Office Feng Shui

maximize productivity and minimize stress using the ancient chinese practice of feng shui!

The world has shifted a lot since the pandemic. More and more people are beginning to work from home, and we thought it might be helpful for you to see ways to make your home office a more productive space. (These tips can also be used in an office building, and with some clever finagling, even a cubicle.)

What is Feng Shui?

First things first, what is feng shui, and why is it something we are trying to achieve in our office?
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that encourages us to look at our spaces as being one with the natural world. Feng shui translated means “wind water” - two of the elements and a reminder that good fortune and health are essential to productivity. (We encourage you to take some time to read more about Feng Shui here. It can enhance many areas of your life!)

Image via My Domain by Bauer Media

Command Position

To achieve feng shui in your office, a few things are imperative. The first is the position of your desk. It should always be in the command position, meaning it should be facing the door, but not directly in front of it. A wall should be behind your back, something to “back you up” and help your subconscious feel secure and safe.

Photo from One Kin Design

Plants


Next, you should have some plants in your office. Plants are uplifting and air-purifying; they’re also a wonderful way to bring the outside natural world in. There are a variety of plants that work well for offices, and choosing one to fit a purpose is really nice – particularly for your mental state. A few are popular options: rosemary (clarifying and great for memory and focus), sage (dispelling negativity), orchids (positivity and uplifting nature, as well as a feeling of luxury), and monstera (dedication).

Upward Movement

Consider ladder-style bookcases as they promote upward movement (in life and in your career!) The varying heights of your desk, the bookcase, and other elements in the office are also very aesthetic. Of course you aren’t limited to bookshelves, but anything that inspires upward motion and movement visually. Tall plants, lamps or diffusers with shapes pointing up, and even unique wall art with upward moving shapes work well for this!

We love this ladder shelf! Elegant, upward movement, and doesn’t take up much space. To snag one for yourself, click here. (Image via @justmbym on Instagram)

Lighting

Natural light is preferable, though recognizably not always possible. In cases when it is possible, it should be utilized. Soft curtains or clean blinds help to filter the light in a manner that feels productive while also inspiring. In the event that natural light not available, lamps with good diffused light are an excellent option.

Clutter-Free

Throughout the work day, your space is likely to become cluttered with stacks of papers, sticky notes, and other miscellaneous items (ahem…coffee mugs?). At the end of each day, before you disconnect from work completely, it’s important to de-clutter your space. It’s much easier to work and be productive in a clean environment, and no one likes to start their day looking at messy stacks of paper.

So, there you have it: our quick guide to office feng shui!

For more information on feng shui and how it can help your life in many aspects, we found this post.

And what if you don’t have a home office but want one? Call us! We can help with that!

Here are a few of our favorite units that would make beautiful office spaces. You can also always design something totally unique!

Let us know in the comments what your favorite tip is! Do you have more tips you’d add to this? Are you going to implement any of these into your own office (or elsewhere?) We can’t wait to hear from you!