20 Most Important Aspects Based on Feng Shui Principles – 1.1.B.

Here are the 20 most important aspects based on practical Feng Shui principles to consider when furnishing a living space:

Principles and Layout

1. Entrance Clarity and Openness
   Chi (life energy) enters here, so ensure the space is clear, airy, and unobstructed.
2. Free Energy Flow (Chi)
   Avoid cluttered furniture and spaces with sharp corners; maintain natural movement and flow.
3. Position of Key Functional Furniture (e.g., bed, desk, stove)
   Always place in a ‘Command Position’: with a wall behind, a clear view of the door, but not directly facing it.
4. Mirror Placement
   Avoid positioning mirrors to reflect the bed or entrance door, as this disrupts energy and tranquility.
5. Bedroom and Bed Positioning
   Position the bed away from the door, ensure no beam is overhead, and use a solid headboard.

Cleanliness, Order, Nature

6. Order and Decluttering
   Clutter interrupts energy flow. Keep only what you truly need.
7. Natural Materials Preferred
   Wood, cotton, and wool – these living materials support chi circulation.
8. Plants – Living Energies
   Healthy, vibrant plants enhance energy quality (avoid sharp-edged cacti!).
9. Fresh Air and Natural Light
   Proper ventilation and light are essential for good energy flow.

Colors and Elements (Five Elements Theory)

10. Balance of Five Elements
    Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water – incorporate each in some form (colors, shapes, materials).
11. Color Selection by Function
    Bedroom: calming colors (e.g., beige, light blue); Living room: warmer tones (e.g., peach, ochre).
12. Elemental Balance in Space
    For instance, avoid excessive red if not balanced by blue or black tones.

Lighting, Decoration, and Perception

13. Layered Lighting
    Combining natural light, mood lighting, and targeted light sources (e.g., reading lamp).
14. Positive Symbolism
    Decorations and images should always convey a positive message (avoid lonely or melancholic representations).
15. Personal Object Placement
    Support the inhabitant’s goals (e.g., success, love, health) without overcrowding spaces.
16. Noise and Odor-Free Environment
    Harmonious sounds, fresh fragrances – avoid irritating noises and artificial air fresheners.

Specific Areas

17. Ensure the bathroom door is lockable and the toilet lid is always closed
    Prevent energy from “flowing away”.
18. Stove (Kitchen) – Well-Functioning, Clean, and Regularly Used
    Symbolizes wealth and health, making it critically important.
19. Money and Wealth Area (Southeast)
    Consider placing a plant, Water Element (such as a small fountain), or crystal in this area.
20. Personal Bagua Map Considerations
    Dividing your living space according to the Bagua Map** can help focus energy on specific life areas like love, career, and health.

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* What Does the ‘Command Position’ (Power Position) Mean According to Feng Shui?

The “Command Position” is a central but often misunderstood concept in Feng Shui. It is a theoretical situation that reflects a state where you (as the user) feel safe, stable, and in control within a space. The layout is good if:

1. You can see the room’s entrance (maintaining control over events),
2. You are not directly facing the door (preventing energy from coming too directly, which can feel unsettling),
3. There is a wall or stable background behind you (symbolizing support and stability).

Examples: How does this look in practice?

For a bed:

• There should be a wall behind the headboard, not a window.
• From the bed, you should be able to see the door (it should not be behind you),
• But not directly opposite it, especially not with your feet pointing towards the door (the ‘coffin position’).

Regarding the desk:

• Do not place it with the back facing the door (this causes anxiety, even subconsciously).
• Do not position it directly facing the door, as it will overwhelm you with excessive energy.
• Ideally, you should see the door from the side or at an angle, while having a wall behind you – so for example, you can see the door diagonally, but not directly in line with it.

So the table should not be in the middle of the room, but in a location where:

• You are not in an open space behind you (with security at your back),
• you are not directly facing the door,
• and you can see when someone enters.

In the case of the stove:

• The cook should not have their back to the door, or at least have a mirror to see the entrance.
• This is important from both a safety and energetic perspective.

