10 Feng Shui Living Room Tips From an Expert to Bring the Good Vibes Home

Consider Function

Before you start moving or buying living room furniture, Cerrano advises that you first assess how you use the space. To get the ball rolling, she suggests asking yourself a few questions about function: "What activities will be taking place in the living room? Is it mainly used for enjoying leisurely activities, entertaining, working, or eating meals? Will guests use the space to sleep over? Or all of the above?

"Understanding the function of the room will indicate what type of furniture (and how many pieces of furniture) you really need," says Cerrano. "Then you can decide on the best arrangement for the overall room."

Identify a Commanding Position

No matter the function of the space, no living room is complete without a sofa—and, as it turns out, sofa placement can have a big impact. "As with any room you are applying feng shui to, it's best to establish a 'commanding position,'" Cerrano explains. "In short, this means the occupants sitting on the couch in the living room have a clear vantage point of who is entering at all times." To adopt the style in your space, arrange your sofa in an area across from the main doors that you use when walking in and out of the room.

Place Your TV Mindfully

After you select a commanding position for your couch, you'll want to start focusing on where to place your television. "Most TVs these days are so slim that you could mount it on the wall, which helps keep a more sleek and neat presentation," says Cerrano. 

When it comes to the question of whether or not you should hang your television over your fireplace, Cerrano advises against it, if possible. "If that's the only location in the living room to place it, go for it," she says. "But if your intention is to create a space for greater connection and conversation with family, allowing the fireplace to be the main focal point is a much better option."

Embrace Color

"Depending on which method of feng shui you are using, the best colors for your living room could be determined by the compass direction, the five elements, or the Bagua map method," says Cerrano. "Let's say your living room faces south: In general, the suggested accent colors are within the warm scope of options: Reds, red-oranges, yellows, or even pinks and purples."

Although Cerrano advises embracing color, she also cautions against using too much of it. "You don't need to paint your entire room one of these colors," she explains. You'll still reap all the benefits of a hue if you incorporate it into your space sparingly. "You could have a neutral wall color (creme or beige) and accent your living room with noticeably warm colors through light sources, artwork, an area rug, or accent pillows," she suggests.

Choose Accessories Thoughtfully

When it comes to accessorizing your living room, you'll want to curate a collection of items that are meaningful to you, according to Cerrano. "Make sure what you choose to put out on display conveys happy 'energy anchors,'" she recommends. "When you see these items, you should feel a smile in your heart—or perhaps a sense of accomplishment, curiosity, or adventure. On a conscious and subconscious level, our environment is always influencing us."

Strategically Hang Mirrors

For a particularly small living room, Cerrano recommends hanging a mirror—but placement is everything. "Mirrors have the capability to 'expand a room' by making it look and feel bigger," she explains. "Just be mindful of what the mirror is reflecting, as it doubles the energy of whatever it sees." You should also "select a mirror size that allows you to see your entire head, shoulders, and chest line to ensure you 'capture your aura,'" according to Cerrano.

Liven Things Up

Plants play an important role in curating good feng shui in any living room because they "add 'life force energy' to the space," according to Cerrano. "They can also help to purify the air and give the room a splash of unique texture with the leafy patterns," she says. Common plants with positive vibes "include English ivy, peace lily, rubber tree, bamboo, succulents, and the snake plant."

Clear Clutter

"One of the easiest feng shui principles to remember is to not let clutter accumulate in your living room—or in any room for that matter," says Cerrano. "Some may debate this and say it doesn't matter, and yet science has proven the negative mental and physical effect excess clutter has on the human mind and body," she elaborates. "Whatever you do not need, use, or love, let it go."

Let There Be Light

Stimulate bright, uplifting energy with natural light and layered lighting. Energy-efficient lightbulbs mimic natural light, and they'll also last longer (so you won't have to take up space with so many extra lightbulbs in storage). Light is also associated with the fire element; one of five elements that should be represented in the room for harmony and balance. To improve feng shui in the living room, try to illuminate dark corners and shadows.

Choose Balance

If feng shui is all about harmony, consider balancing décor materials so that one single material doesn't overpower everything else in the room. This might mean opting for a variety of textures and finishes. For example, if you've got a lot of metal going on in your living room, soften it up with fluffy pillows and throws, and a house plant or two.