Feng Shui Principles and Tips for Beginners - The Spruce
Here's the perfect guide for you with feng shui tips for beginners. Get the rundown on the five elements—earth, metal, water, wood, and fire—and how they ...
your desk
The commanding position is one of the fundamental basics in feng shui. It’s important that your bed, desk, and stove are all in command, since each of these items represents a significant aspect of your life. Your bed represents you, your stove represents your wealth and resources, and <anchor>your desk</anchor> represents your career and path in life.
Ways To Feng Shui Your Desk
Ways To Feng Shui Your Desk

[Skip to content](#skip-to-content)

button

button

[Visit The Spruce's homepage](/)

- [Visit The Spruce's Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/TheSpruceOfficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thespruceofficial)
- [Visit The Spruce's Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/thespruceofficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial/)

Newsletters

Close search form

Open search form
Enter your search term
Search

- [Decor](https://www.thespruce.com/home-design-and-decorating-4127998)  - [Room Design](https://www.thespruce.com/room-design-and-decorating-4127972)
  - [Decorating](https://www.thespruce.com/interior-decorating-4127997)
  - [Design Styles](https://www.thespruce.com/home-design-styles-4127996)
  - [Small Spaces](https://www.thespruce.com/small-spaces-4127932)
  - [Feng Shui](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-4127926)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/home-design-and-decorating-4127998)
- [Garden](https://www.thespruce.com/gardening-4127780)  - [Plants A to Z](https://www.thespruce.com/plants-a-to-z-5116344)
  - [Houseplants](https://www.thespruce.com/houseplants-4127735)
  - [Landscaping](https://www.thespruce.com/landscaping-4127779)
  - [Pests & Problems](https://www.thespruce.com/pests-and-problems-4127760)
  - [Wild Birds](https://www.thespruce.com/wild-birds-4127712)
  - [In the Weeds With Plant People](https://www.thespruce.com/in-the-weeds-with-plant-people-episode-1-5084224)
  - [The Spruce Gardening Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-gardening-and-plant-care-review-board-4777222)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/gardening-4127780)
- [Home Improvement](https://www.thespruce.com/home-improvement-4127862)  - [Skills & Specialties](https://www.thespruce.com/skills-and-specialties-5185531)
  - [Painting](https://www.thespruce.com/painting-4127819)
  - [Kitchen](https://www.thespruce.com/kitchen-remodel-and-repair-4127861)
  - [Bathroom](https://www.thespruce.com/bathroom-remodel-and-repair-4127839)
  - [Interior Remodel](https://www.thespruce.com/interior-remodel-and-repair-5185554)
  - [Exteriors](https://www.thespruce.com/exterior-remodel-and-repair-4127806)
  - [Outdoor Building](https://www.thespruce.com/outdoor-building-5185560)
  - [Home Services](https://www.thespruce.com/home-improvement-4127862)
  - [Green Improvements](https://www.thespruce.com/home-improvement-4127862)
  - [The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-home-improvement-review-board-4777230)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/home-improvement-4127862)
- [Cleaning](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-and-organizing-4127927)  - [Cleaning](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-4127917)
  - [Organizing](https://www.thespruce.com/organizing-4127906)
  - [Laundry](https://www.thespruce.com/laundry-4127892)
  - [Pest Control](https://www.thespruce.com/pest-control-4127881)
  - [The Spruce Cleaning Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-cleaning-review-board-5211979)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-and-organizing-4127927)
- [Celebrations](https://www.thespruce.com/celebrations-4163111)  - [Holidays & Occasions](https://www.thespruce.com/holidays-and-occasions-4127598)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/celebrations-4163111)
- [What to Buy](https://www.thespruce.com/best-home-products-4135328)  - [How We Test Products](https://www.thespruce.com/commerce-guidelines-and-mission-4157991)
  - [Bedding](https://www.thespruce.com/bedding-reviews-4690207)
  - [Furniture](https://www.thespruce.com/furniture-reviews-4690196)
  - [Vacuums](https://www.thespruce.com/vacuum-reviews-4690216)
  - [Best Gifts](https://www.thespruce.com/best-gifts-4163117)
  - [Cleaning Products](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-product-reviews-4690218)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/best-home-products-4135328)
- [News](https://www.thespruce.com/home-news-5070015)  - [Home Trends](https://www.thespruce.com/home-trends-5070017)
  - [Brands & Collections](https://www.thespruce.com/brands-and-collections-5218528)
  - [Sales & Deals](https://www.thespruce.com/sales-and-deals-5070016)
  - [House Tours](https://www.thespruce.com/house-tours-4127939)
  - [Perspectives](https://www.thespruce.com/perspectives-5218529)
  - ["One Thing" Video Series](https://www.thespruce.com/one-thing-from-the-spruce-4771302)
  - [In the Weeds With Plant People](https://www.thespruce.com/in-the-weeds-with-plant-people-5211998)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/home-news-5070015)
- [About Us](https://www.thespruce.com/about-us-4776800)  - [Editorial Policy](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-editorial-policy-5196319)
  - [Product Testing](https://www.thespruce.com/commerce-guidelines-and-mission-4157991)
  - [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.thespruce.com/diversity-and-inclusion-pledge-4847311)
  - [Gardening Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-gardening-and-plant-care-review-board-4777222)
  - [Home Improvement Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-home-improvement-review-board-4777230)
  - [Cleaning Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-cleaning-review-board-5211979)
  - [See all](https://www.thespruce.com/about-us-4776800)

Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.

