Feng shui is an interior design philosophy that organizes living spaces in a way that promotes balance and harmony with the natural environment. The Chinese term “feng” translates to “wind,” while “shui” translates to “water.” Together they describe the flow of wind and water, highlighting the connection between human life and nature. 

From an [interior design](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interior-design-basics) perspective, feng shui serves as a foundation for arranging different objects and pieces of furniture to promote chi, another Chinese concept that encompasses the flow of energy through all things.
The principles of feng shui work to balance the energy in a room. By arranging a house according to energy flow, feng shui encourages serenity and positive chi. Here are four main principles of feng shui:

1. __Bagua areas__: The bagua areas represent eight different elements of your life: family, wealth, fame, partnerships, children, knowledge, tai chi (a Chinese practice involving gentle exercise and meditation), career, and helpful people. As an energy blueprint, you can adjust the bagua map according to different feng shui approaches. While some feng shui methods align the knowledge, career, and helpful people sections with the front door, other schools of thought position these eight elements according to the energy of the particular year, as dictated by the Chinese zodiac.
2. __Chi__: Feng shui views chi as an essential connection between human life and the natural world. With consideration to feng shui, the placement of furniture, decorative objects, and even entire buildings accounts for the flow of chi. Creating clear pathways around furniture and avoiding clutter are ways to nurture good energy with feng shui. 
3. __The five elements__: Earth, fire, water, wood, and metal comprise the five elements of feng shui. Each of these elements has different characteristics and color schemes. For example, earthy tones—such as green and blue—represent wood, while red represents fire. To balance these elements in your home, choose a maximum of three elements to focus on and coordinate colors accordingly. 
4. __Yin and yang__: While yin is calm and dark, yang is bold and bright. These two opposing forces in the Chinese concept of yin and yang instill balance by representing different spaces in a home. The soft colors associated with yin suit restful living areas, such as bedrooms. Active rooms, such as kitchens and home office spaces, fit yang characteristics, promoting chi through an abundance of sunlight and bright colors.
The commanding position is another important element of feng shui that refers to the spot in a room diagonal from the door. This position is the farthest spot from the door that is not directly in line with the entrance. To promote balance, place the most important piece of furniture in this spot, facing it toward the room’s entryway. 

The intention behind arranging each room according to the commanding position is to prepare you to face whatever challenge or unexpected situation might enter your life. The commanding position is a feng shui principle that instills a sense of confidence and preparation in the face of adversity.
House direction is a key component of feng shui. South-facing homes receive the most sunlight and therefore promote chi and harmony; however, you can also support feng shui with home decorating techniques. Consider the following tips for incorporating feng shui into your home: 

- __Add plants__. Blooming with growth and life, plants are a vibrant life force that enhances positive chi. Adding plants and flowers throughout your home is a simple way to promote feng shui. 
- __Clean routinely__. According to the concept of feng shui, the windows of a house are symbolic of the building’s eyes. Keeping your windows clean enhances the effects of natural sunlight. Promote feng shui by routinely cleaning your living space to maintain a healthy house. 
- __Consider your path of movement__. Obstacles, such as an end table or large lamp, can block paths throughout a home. Consider how you move from different rooms and position your furniture in a way that makes walking throughout the house easy. Also, remove any tripping hazards that block the bedroom door or entrance to the living room.  
- __Declutter unnecessary objects__. An abundance of possessions disrupts the balance of feng shui. [Declutter](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-declutter-your-home) your home by focusing on objects that bring you joy and peace, donating unnecessary pieces. A clutter-free home promotes a state of calmness and the flow of energy. Having a clean and organized home also supports your overall well-being, as too many objects in a room can be overwhelming.
- __Organize rooms according to the commanding position__. Each room in your house should consider the commanding position. Arrange your furniture according to the most important piece in each room. This creates a clear focus and center point for your living area. If a room is too small to position the main object in the commanding position, place a large mirror in the room to reflect the image of the door.
Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home. 
Rooted in Taoism, feng shui is an art form dating back to ancient China that promotes balance. Discover how to incorporate the principles of feng shui into your home’s interior design.

Rooted in Taoism, feng shui is an art form dating back to ancient China that promotes balance. Discover how to incorporate the principles of feng shui into your home’s interior design.

