Work it Out: Using Feng Shui in the Office

Everyone likes being productive and efficient at work, whether your office is in a downtown high rise or in the hallway closet of your home. No matter how much you love what you do, you likely will appreciate (and benefit from) having an office space with vibrant and successful energy vibes. Feng shui decorating might be just the thing to turn your office space into the working haven you desire.

Balance dark and light colors for office

Because we spend so many hours at the office, it’s important to incorporate feng shui health tips (not just productivity tips) into the office layout and décor. Here are some other ideas to complete your successful feng shui office space.

Balance dark and light colors for office

1. When choosing your home office, pick a space that is as far away from the bedroom as possible. In fact, a home office space with a separate outside entrance is ideal, although not always a practical option.

Balance dark and light colors for office

2. Don’t sit directly in line with the door. This opens you up to the path of assault of negative energy. Instead, shift your chair to one side or the other so the harmful chi will pass you by.

Balance dark and light colors for office

3. Add in a large, strong plant into your office. Not only will this help to create good energy while you work, but it will also help to absorb distractive and negative energy around. A smooth plant with a stable, wide base is a great option.

Balance dark and light colors for office

4. Position your desk further away from the door and in a way so that your back does not face the door. This is called a feng shui commanding position, and it is believed to attract stronger and more successful energy to the area in which you work. You’re setting yourself up to receive business, not turn your back on it.

Balance dark and light colors for office

5. If your back must face the door while you’re at your desk, lessen the negative effect by finding a way to see the reflection of the door. Strategically place a mirror or any shiny metal office-related object (a brass pot, for example) that allows you to see what’s going on behind you.

Balance dark and light colors for office

6. Refrain from facing your desk toward someone else’s workspace because it is a bad feng shui practice and invites negative energy, including increased arguments and confrontations. This tip is particularly important for people who share an office space.

Balance dark and light colors for office

7. Position your desk so you don’t face a wall, if at all possible. If that isn’t possible, do your best to make the wall become “invisible” with strategic uses of wall art, wallpaper, or other inspiring images.

Balance dark and light colors for office

8. “Fill” (visually) the corner behind your desk. The goal is to recreate the feel of a mountain of sorts (feng shui backing) to provide supportive energy for your mind and body.

Balance dark and light colors for office

9. Create a focal point in the office space. This is important in the successful design of any space, including the office. Without a focal point, the energy of the entire space is dissipated in various (and many) directions, a diversion that takes said energy away from your support.

Balance dark and light colors for office

10. The first corner visible upon entering your office should be filled with a strong, high presence. For example, photos in vertical frames will help to fill you with good energy upon entering the office. And who doesn’t appreciate the chance to start the workday off right?

Balance dark and light colors for office

11. Optimize the natural light available to you as you work in your office. If you have a window, keep it bare, or pull back the curtains completely during office hours. Research shows that the presence (or absence) of natural light directly affects your work satisfaction.

Balance dark and light colors for office

12. Bright fluorescent lights are never a good idea in the office. If your office space has no other lighting options, consider bringing in a lamp or two from home (or placing a lamp on your home office desk) that will provide sufficient task lighting while creating a better ambiance and energy.

Balance dark and light colors for office

13. Add in an air-purifying plant or two. Offices are notorious for high EMF (electromagnetic field) devices, which sap energy and pollute the air. Air purifying plants will help to increase the oxygen available to your brain (a definite bonus while working, we can all agree) as well as refresh the space overall and keep positive energy levels high.

Balance dark and light colors for office

14. In keeping with the habit of feng shui strategies, be sure to keep your office organized and free of clutter. Clutter saps your energy and your motivation, while a clean and organized space increases your efficiency, enthusiasm, and overall work energy. The free flow of chi will be enhanced significantly without clutter (including electronics cords).

Balance dark and light colors for office

15. Choose wall art to hang in your office with care. To make the most of your feng shui office experience, select photos that carry the energy of happy moments, or opt for artwork that uses vibrant, inspiring colors.

Balance dark and light colors for office

16. Remember that feng shui is most successful when it’s subtly applied, not overtly in-your-face. Wind chimes and frog décor might not be the most office appropriate décor choices, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate feng shui décor at all. Choose pieces that you like and that make sense in your office space.

Balance dark and light colors for office

17. If your office has more than one door (a closet, for example), only one of those doors should be open at a time. This practice follows the feng shui principle of keeping money/prosperity coming in and not going out.

Balance dark and light colors for office

18. If your work requires a great deal of creativity, arrange your computer in the north or west areas of your office. Place your computer in the southeast area if you use it to generate income.

Balance dark and light colors for office

19. Remember to incorporate the principles of yin and yang in your workspace. Balance light and dark colors, soft and hard surfaces, and smooth and rough textures. This will help to create a calm, organized, and welcoming office space and maximize your work efforts.