You walk into your living room after a long day, hoping to unwind. Yet, instead of feeling relaxed, something just feels…off. No matter how many scented candles you light, furniture placements you correct, or new cushions you throw in, the space isn’t as cozy or inviting as you want it to be.
Yes, you want to feel at home like you’re Dakota Johnson living her best life in her mid-century, 70s-inspired Los Angeles dig. But you’re not sure where to start.
This is where feng shui living room tips step in. They’re not just some timeliness home décor trends setting magazine covers ablaze, but actual centuries-old Chinese practices designed to harmonize the energy (or better known as qi) in your living space.
Curious yet? Let’s explore some simple yet powerful, tried and tested feng shui tips to get your living room in shape.
7 feng shui living room hacks to try
Point blank, feng shui works.
Research incorporating virtual reality found that simulated spaces with feng shui considerations have profound positive psychological and physiological impacts on the human body. So, you can see how this practice can naturally boost your well-being.
“When there’s good feng shui, the energy will be harmonious, joyful, open,” explains Marie Diamond, legendary feng shui extraordinaire and the trainer of Mindvalley’s Feng Shui for Life Quest. “And when there’s not such a good feng shui, the energy will feel stalled and stagnant and not in harmony.”
She would know best, having helped a-list artists like The Rolling Stones and Steven Spielberg to legendary teachers like Jack Canfield and Marianne Williamson. And these simple, practical tips come straight from her, so you know you’re in safe hands.
1. Balance your wisdom zone
First things first: let’s tackle the “wisdom zone,” a concept Marie swears by.
Depending on your personal energy number, this zone usually aligns with the north side of your living room. Have a fireplace there? That might be a problem. According to feng shui, fire burns through the water energy that fuels wisdom.
Marie suggests balancing things out: “If you use the fireplace, place a bowl of still water next to it to restore balance.” Also, remove any nearby plants—they’re secretly sabotaging your wisdom flow by slowing down the water element.
While balancing this zone, why not go all out in removing negativity in your space? This way, you’re really spring-cleaning your living room.
2. Boost your living room’s social appeal
Did you know your living room layout could be impacting your social life?
When it comes to creating a “positive energy only” living room, the northwest corner is where you need to focus on boosting those social connections.
“Hang a few pictures of friends here in silver or white frames,” Marie advises. But don’t overdo it—too many pictures, and you might as well leave your front door wide open for an impromptu sleepover. Less is more, folks.
3. Master your color wheel like a pro
Colors in feng shui aren’t just for aesthetics—they’re energy movers. And you’ll be surprised how much a little color tweaking can shift the mood.
Using blues and blacks works wonders for career and wisdom energy. However, they can feel chilly if overused.
To counter that and for a splash of vitality, Marie advises to “warm things up with beige, earthy tones, or even reds in the southern parts of your space.”
4. Get the seating right
Believe it or not, where you place your furniture has a lot to do with how welcoming your space feels.
“Make sure your sofa isn’t positioned with its back to the door,” warns Marie. It’s like slamming the door in the face of good vibes and visitors.
A simple reconfiguration can make your space feel instantly more inviting. And if you’re feeling fancy, try applying some transferrable tips for the bedroom to keep the qi flowing.
5. Personalize the space with spiritual symbols
Marie swears by this: to truly connect with the energy of your living room, fill it with objects that resonate with your spiritual beliefs. Think:
- Buddha statues,
- Angel figurines, or
- A stack of self-development books.
According to Marie, “These items amplify the wisdom and balance in your living space.” Who knew your favorite read or spiritual guide could do more than just look pretty on the coffee table?
6. Optimize energy flow with light
Lighting is essential for keeping the qi in your living room flowing. So, it should go without saying that dimly lit corners can create stagnant energy and make the space feel gloomy.
“Light is a representation of fire energy. It helps activate the space and makes it feel more dynamic,” Marie explains.
So, how do you lighten up the mood of the room? Easy: instead of depending on a single light source, leverage a mix of lighting options, like table lamps, floor lamps, and candles. Doing this helps brighten the room and keep the energy alive.
7. Turn to mirror magic
Mirrors aren’t just for selfies—they’re powerful energy enhancers in feng shui.
But don’t just hang them anywhere. Marie recommends placing a mirror in a spot where it reflects something beautiful, like a window with a view or a lovely piece of artwork. This step doubles the positive energy in your room.
