Regularly Clear Surfaces

Keep tables, worktops and floors as clear as possible. If every surface is piled high, consider dedicating a few minutes each day to tidying.

Use Storage Wisely

Invest in organisers, baskets or drawers to give everything a home. Avoid the impulse to store junk under the bed or in corners; the idea is to let energy circulate, not get trapped.

Clear Pathways

Ensure all doors can swing open at least 90 degrees. If furniture is blocking a door, move it or rearrange the layout. Even small obstructions (like a big shoe rack by the front door) can make a difference.

Fix and Maintain

Oil squeaky hinges, replace broken doorknobs or latches, and repaint or clean doors that look tired. According to feng shui masters, doors in disrepair (squeaks, chips or peeling paint) “cannot be overstated” in importance – they should be kept in good working order.

Organise Entryways

Store shoes and coats neatly (for example, in a cupboard or tray). A home’s hallway or foyer should feel uncluttered. One tip is to add a plant or gentle lighting at the entry; this welcomes fresh energy without blocking the space.

Mirror Placement

Avoid hanging a mirror directly facing the front door, as it may bounce energy right back outside. If you want a mirror in the entryway, place it on a side wall so that it reflects the interior space and appears welcoming, not repelling.

Repair What You Can

Mend a ripped curtain, replace the light bulb, or fix a broken chair leg. A functioning home conveys that life in the home is flowing smoothly.

Let Go of Irreparable Items

If something is beyond repair (like a broken appliance or a tattered book), consider replacing or recycling it. Feng shui advice is clear: if you can’t fix it, remove it. This literally and symbolically clears bad energy.

The Command Position

For beds and desks, use the “commanding position” rule. Place them so that you can see the door without being directly in line with it. This isn’t just superstition; it gives a sense of security and control. If it’s unavoidable to have the bed or desk in line with a door, consider placing a small mirror so you can see the door from where you lie or sit.

Open Pathways

Arrange furniture so that it’s easy to walk through the room without squeezing past corners or bumping into edges. This free flow makes the space feel larger and helps chi circulate. If a couch or table is in the way, try pushing it against a wall or swap places with another piece.

Bed Placement

Always have the headboard against a solid wall (for support) and ideally not beneath a window. Leave enough space on both sides of a double bed so both partners feel equally supported. Also avoid having the foot of the bed point directly at the door (some feng shui calls this the “coffin position”).

Use Furniture to Define but Not Block

If you need to separate areas (like a living and dining space in a flat), use low shelves or plants instead of tall bookshelves. This subtly divides zones without sealing them off.

Limit Furniture in Corners

Instead of cramming tables or cabinets into every corner, try rounding things out or leaving corners lightly furnished. A tall plant or slender lamp can “fill” the corner without heaviness. Architects note that “Putting furniture in corners … can undermine the health of your home”.

Dried or Artificial Plants

Live greenery is great in living rooms or kitchens, but dried or plastic flowers in a bedroom or living space can actually represent lifeless energy. Experts often say to avoid dead or artificial plants (especially in the bedroom) as they don’t give off “restful” or vital energy.

Sharp Angles and Cluttered Decor

Pointy objects (like swords, sharp sculptures, or even the corners of a mirror) can create “poison arrows” of energy, at least symbolically. If you have decorative swords or weaponry, try to face the blades away from people. Also avoid clustering too many small items (like knick-knacks or photos) into one area, as that defeats the point of decluttering.

Good Spot for Mirrors

If you want a mirror by the door, use one on a side wall or across from something uplifting (like a plant or artwork) so it reflects positivity into the home. In a bedroom, a small mirror that can be covered at night is fine, but try not to keep large, uncovered mirrors facing the bed.

Fresh Flowers

If you love flowers, use fresh (not wilted) blooms in common areas, not the bedroom. A vase of fresh flowers in the dining room or kitchen can stimulate lively energy. Dispose of them once they fade.

Keep a Clean Reflection

Mirrors should be clean and unbroken. A cracked mirror is considered especially bad luck in feng shui, so replace it if it’s chipped. Clean mirrors also reflect light better, brightening the space.

Keep it Soothing

Use soft, warm lighting rather than bright overheads. Avoid harsh neon or very bright LED lighting in the bedroom; instead use bedside lamps or dimmers. The goal is a tranquil environment.

Limit Electronics and Work Items

Minimise TVs, computers, or a work desk in the bedroom. If you must have a small workspace, try to turn the screen away from the bed and cover it when not in use. According to feng shui, even seeing a desk can subconsciously remind you of work and spoil relaxation.

Mirrors

Reiterating from before, avoid mirrors that reflect the bed or your sleeping area. If your room has mirrored wardrobes, try to keep them closed at night (some suggest using a curtain or cover) so that they’re not reflecting your bed while you sleep.

Keep It Balanced

If you share the bed, try to have identical nightstands and lamps on both sides. This symbolically creates balance between partners. Uneven setups (one side bare, one side busy) can subtly imply imbalance in the relationship.

Open Windows Daily

Whenever weather permits, open your windows or balcony door for a few minutes each day. The simple act of letting in fresh air renews the home’s atmosphere. Even five to ten minutes can make a difference.

Sheer Curtains

Heavy drapes block sunlight and airflow. If privacy is a concern, use sheer curtains or blinds that let light through while still screening visibility. In British homes especially, we want daylight whenever possible.

Mirrors to Amplify Light

Place mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows to double the natural light. Just ensure they’re not reflecting doors (as noted earlier). A well-placed mirror in a dark corner can also make the room feel brighter.

Use Fans or Air Filters

In stuffy summers or damp winters, a ceiling fan or air purifier can keep energy moving. Stagnant air can figuratively stagnate chi, so any device that circulates air is helpful (and has the practical bonus of improving real air quality).

Plants for Clean Air

A few healthy houseplants (like a peace lily or spider plant) can help freshen the air. Place them near light sources. However, as earlier noted, keep them out of sleeping areas if they are large or aggressively leafy – small, gentle plants are usually fine.