Shui can help create a space with harmonious energy.

Ideal Feng Shui living room layout

The ideal Feng Shui living room layout is one that allows for good energy flow in the room. The sofas and armchairs should be facing the main entrance, and furniture pieces should have sufficient space around them.

Here’s what an ideal Feng Shui living room layout looks like:

An ideal Feng Shui living room layout.

9 Feng Shui tips for the living room

Embrace the ‘command position’

The concept of the ‘command position’ is a fundamental principle in Feng Shui that emphasises creating a sense of security and control within a space.

“In the context of the living room, the command position involves strategically placing key pieces of furniture, especially the sofa, to optimise the flow of energy and promote a harmonious atmosphere,” says Joey.

For example, position the sofa facing the main entrance of your home to allow you to see the door without being directly in line with it. This can include angling the sofa or placing it against a wall with a diagonal view of the door.

@ofthebox places the Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa in a way that faces the main entrance of their home.

While the command position is crucial, Joey says that it’s also important to balance it with comfort. Ensure that the seating arrangement feels natural and conducive to relaxation, avoiding rigid or uncomfortable setups.

Take note of furniture arrangement

“Rearranging furniture can freshen up a space and make it more functional, but it won’t necessarily bring about life-altering changes. This is a common misconception,” quips Joey.

But, furniture arrangement can enhance the energy flow and balance in the living room.

Ensure that there are clear and unobstructed pathways in the living room to allow energy to circulate freely throughout the space. Avoid placing furniture in a way that creates obstacles or disrupts the natural flow of movement.

The Jonathan Leather Sofa, Wayne Armchair, and Kit Bouclé Stool are centered around the coffee table to facilitate conversation. Picture credits: @monicawangphoto

Joey recommends placing your main seating area in a way that encourages face-to-face interaction and a sense of connection. The arrangement of sofas and chairs should invite social engagement while also considering comfort and the overall flow of energy.

Introduce rounded furniture

“In Feng Shui, sharp edges are generally considered undesirable because they are believed to create harsh or negative energy, disrupting the smooth flow of chi in a space,” says Joey.

Some examples of sharp edges can include high tables, walls, or cabinets that can create pointed energy.

That said, Joey recommends opting for rounded furniture such as round coffee tables or side tables in your living room to complement the symbolism of circles in Feng Shui. If possible, conceal sharp structural elements by curving wall structures or placing dividers to break up or redirect sharp energy.

@rachelkathleenhome introduces several round elements in the living room - from the Seb Round Coffee Table to round accent pillows on the Dawson 3-Seater Sofa Set.

Harmonise with the five elements

“In Feng Shui philosophy, there are five elements that represent different types of energy and forces in the natural world. They are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water elements,” says Joey.

“Each element is believed to interact with the others, and a harmonious balance of these energies helps to create a space that is energetically balanced.”

For example, you can introduce wood elements through wood furniture, such as a coffee table, bookshelves, or wooden frames. This promotes a sense of renewal and growth within the space. Incorporate the Earth element through ceramics, stones, or crystals to enhance the sense of stability and balance in the space.

@teeteeheehee adds Wood and Earth elements into the living room. Pictured: The Seb TV Console.

Balance Yin and Yang energies

Balancing yin and yang energies in your living room is a key principle in Feng Shui that represents the interconnectedness of the opposites.

“Achieving equilibrium by balancing the yin (soft, passive) and the yang (bright, active) energies can foster a dynamic yet peaceful atmosphere,” says Joey.

Introduce yin energy into a vibrant space with soft and cosy textiles like plush throws, cushions, or soft rugs to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere - especially in the main seating area of the living room.

@styledbypt creates balance with the neutral Adams Sofa and vibrant throw pillows with different shapes and textures.

Furniture can also be arranged to balance yin and yang. For example, create a quiet reading area for intimate conversations (yin) while ensuring an open layout that encourages movement (yang).

Use a good mix of lighting

Lighting is another important element in Feng Shui that can impact the energy flow and ambiance of a space.

Joey recommends having a good mix of lighting in the living room as it’s a space that serves various purposes, such as relaxation, socialising, or watching TV.

@authorsinstyle uses sheer curtains to allow as much natural light in as possible. Pictured: The Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair in Snow.

Incorporate natural lighting by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains that can filter and soften the incoming sunlight. He also encourages a layered approach to lighting, having a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Install ceiling fixtures for ambient lighting, table lamps for task lighting, and wall sconces or spotlights for accent lighting.

Recommended read: What’s The Best Lighting for Every Room in Your Home?

Reflect positive energy with mirrors

The use of mirrors in Feng Shui is rooted in the belief that mirrors have the power to reflect and enhance energy in a space.

“Mirrors are known for their ability to reflect light, and in Feng Shui, natural light is considered a positive source of energy,” he says.

Joey also adds that mirrors are believed to symbolically double whatever they reflect. In the context of Feng Shui, this concept is often associated with the idea of doubling abundance and prosperity. It is thought to magnify positive energy, wealth, and opportunities in the living room.

Place mirrors in your living room or near the entryway to reflect positive elements, such as artwork or the dining table. By strategically placing mirrors in the living room, you can enhance the natural light entering the space, creating a brighter and more vibrant atmosphere.

In Feng Shui, placing a mirror towards the dining table is believed to double the abundance. Pictured: The Seb TV Console and Seb Dining Table Set. Picture credits: @kesteemo, @chelsealim.design, @lemonfridgestudio, @interiorsbyseeck

“But, be mindful of placing a mirror directly opposite your main entrance as this is believed to bounce back the energy, disrupting the energy flow,” warns Joey.

Introduce indoor plants

Aside from wood furniture and accents, indoor plants also symbolises the Wood element. Greenery is a great addition to your space that contributes to positive energy flow and is believed to enhance various aspects of your well-being.

@homebyheena breathes life into her home with a plant corner. Pictured: The Auburn Performance Bouclé Curve Sofa.

Joey suggests opting for healthy and thriving plants to symbolise vitality and positive energy. Money plants, snake plants, and orchids are great examples of plants that symbolise wealth, protective energy, and beauty in Feng Shui respectively. Avoid plants that are withering or have dead leaves, as they may represent stagnant or negative energy.

Keep the living room clutter-free

Decluttering with purpose is a fundamental aspect of Feng Shui that goes beyond mere cleanliness and organisation. In Feng Shui philosophy, the state of your living environment reflects the state of your mind and life.

“Clutter is believed to obstruct the natural flow of energy in a space. It is also seen as stagnant energy or blocked opportunities.”

By removing unnecessary items, you allow energy to move freely throughout the living room. This promotes a harmonious atmosphere, and you symbolically make room for new and positive experiences to enter your life.

@ourwhampoahouse keeps the living room clutter-free. Pictured: The Pebble Chaise Sectional Sofa in Forest Green.

To keep your space clutter-free, invest in storage solutions to keep the living room organised. Stylish storage bins, shelves, or furniture with built-in storage can help conceal clutter and maintain a clean appearance.

Feng Shui is not just about adhering to ancient practices; it invites us to view our living spaces as dynamic environments where energy, intention, and design converge.

Ultimately, the journey toward a Feng Shui-inspired living room is a personalised one, guided by individual preferences and intentions. Embrace the wisdom of Feng Shui and turn your living room into a sanctuary of positive energy, balance, and profound connection between your inner self and the external environment.