Feng Shui Basics: 4 Principles of Feng Shui in Home Design

Feng shui is an interior design philosophy that organizes living spaces in a way that promotes balance and harmony with the natural environment. The Chinese term “feng” translates to “wind,” while “shui” translates to “water.” Together they describe the flow of wind and water, highlighting the connection between human life and nature. From an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interior-design-basics' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interior-design-basics","linkCopy":"interior design","category":null}'>interior design</a> perspective, feng shui serves as a foundation for arranging different objects and pieces of furniture to promote chi, another Chinese concept that encompasses the flow of energy through all things.

What Is Feng Shui?

The principles of feng shui work to balance the energy in a room. By arranging a house according to energy flow, feng shui encourages serenity and positive chi. Here are four main principles of feng shui:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Bagua areas: The bagua areas represent eight different elements of your life: family, wealth, fame, partnerships, children, knowledge, tai chi (a Chinese practice involving gentle exercise and meditation), career, and helpful people. As an energy blueprint, you can adjust the bagua map according to different feng shui approaches. While some feng shui methods align the knowledge, career, and helpful people sections with the front door, other schools of thought position these eight elements according to the energy of the particular year, as dictated by the Chinese zodiac. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Chi: Feng shui views chi as an essential connection between human life and the natural world. With consideration to feng shui, the placement of furniture, decorative objects, and even entire buildings accounts for the flow of chi. Creating clear pathways around furniture and avoiding clutter are ways to nurture good energy with feng shui. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. The five elements: Earth, fire, water, wood, and metal comprise the five elements of feng shui. Each of these elements has different characteristics and color schemes. For example, earthy tones—such as green and blue—represent wood, while red represents fire. To balance these elements in your home, choose a maximum of three elements to focus on and coordinate colors accordingly. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Yin and yang: While yin is calm and dark, yang is bold and bright. These two opposing forces in the Chinese concept of yin and yang instill balance by representing different spaces in a home. The soft colors associated with yin suit restful living areas, such as bedrooms. Active rooms, such as kitchens and home office spaces, fit yang characteristics, promoting chi through an abundance of sunlight and bright colors. </li></ol>

4 Principles of Feng Shui

The commanding position is another important element of feng shui that refers to the spot in a room diagonal from the door. This position is the farthest spot from the door that is not directly in line with the entrance. To promote balance, place the most important piece of furniture in this spot, facing it toward the room’s entryway. The intention behind arranging each room according to the commanding position is to prepare you to face whatever challenge or unexpected situation might enter your life. The commanding position is a feng shui principle that instills a sense of confidence and preparation in the face of adversity.

What Is Commanding Position?

House direction is a key component of feng shui. South-facing homes receive the most sunlight and therefore promote chi and harmony; however, you can also support feng shui with home decorating techniques. Consider the following tips for incorporating feng shui into your home: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Add plants. Blooming with growth and life, plants are a vibrant life force that enhances positive chi. Adding plants and flowers throughout your home is a simple way to promote feng shui. </li><li class="">Clean routinely. According to the concept of feng shui, the windows of a house are symbolic of the building’s eyes. Keeping your windows clean enhances the effects of natural sunlight. Promote feng shui by routinely cleaning your living space to maintain a healthy house. </li><li class="">Consider your path of movement. Obstacles, such as an end table or large lamp, can block paths throughout a home. Consider how you move from different rooms and position your furniture in a way that makes walking throughout the house easy. Also, remove any tripping hazards that block the bedroom door or entrance to the living room. </li><li class="">Declutter unnecessary objects. An abundance of possessions disrupts the balance of feng shui. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-declutter-your-home' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-declutter-your-home","linkCopy":"Declutter","category":null}'>Declutter</a> your home by focusing on objects that bring you joy and peace, donating unnecessary pieces. A clutter-free home promotes a state of calmness and the flow of energy. Having a clean and organized home also supports your overall well-being, as too many objects in a room can be overwhelming. </li><li class="">Organize rooms according to the commanding position. Each room in your house should consider the commanding position. Arrange your furniture according to the most important piece in each room. This creates a clear focus and center point for your living area. If a room is too small to position the main object in the commanding position, place a large mirror in the room to reflect the image of the door. </li></ul>

How to Use Feng Shui

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.

Ready to Give Your Space a Chic Update?

Rooted in Taoism, feng shui is an art form dating back to ancient China that promotes balance. Discover how to incorporate the principles of feng shui into your home’s interior design.

Rooted in Taoism, feng shui is an art form dating back to ancient China that promotes balance. Discover how to incorporate the principles of feng shui into your home’s interior design.


Living room with couch and chair and large plants on both sides of the room to establish feng shui.