How to Use Feng Shui to Position Your Desk

Optimize Your Desk Placement From a Feng Shui Perspective

colorful workspace with rose, artwork, and laptop

Arnel Hasanovic / Unsplash

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0

In feng shui, different parts of your home represent different areas of your life. Your desk and workspace (in and outside of your home) represent your career, so it's a good idea to pay attention to this area to make sure you’re supported in your work life.

One important aspect to look at is the location and placement of your desk. In feng shui, the direction and position of your desk are of utmost importance in order to bring positive energy and attract money into your office and workspace at home, whether it's in a dedicated room, a bedroom, or another shared space in your house. Here are a few favorite tips to optimize your desk placement from a feng shui perspective.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape (if needed)

Materials

  • Graph paper
  • Mirror (if needed)
  • Feng shui crystal ball (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Plan Out a Dedicated Space

    One of the most important things when it comes to your desk location is that you have a permanent, dedicated space for work. This means that you’re not using the corner of the dining table as an office during the day, and then pushing your stack of work papers out of the way when it’s time for dinner. If you want a stable, supported career, it’s important to have a dedicated space where you can really focus on work.

    If you are working from home and you have a separate room that you can use as an office, that’s ideal. If you need to set up your desk in a shared room that has another purpose, such as a bedroom, do your best to create some visual separation between the different areas.

    Sketch out your plans on graph paper, using a measuring tape to determine just how the room layout can work. Ensure enough space to move comfortably around your desk, and organize your work materials around the desk in such a way that they won't be disturbed.

  2. Set Up a Commanding Position

    One of the most important feng shui principles to consider when it comes to your desk placement is the commanding position. This means that your desk is situated so that you can see the door when you’re sitting at your desk, but you’re not directly in line with the door. This position gives you a better view of opportunities and ideas. It can also help you feel less stressed and more at ease on a subconscious level because you can see anyone or anything that might be approaching.

    If you’re unable to place your desk in the commanding position, there are a few ways to adjust. If you have to face away from the door, place a mirror so that you can see a reflection of the door while you’re sitting at your desk. If you have to have your desk in line with the door, it’s a good idea to hang a feng shui crystal ball between you and the door to help disperse the energy coming in.

  3. Place the Desk at an Angle

    If you want to invite challenge, risk, and movement in your career, try placing your desk at an angle, rather than parallel to the wall. This is a very dynamic position that can invite growth and change. But remember, this can create a lot of ups and downs.

  4. Consider the View

    Something else to pay attention to when it comes to your desk placement is to consider what you are looking at when you’re sitting down to work. Ideally, you want to be looking at something that inspires you. It’s best not to be looking directly at a blank wall, since this can represent blocks, and make it harder to grow in your career. If you must have your desk up against a wall, you can expand your view with a mirror on the wall that you’re facing, or a piece of expansive artwork.

    It’s also not ideal to have your desk facing directly towards a window. While this might seem like a pleasant way to work, it’s best to have the window to your side instead, so that your energy and focus stays with your work, rather than out the window.

  5. Avoid Certain Positions

    One desk position that is fairly common, but not the best from a feng shui standpoint, is an L-shaped desk where you are staring into the corner of a room. Because you have your back to the door, you’re not in command, which can lead to a lack of control, support, and creativity in your work. You’re also facing directly towards a wall, which can limit growth.

    If your office is set up in this way, you can place mirrors on the walls behind your desk to expand your view and correct being out of command. But it's always best to move your desk into a more optimal feng shui desk placement.

close up of desk with laptop, monitor, and flowers

Georgia de Lotz / Unsplash

mindful design feng shui school desk placement diagram

Mindful Design Feng Shui School

desk with plant and two computers next to a window

Mad Fish Digital / Unsplash

FAQ
  • Which direction should a desk face for feng shui?

    You should be sitting at your desk facing the door in a corporate or home office. In feng shui, it is auspicious to sit facing the door so you can immediately see who is coming into your office. However, your desk should also be as far away from the door as possible as a protective measure and because it's considered a power position.

  • What should you keep on your desk for good luck?

    Keep a live plant or lush flowers on your desk which invites growth and good luck. A small and pretty bowl of black onyx stones can draw in good luck as these stones are healing, positively activate a career, and bring stability to health and emotions.

  • How do I feng shui my desk for wealth?

    Keep just one or two special items on your desk to attract and protect your wealth. Focus on the top left corner of your desk (the wealth corner) for a special item. A pretty green plant (or money tree), citrine crystals, or a small flowing water feature are ideal wealth-attracting items in feng shui.