Just avoid mirrors that reflect clutter or sharp angles—they’ll amplify what you don’t want.
Feng shui living room layouts to try
If your living room feels like a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture, awkwardly placed plants, and that weird bookshelf you can’t seem to fit anywhere, it’s time to feng shui your layout.
Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds.
1. The multifunctional layout
If your living room is pulling double (or triple) duty—work, play, and the occasional Netflix binge—then the multifunctional layout is your new bestie. It’s perfect for those of us who need a space that can do it all without feeling like a chaotic mess.
To make it work, ensure that the energy flows like a dream across all those zones. This way, no matter what’s happening in the room, it always feels balanced and ready for action.
For maximum energy flow (and so you don’t feel like you’re constantly tripping over your coffee table), try arranging your furniture in a circular pattern.
This step is one of Marie’s go-to layouts, as it promotes smooth, uninterrupted energy flow. Picture it like a dance—no sharp corners or furniture jammed up against the walls, just a space that flows as effortlessly as you want your life to.
2. The conversational layout
If your living room is the go-to spot for everything from late-night chats to lively debates during family gatherings, then the conversational layout is calling your name.
It’s all about keeping the energy (and the conversation) flowing smoothly between everyone in the room. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just the placement of your sofa and console table that matters—it’s about balancing the energy in the space itself. This is where Marie’s advice on feng shui elements really comes into play.
In true Marie Diamond style, you’ll want to balance the five elements—fire, water, wood, metal, and earth—in your living room to keep things harmonious.
For example, place a water feature in the north to enhance wisdom and add a plant in the east to boost health. Meanwhile, red accents in the south will give a fiery boost to your fame and reputation.
When in doubt about how to start, get creative with vision boards for your living room to reign in that elemental balance.
3. The minimalist layout
If clutter gives you hives or you just need space to breathe (literally and energetically), then the minimalist layout is your jam.
This layout is all about stripping down to the essentials, leaving room for positive energy to move freely through your living room. And as Marie would say, sometimes the best feng shui is less stuff. Translation? Get rid of the clutter.
Marie always stresses that feng shui is as much about removing what doesn’t serve you as it is about arranging what does. “When we look at your space, we must ask—are there things you don’t need or that no longer support your energy? If yes, it’s time to let go,” she says.
In this layout, each piece of furniture has a purpose, and there’s room to breathe. Declutter the space and bring out the best of what’s already there.
Feng shui living room colors and symbols
Let’s talk color therapy—feng shui style. In this ancient practice, every hue is linked to a specific element and part of your life.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. The power of color
Each area of your living room corresponds to a different element, which means the colors you choose matter—a lot.
Remember, the right feng shui living room colors can elevate the mood of the space faster than you can say “paintbrush.”
| Color | Element | Area of Life | Ideal Placement |
| Red | Fire | Fame, reputation, vitality | South: Pop red here for some confidence and swagger—perfect for channeling your inner Beyoncé. |
| Pink | Fire | Love, romance, nurturing | Southwest: Add pink in this corner for that love-is-in-the-air energy. |
| Blue | Water | Wisdom, career growth | North: Splash blue here to channel your inner monk and get your career drive flowing with ease. |
| Black | Water | Career, deep reflection | North: Perfect for grounding (just don’t go too moody)—a little black goes a long way. |
| Green | Wood | Health, family, growth | East: Add green for a fresh, life-affirming vibe that says new beginnings and “I’ve got this.” |
| Yellow | Earth | Stability, nourishment, health | Center or northeast: Think warm and cozy, like wrapping your room in a hug—yellow’s your go-to here. |
| Purple | Fire, wood | Wealth, abundance, prosperity | Southeast: Want to feel like royalty? Purple up your wealth corner for some luxe vibes. |
| White | Metal | Creativity, clarity, precision | West: For a creative boost, go for white—it’s like a blank canvas for your mind. |
Each color packs its own energy punch, so pick your hues wisely depending on the energetic direction you’re going for in your living room. And if you want to make sure the rest of your feng shui setup is just as on point, this guide to feng shui basics can help you get the full picture.
2. Feng shui symbols to boost good vibes
If colors were the ingredients that make feng shui delightful, then symbols are the secret sauce that makes it—chef’s kiss—exquisite. They remind you to keep the good energy flowing in your home.
