How The Right Desk Chair Can Add Good Feng Shui To Your Home Office

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates energy into architecture and interior design. It centers around five elements, earth, water, metal, fire, and wood, and each element conducts a certain form of chi energy. The goal of feng shui is to balance the chi in your home and manipulate certain elements to strengthen specific areas of your life, including your relationships, health, wealth, family, and more.

According to Forbes, about 25% of professional jobs are at least partially remote, and that number is expected to keep growing. Whether you work from home or you just balance finances at your desk, it's important to consider how feng shui might affect your career and wallet. The wrong feng shui can severely impact the flow of chi here, making you feel tired, distracted, and self-conscious, but the right items and arrangement can boost confidence, foster connections, and draw in wealth. Are you looking for ways to make your home office feel more inspiring? Do you find it hard to focus when you're sitting at your desk? According to feng shui, you might want to start by replacing your desk chair. 

The most important element to look for in your office chair is a comfortable, supportive, and tall chair back. A high, strong back brings better posture and spinal support, improving career confidence and protecting you from behind. You should be able to lean your head and shoulders back into the chair and feel comfortable sitting for hours at a time. In addition to a high back, choose smooth, flowing lines and avoid sharp angles, which can project chaotic and negative energy. Any additional headrests, armrests, and accessories are up to you, but minimalism is a key tenant of good feng shui, so try to keep your overall chair design simple. 

The materials of your chair also play a role in feng shui. In general, you'll want to avoid plastics and synthetic materials as much as possible. Instead, look for elements that correlate with the bagua sector of your home office or opt for materials that will enhance your work. For example, metal details on a chair will promote focus and order, while wood will boost creativity and growth. Leather, fur, and faux fur are good options in feng shui. Finally, look for colors or patterns that will enhance the flow of chi, including soft yellow or gold, pale orange, blue, green, white, or cream. Patterns with green leaves, dragons, fish, water motifs, and ships will also promote career success. 

Once you've settled on the perfect chair, it's time to make sure your office space is working for you and not against you. It's best to have a separate room dedicated to working at your desk, but not everyone has the luxury of space. If your desk is located in your bedroom or a guest bedroom, try to create clear spaces for work and rest. Avoid working from bed, practice healthy sleep habits, and dim the lights in the evening to invite more soothing yin energy.

The best way to arrange your home office is to sit far away from the door, but facing the door if you can. This is known as the "power position" or "commanding position" in feng shui because it allows you to see people coming into your space and approach the flow of energy head-on. Avoid facing a wall while you work or place a mirror on your desk so you can see the door. If you share your home office with a spouse or roommate, don't sit back-to-back or face-to-face, as these positions can raise tension. Instead, try to sit side by side or in an L-shape to promote teamwork and healthy communication.