Why is this position not always ‘central’?

The ‘Command Position’ is not about the visually central location (like a royal throne), but about the protected but overlooking position – as if you were sitting at a strategic point in a fortress: with your back to the wall, keeping an eye on the gate.

Spatial Arrangement Tip

If the door is, for example, on the left side, then:

• The desk can be placed in the right back corner of the room, diagonally positioned so that you have a diagonal view of the door, with a wall behind you.

Does the principle of "intimate openness" found in Western interior design trends also apply to the principles of Feng Shui?

One of the central principles of Feng Shui is that a person in the space should feel calm and in control. This also extends to avoiding unexpected or unpleasant surprises, such as when someone enters the room.

How does ‘intimate opening’ relate to Feng Shui?

1. Door placement – avoid direct alignment with bed, bathtub, or toilet

• This is a clear Feng Shui prohibition: such positions create unrest and a sense of vulnerability.
• The goal is that the person lying in bed or bathing can see the door, but not be directly in its path.

2. Command Position in the bedroom, children’s room, and home office

• The command position creates this intimate control, providing a ‘buffer zone’ when someone enters.
• This is necessary not only for maintaining calm but also for creating a sense of inner space security.

3. A slow, indirect entrance approach

• Feng Shui prefers slower, meandering movement, instead of a door abruptly ‘bursting’ into a private space.
• This allows the person in the space time to perceive the approaching person and respond.

4. Children’s Room Layout

• The bed is positioned so that the child can see the door, but without direct line of sight from the corridor or parents’ bedroom.
• This helps avoid excessive control and preserves intimacy.

We can say that Feng Shui does indeed support the idea of "intimate openness" – with a spatial arrangement that does not surprise, but rather supports those who occupy it. It achieves this by seeking visibility, but not vulnerability at entrances and sitting or lying areas.

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** What is the Bagua Map?

You can learn more in the following standalone post: Bagua Map: One of Feng Shui’s Most Fundamental Tools

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TL;DR – Brief summary

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The ancient wisdom of feng shui can still help you create balance in your home today. Our article guides you through the most important energy management principles of interior design in 20 practical points: from the optimal placement of your bed, desk, and stove to the conscious use of colors, materials, and lighting. You will learn how to design your space in a way that truly supports your well-being, sense of security, and goals—whether it's relaxation, work, or relationships.

In this article, you can read about the following topics:

• Principles and Layout
• Cleanliness, Order, Nature
• Colors and Elements (Five Elements Theory)
• Lighting, Decoration, and Perception
• Specific Areas
• * What Does the ‘Command Position’ (Power Position) Mean According to Feng Shui?
• Examples: How does this look in practice?
• Why is this position not always ‘central’?
• Spatial Arrangement Tip
• How does ‘intimate opening’ relate to Feng Shui?
• ** What is the Bagua Map?

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Frequently asked questions

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What exactly does command position mean, and why is it important?

This position indicates a spatial arrangement where the occupant feels safe and in control. For example: you can see the door from your bed, but you are not lying directly opposite it; you sit with your back to the wall at your desk, while still being able to see the entrance. This arrangement creates psychological and energetic stability.

Why should you avoid sharp corners and crowded furniture?

Sharp corners can act as ´poison arrows´ according to Feng Shui, disrupting the free flow of chi (life energy). Overcrowding also creates obstacles, impairing the natural flow of movement and air—which can reduce the sense of calm and inspiration in a space.

What colors should I use in different rooms if I want to decorate according to Feng Shui?

Different colors are recommended for each function: 1. Bedroom: soothing shades (beige, pale blue) 2. Living room: warmer tones (apricot, ocher) 3. Workplace: colors that aid concentration (gray, green) It is also important to maintain a balance between the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in the color palette.

Why are order and cleanliness important in Feng Shui?

Physical order also creates energetic balance. A clutter-free, clean space promotes the free flow of chi, reduces mental noise, and supports regeneration. According to Feng Shui, only objects that have a real function or emotional value should be present.