Here’s the lowdown on which ones to include in your living room:
Yin Yang
Think of this as the Cinderella and Prince Charming of balance—yin and yang are all about keeping things chill and in harmony. It’s that gentle nudge that reminds you life is about the sweet spot between hustle and Netflix and chill.
Crystals
Let’s be real: crystals are everywhere for a reason. Marie swears by rose quartz for love (hello, romance corner in the southwest) and clear quartz for that mental clarity you desperately need when you’re five emails deep. It’s like your room’s version of a self-care Sunday.
Dragon and phoenix
Meet feng shui’s power couple. The dragon brings the strong yang energy, and the phoenix balances it out with all the yin. Together, they bring harmony into your space—spirit guide style.
Buddha
Think of a Buddha statue as basically the Dalai Lama overseeing your living room. Pop one in the wisdom corner (north) to remind you that peace and zen are always a choice—even when you’re tempted to rage quit your work Zoom call.
Lotus flower
The lotus is all about rising above the muck (and let’s face it, there’s always muck to face as people come in and out of your house). Put one in the east to symbolize new beginnings because who doesn’t want a fresh start now and then?
Mandarin ducks
Forget Tinder; these little ducks are the real lovebirds. Stick them in the southwest to activate your relationship goals—think of it as a romantic upgrade for your space, no swipe-right necessary.
Feng shui coins
These little coins tied with red string are like your space’s version of Venmo, except they invite wealth energy instead of splitting bills. Hang them in the southeast to say, “Yes, I’m open to abundance,” without sounding like a cheesy Instagram caption.
Frequently asked questions
What are some feng shui tips for a small living room?
Think small space, big energy.
Feng shui works wonders in even the tiniest of spaces. Marie recommends a few key strategies to maximize energy flow:
- Opt for round or oval furniture to keep the energy moving smoothly.
- Avoid sharp edges that can block or disrupt the flow of qi.
- Keep it clutter-free for more positivity to circulate.
Ultimately, more space and less clutter means more room to move around.
How do I arrange plants in the living room, according to feng shui?
Plants bring life, but where you place them is key. Think of them as your living room’s air-purifying, energy-boosting BFFs—but only if you choose them wisely.
According to Marie, not all plants play nice when it comes to feng shui. Here’s what you need to know:
- Avoid sharp-leaved plants: While cacti and spiky succulents may be Instagram-worthy, their sharp edges can create harsh, cutting energy that messes with your calm.
- Go for rounded leaves: Think lush, soft plants like peace lilies or ferns. They bring that smooth, nurturing vibe and let the energy flow without feeling aggressive.
- Place plants in the east: This helps boost health and vitality in your space. The east is all about well-being, and plants here are like a spa day for your home’s energy.
- Dead plants are a no-go: They stagnate energy and can drag down your health vibes.
In short, feng shui-approved plants are all about softness, health, and life—so ditch the prickly energy and let your living room breathe easy.
Can I feng shui my living room by myself, or do I need a professional?
Good news: you don’t need a feng shui guru to get started. While Marie’s insights definitely give you an edge, you can totally start applying these tips solo.
If things get a little too qi-complex, you can always call in the pros for that extra polish.
Great change starts here
Your living room is more than just a space to kick back—it’s a mood. And with the right tweaks, a total energy boost.
By embracing these feng shui living room hacks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that feels as good as it looks. Think of them as the ultimate self-care move for your home.
And when you’re ready to take things to the next level (because, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to?), Marie Diamond’s Feng Shui for Life Quest on Mindvalley is where the magic happens.
Sign up for a Mindvalley account for free, and you’ll get to preview the Quest and understand how to:
- Turn your home into a 3D vision board for your best life,
- Clear out those sneaky energy blocks holding you back,
- Supercharge your manifesting game with the power of your space—and more.
Your living room—and life—will thank you.
Take it from Stephanie Toma, a life and executive coach, who transformed her life with the help of the Quest:
“Marie touches on nuances that you can avoid when making a new home, but also shares how to navigate some things that are out of your control if you are renting and not able to make major changes to a layout, for example. I felt so supported in my process of redistributing and letting go of items I had in my previous home to maximize my qi in the areas of work, relationships, health and overall wellness and spiritual connectivity.”
Welcome in.
