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12 Feng Shui Colors That Bring Balance to Every Room

A more harmonious space awaits.

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Ellie Lindstrom; Michelle Boudreau Design

In Feng Shui, color is considered a powerful tool that influences the overall harmony of a room. Each hue is associated with one of the five elements and believed to evoke certain energies. For example, shades of blue are said to bring usher in calmness and tranquility while reds elicit passion and excitement.

"Color is the ultimate—and most gorgeous—energy-shifting tool," says Feng Shui Master Dana Claudat. “I consider color to be an accelerant, the fastest change-maker when people seek big change. The colors in our environment are influencing our behavior, mindset, mood, and energy all the time.”

We spoke with Feng Shui experts for a deep dive on how certain colors can evoke different energies and can lend to a more harmonious home.

1

Red

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Red is associated with fire, one of the five feng shui elements. It represents passion, fame, and reputation, according to Susan Chan of Feng Shui Creative. When it comes to decorating your space, red can bring a sense of energy and life to any home.

However, be weary of overdoing it: "Too much red can feel overwhelming rather than energizing. I recommend not using this color in areas where you want to relax, but more in areas where you need energizing such as an office or professional showroom," says Chan.

RELATED: Why the "Unexpected Red" Theory Is Going Viral

2

Yellow

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Yellow represents Earth, which is believed to bring stability in feng shui. If you're hoping to infuse your space with a sense of comfort and warmth, try adding yellow furniture, statement pieces, or even an accent wall.

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3

Green

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Green corresponds to feng shui's wood element, and the color stands for growth and abundance. Reiko Gomez of Reiko Home suggests adding greenery to the Southeast area of your home to enhance relationships and romance.

RELATED: 30 Best Green Kitchen Cabinets

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4

White

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"All white everything represents the element of metal and can sometimes feel cold, empty, or stark instead of fresh and bright," says Chan.

If you want to use white in your space, Chan suggests considering the natural light you get in the room: "If it’s north-facing and cooler, opt for warmer whites. If you get a warm, south-facing light, opt for a cooler, bluer white paint color to balance out the room."

5

Black

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In feng shui, black corresponds to water, which signifies knowledge, wisdom, and abundance. However, be careful not to overdo it.

"Excess black might make a space feel heavy instead of grounding. Darker colors are what is considered 'Yin' energy—good for sleeping and relaxing, so reserve them for the bedroom," says Chan.

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6

Brown

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Like yellow, brown also symbolizes Earth, the element that brings comfort to a space. Incorporate this cozy neutral into your home for an added sense of stability. Just be sure to balance it out with the other feng shui elements and colors.

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7

Purple

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As a mixture of blue and red, it's no surprise that purple combines these colors' meanings, too. "Blue is wood and red is fire, so we like to use purple to represent wealth (wood and fire combined)," says Marianne Gordon of Feng Shui With Me.

RELATED: Purple Is Popping Up in Interiors and Designers Are Embracing the Daring Shade

8

Pink

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Bring self-love and sensitivity into your space with this blend of red and white. "Pink represents fire and metal. It's a color we like to associate with love and relationship," says Gordon.

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9

Orange

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The color orange combines the passion and power of fire (or red) with the stability and comfort of Earth (or yellow). This makes it a dynamic choice for any room. Try adding a statement chair or piece of artwork with a splash of orange to create a bright, energetic space that still feels welcoming.

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10

Turquoise

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According to Chan, turquoise is "a blend of wood and water elements, ideal for creativity and fresh ideas." Add this blue-green blend to an office space for some work life inspiration.

RELATED: 12 Office Layout Ideas for Good Feng Shui

11

Magenta

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Although it doesn't directly correspond to any of the five elements, magenta is a vital color in feng shui, according to Claudat.

"Technically, it’s not a color—meaning it doesn’t have its own wavelength. It’s a color we perceive in our mind, mixing it ourselves when red and blue wavelengths are seen together," says Claudat. "Over the last 20 years, I’ve come to use it anywhere I want to make a space more compelling and magical."

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12

Peach

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Peach, like pink, is traditionally used to attract romance, according to Chan. Add peach to your space for a warm, inviting environment that emphasizes femininity and softness.

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What are the five elements in feng shui and their corresponding colors?

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  • Water: Blue, black
  • Wood: Green
  • Fire: Red, orange
  • Earth: Brown, yellow
  • Metal: White, silver

Are there colors you should avoid in feng shui?

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Since everyone has their own preferences and feng shui is all about creating harmony with one's surroundings, there are no "bad" colors. However, experts suggest mixing the elements appropriately. "Each color represents an element and you want to make sure you strike the right balance for you," says Chan.

Headshot of Wendy Rose Gould

Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it. 

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Laura Millar
Contributing Writer

Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.

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