How to Feng Shui Your Desk

The Chinese words “feng” and “shui” translate to mean “wind” and “fire”. The concept derived from an ancient poem based on the deep connection between human life and the surrounding environment. The philosophy of feng shui can help you create an inspiring and conductive home office, and we can help you achieve this. In this article, we will talk you through how you can feng shui your desk, benefitting your productivity and lifestyle.

What is Feng Shui?

The philosophy of achieving feng shui is the practice of arranging your living space to create balance with the natural world. The focus is to harness energy forces and establish harmony between an individual and their environment. All the basic principles of feng shui reflect nature, this includes the essential principles: the commanding position, the bagua, and the five elements. In this section, we will briefly cover each.

The Commanding Position

The commanding position is the area of a room that is furthest from the door and not in direct line with it. It puts you diagonal from the door, and ideally, it should be in line of sight. This is where you spend most of your time when you are in the room. Feng shui guidelines suggest you determine this dominant position in your room, and that your bed, desk or stove should be in diagonal alignment.

The Bagua

A bagua is the feng sui energy map covering the floor plan of a room. “Bagua” translates to “eight areas”, and each of these areas relates to different aspects of your life, like family, knowledge or career.  Feng shui advises not to work on all the different areas at once, but to instead strengthen your energy or improve flow in one area. For example, if you want to encourage fertility, use white or metallic furniture in your home in autumn. The Bagua areas include:

• Family (Zhen)
• Wealth (Xun)
• Health (Tai Qi)
• Helpful People (Qian)
• Children (Dui)
• Knowledge (Gen)
• Fame (Li)
• Career (Kan)
• Partnerships (Kun)

The Five Elements

The five elements included in feng shui are earth, metal, water, wood and fire. They are five interrelated phases in life that work together to create balance and a complete system. Feng shui works to create a balance of the five in your home and in different areas of your life (bagua).

Feng Shui Desk Arrangement

Your desk is one of the most important areas according to feng shui because it symbolizes your career. Achieving balance in this area of your life will help you find success and happiness because your career is so closely connected to your path in life. We have put together some suggestions of how you can achieve feng shui at your home office desk.

Colour and Material

Colour and material greatly affect the feng shui of your desk and are an important buying consideration. A heavy and solid brown desk is the best of all the available desk materials, however, it’s important that you like the desk. Choose a colour and material you like, as well as one that is going to help you achieve feng shui.

Consider the five elements when buying a new desk for your home office, as the colour and materials represent the energy you want to bring into your workspace.

Earth element for stability and grounding:

• Colours: Brown, earthy yellows/oranges/neutrals
• Material: Wood or painted wood/composites

Metal element or efficiency and clarity:

• Colours: White, grey and metallic
• Material: Metal or painted wood/composites

Water element for networking and flow:

• Colours: Black
• Material: Metal or painted wood/composites

Wood element for growth and activity:

• Colours: Green and blue
• Material: Painted wood/ composites

Fire element for inspiration and fame:

• Colours: Red
• Material: Painted wood/composites

Desk Shape

Shape is something else to consider if you’re looking to achieve feng shui at your desk. The most important note is to make sure the desk fits the space. You should always have enough space to work, or you won’t be able to flourish in your life. L-shaped and kidney desks are the best shapes, with standing desks also being acceptable. A credenza on the side is a good feature because it provides more support.

Desk Position

The position of your desk is important for good feng shui. This is where the commanding position comes in; when sitting at your desk, you want to be able to see the door without being directly in line with it. This is usually in the corner that is diagonal from the door. If this isn’t achievable, you can use a mirror to correct the commanding position. Use a mirror so you can see the reflection of the door in the mirror.

A few notes:

Avoid facing a wall – if that’s your only option then you can use a mirror to expand your view and career opportunities

Windows are best on your side – views out of the window can be distracted. Work while you’re at your desk and enjoy the view on your break.

Make sure you have enough room – Leave yourself room to grow. You should be able to get in and out of the desk with ease.

Objects for a Feng Shui Desk Arrangement

Certain objects at your desk can help inspire feng shui and bring different energies to your office space. Here are some you can try:

Plants – Living, green plants invite growth. Well-sized plants that can get the light and space they need on your desk make a good choice.

Fluorite crystals – These crystals can be beneficial for focus and help expand your intellect.

Ceramic mug – A mug that you love invites energies of earth that are about self-care and stability.

Clutter in Your Home Office

Organisation is important, but clutter isn’t necessarily bad for feng shui. Leaving items unused for a long period of time isn’t good, but clutter from what you’re working on that day can be a sign of movement and flow. In fact, a desk with nothing on it is very “yin”, meaning there is no life energy. You can be the judge of whether your clutter is a sign of life or a sign of stagnation. A good solution would be to clear your desk of anything won’t need tomorrow at the end of the working day, this will leave your desk ready for work the next day.

This article should help you achieve feng shui in your home office and focus on the energies you want in your life. If you’re looking for a new desk or office equipment to inspire your workspace, visit our website.