Feng Shui Office Tips That Can Help Improve Your Mood at Work

Here, The Handmade Home adds several lighting sources — like the overhead pendant and sconces on the wall — to create optimal lighting conditions. Feng shui designer Reiko Gomez of Reiko Home says this sort of customization is a good idea: "To add some personal style, you might also consider hanging a fun light fixture over the desk, or elegant wall sconces on the wall to create a more attractive environment."

Feng shui master Dana Claudat recommends decorating your office space with art that inspires you. "This might be a screen background on your computer or art on the wall facing you. It is something you'll register in your mind all day long."

If there's not enough room to hang art right in front of you, borrow an idea from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs and place it on the wall behind you instead.

However, Claudat warns against clocks: "On a similar note, it's very helpful to remove clocks from the wall directly facing you so you aren't feeling time pressure or 'watching the clock.'"

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According to Gomez, there are a few ways you can think about balance in your office — one of them being firm versus delicate items.

"For example, an office with a modern glass desk and metal file cabinets would benefit from a plush rug and velvet drapes. By adding soft flourishes to a space that contains many hard elements, a comfortable balance is struck," she says.

It's no surprise that personalization plays a key role in how you feel in your office space. Take inspiration from A Beautiful Mess and choose rugs, art and accessories that bring a sense of comfort.

"Personalize your office or workspace as much as possible, even (and especially) if it's a cubicle or open seating," says Claudat. "Photos, your favorite pens, your favorite snacks, momentos — they help you feel more rooted in your office, settled and 'at home.'"

Reiko suggests taking a look a your office from the entrance to see if it's open and uncluttered. Here, Tidbits & Company creates a clear pathway into and out of the office: "This allows Qi energy to flow easily into the space, bringing wealth and new opportunities," says Gomez.

A comfortable chair is key for an office layout with good feng shui. "A high-back chair is the most supportive," says Cho.

If you're sitting in the same spot most days of the week for multiple hours at a time, you should definitely make sure you have the back support you need. One of our editors tried the viral TikTok criss-cross chair (similar to the one in this office by DIY in Progress) and fell in love with how comfortable it is.

RELATED: Best Office Chairs You Should Buy on Amazon ASAP

Although traditional feng shui suggests facing the door when you're sitting, that's not always possible, especially at an assigned desk. Claudat has a solution if you're unable to change the orientation of your desk.

"If you do sit with your back to the door, put a mirror on the wall beside you — or on your desk — to prevent you from getting startled if people walk into your office," she says.

Plus, mirrors also add personality to a space. Jenny Johnston of Jenny Johnston Interiors chose one that adds texture and character to this at-home office.

Photo by: Sarah Baker

While designing an office for a client, Gomez encountered a challenge: "There was a sharply pointed corner which jutted out from the wall right where we wanted to put the desk. This corner would be at her back as she sat at the desk. In feng shui, this is called a 'poison arrow.' To remedy this, I had the pointed wall curved. It turned this area into a comfortable and supportive space to work."

Gomez also opted for a curved desk so her client could easily see out the window while still being in the commanding or power position.

If you work in an office space outside your home, you don't always have access to the natural light pictured in this space by Style by Emily Henderson. Luckily, if you don't happen to be seated near a window, you can still create an office space that boosts your wellbeing with artificial light.

"I recommend getting a full spectrum desk light to keep the colors more clear and crisp in your workspace," says Claudat. "In my experience, I find full spectrum light to be a big mood-booster."

Sitting in the same desk chair all day can get a bit uncomfortable. In this space, Tatertots and Jello adds a cozy spot near the window to change up the scenery.

"In addition to a good sized desk, if you have the space, I also recommend a comfortable sofa or armchair in the room," says Gomez. "This is a nice change from the upright seating of a desk chair, and it makes for a more relaxed space for a meeting, to read documents or have a phone call."