Anjie Cho is a licensed feng shui expert, a seasoned architect, and a writer with more than two decades of experience in space design. She is a co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School and the author of Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home.
According to feng shui principles, your desk holds significant importance as it represents and impacts your career. This applies to any workspace, whether it’s a home office, a corporate office, or a cubicle. If you work in a shared office environment, having a dedicated desk becomes even more crucial. It’s vital to consider feng shui in your workspace, as your career is intertwined with your life’s journey. Even if you are currently employed or not, you have a sense of purpose, or as the French phrase it, your raison d’etre. Your desk embodies this sense of purpose in your life.
Here are some ideas and recommendations to enhance the feng shui at your workspace, promoting positivity and prosperity in both your professional and personal life.
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Colors and Materials for a Feng Shui Desk
Choosing a desk involves considering both the material and color, as they significantly influence feng shui. Typically, a desk made of sturdy, dark brown wood is the most stable and is considered the best option among various materials. Additionally, it’s important to focus on what draws your interest before making a decision, as it’s essential to truly appreciate the desk you choose!
Integrate the hues and substances of the five elements based on the energies you wish to attract into your life.
Caution: Glass desks are not advisable in feng shui practices. Their delicate nature can lead to items slipping through, potentially disrupting your professional environment.
Earth element for stability and grounding energy:
- Shades: Brown, natural yellows, oranges, and neutral tones.
- Material: Timber or coated wood/composite materials
Metal component for enhanced performance and transparency:
- Shades: White, gray, and metallic hues.
- Composition: Metal or coated wood/composite materials.
Element of water for connectivity and movement:
- Shades: Ebony
- Composition: Metal or coated wood/composite materials.
Element of wood for development and vitality:
- Shades: Emerald and azure
- Composition: Coated wood and composite materials
Element of fire for motivation and recognition:
Shape of a Feng Shui Desk
Desks may not offer a wide variety of shapes, but the key factor is ensuring the desk is suitable for the area it occupies. It shouldn’t overwhelm the space, yet it must be sufficiently spacious to accommodate your documents and supplies. A lack of adequate workspace can hinder your ability to thrive in your endeavors.
- The most effective desk shapes are rectangular, L-shaped, and kidney-shaped.
- Adjustable desks are certainly a viable option.
- Having credenzas on the sides and at the rear is beneficial as it offers additional support.
The Optimal Desk Placement for Feng Shui
The arrangement of your desk plays a vital role in achieving positive feng shui. A key concept in this practice is the commanding position. This entails that while seated at your desk, you should have a clear view of the entrance without being directly aligned with it. Typically, this is achieved by positioning your desk diagonally, or in a kitty-corner manner, relative to the door.
In certain situations, it may be unfeasible to arrange your desk in the desired orientation. If positioning your desk in this manner is not an option, consider utilizing a mirror to adjust your vantage point. Position a mirror, like a small convex one, in a way that allows you to easily view the reflection of the door while seated at your desk.
If you find yourself directly facing the door, consider placing a feng shui crystal ball at a midpoint between you and the entrance.
Tips
Here are some additional noteworthy best practices:
- Try not to position yourself directly against a wall. If that’s the only choice available to you, consider placing a mirror in front to broaden your perspective and enhance your professional possibilities.
- It’s ideal to have windows positioned to your side. When you look directly at the view, it can be distracting. Focus on your tasks at your desk, and take the opportunity to appreciate the view during your breaks.
- Ensure there is sufficient space behind you, at least 36 inches, to allow for future expansion. You should be able to move in and out of the desk comfortably.
Desk Feng Shui Items
Incorporating feng shui-inspired items on your desk can help introduce various energies. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- A vibrant, green plant can foster a sense of growth. Ensure that it is appropriately sized and chosen based on the light and space available on your desk.
- Fluorite is among our top crystals. It is particularly advantageous for enhancing concentration and broadening your intellectual capacity.
- A cherished ceramic cup featuring a sturdy base designed to resist tipping over. This encourages a connection to the grounding energies of the earth, promoting self-care and stability. Make sure to use the cup often and maintain its cleanliness.
Feng Shui and Disorganization
Maintaining an organized workspace is beneficial, yet having some clutter doesn’t always equate to poor feng shui. If you ensure that items are regularly used and your desk remains clean, clutter can actually represent vitality and movement. A completely bare desk, on the other hand, can be seen as overly yin, lacking in life energy. It’s important to discern whether the clutter reflects vitality or indicates stagnation.
We suggest establishing a daily practice to manage the clutter on your desk. Whether at the start or the conclusion of your workday, dedicate a few moments to tidy your workspace. By decluttering your desk, you also create a clearer mindset. This involves sorting your documents, putting items in their proper places, and more. As you rearrange the items on your desk, you’ll also be energetically sorting your thoughts. Following this, use a smudge spray, such as palo santo mist, to enhance the flow of energy, and then jot down nine intentions.