Subscribe

- [Visit The Spruce's Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/TheSpruceOfficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thespruceofficial)
- [Visit The Spruce's Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/thespruceofficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial/)

[About Us](/about-us-4776800) [Press and Media](/press-and-media-4783399) [Contact Us](/about-us-4776800#toc-contact-us) [Editorial Guidelines](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)

[Home Design & Decorating](https://www.thespruce.com/home-design-and-decorating-4127998) [Feng Shui](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-4127926)

# How to Feng Shui Your Desk

By

[Anjie Cho](https://www.thespruce.com/anjie-cho-4689333)

[Anjie Cho](https://www.thespruce.com/anjie-cho-4689333)

- [Visit Anjie Cho's Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HolisticSpaces)
- [Visit Anjie Cho's Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/anjiecho/)
- [Visit Anjie Cho's Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/holisticspaces/)
- [Visit Anjie Cho's Website](https://www.anjiecho.com/)

Anjie Cho is a certified feng shui consultant, professional architect, and author with over 20 years of experience designing spaces. She co-founded the Mindful Design Feng Shui School and wrote "Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home."

Learn more about The Spruce's [Editorial Process](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)

Updated on 03/08/21

Close

![home office interior with colorful rug and blue chair](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/puZ3rW8_Z3C3uLZEvl44TitgBt4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1219424883-67ae88f4f2324710a35a43ab4d696873.jpg)

imaginima / Getty Images

In This Article

Expand

- [Desk Color and Material](#toc-feng-shui-desk-color-and-material)

- [Desk Shape](#toc-feng-shui-desk-shape)

- [Best Desk Position](#toc-the-best-feng-shui-desk-position)

- [Objects for the Desk](#toc-feng-shui-objects-for-the-desk)

- [Feng Shui and Clutter](#toc-feng-shui-and-clutter)


Back to Top

Your desk is one of the most important locations according to [feng shui](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-feng-shui-1275060) because it influences and symbolizes your career. This goes for a [home office](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-tips-for-your-home-office-1274486), a work office, or a cubicle. If you have a co-working space, it’s especially imperative to also have a permanent desk somewhere. It’s essential to pay feng shui attention to your desk because your career is connected to your path in life. So, even if you have a day job (or no job!), you still possess a reason for being, or as the French say, your _raison d'etre_. Your desk is the symbol of your purpose in life.

Here are some tips and suggestions to get the [feng shui juices flowing at your desk](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-office-layout-8599232) to attract good luck and happiness in your work and life.

Ivan Pantic / Getty Images

## Feng Shui Desk Color and Material

When selecting a desk, the material and [color](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-color-tips-to-create-a-beautiful-home-1274395) greatly affects the feng shui. In general, a heavy and solid brown wood desk is the most stable and the most ideal of all the possible desk materials. Also pay attention to what you are attracted to [before you make a purchase](https://www.thespruce.com/best-desks-5323878), because you should love the desk!

Incorporate the colors and materials of the five elements according to what energies you want to bring into your life.

Note: Glass desks are not recommended for feng shui. They are fragile and may cause things to fall through in your work life.

### Earth element for stability and grounding:

- **Colors:** Brown, earthy yellows/oranges/neutrals
- **Material:** Wood or painted wood/composites

### Metal element for efficiency and clarity:

- **Colors:** White, gray, and metallics
- **Material:** Metal or painted wood/composites

### Water element for networking and flow:

- **Colors:** Black
- **Material:** Metal or painted wood/composites

### Wood element for growth and activity:

- **Colors:** Green and blue
- **Material:** Painted wood/composites

### Fire element for inspiration and fame:

- **Colors:** Red
- **Material:** Painted wood/composites

## Feng Shui Desk Shape

Desks don’t come in too many different shapes, but the most important thing is that the desk fits the space. The desk should not be too big for the environment, but not so small so you don’t have enough room for your paperwork and materials. If you don’t have enough space for your work, you won’t be able to flourish in your life.

- Rectangular, [“L”-shaped](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-lucky-directions-for-desk-or-bed-3975235), and kidney shaped desks are the best shapes.
- Standing desks are definitely acceptable.
- Credenzas on the side and in back are good as it provides more support.

Westend61 / Getty Images

## The Best Feng Shui Desk Position

The [position of your desk](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-lucky-directions-for-desk-or-bed-3975235) is critical for good feng shui. The principle of the [commanding position](https://www.thespruce.com/create-good-feng-shui-in-your-home-1275057) is important here. This means that when sitting at your desk, you should be able to see the door without being directly in line with the door. Usually, this is diagonal, or “kitty-corner,” from the door.

It’s sometimes the case that this setup is impossible to achieve. If there’s no way to put your desk in this position, you can [use a mirror](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-use-of-mirrors-4119930) to correct the commanding position. Place a mirror, such as a small convex mirror, so that when you’re sitting at your desk, you can easily see the reflection of the door in the mirror.

And if you are directly in line with the door, you can hang a feng shui crystal ball halfway between you and the door.

### Tips

A few other best-practices of note:

- Avoid facing a wall. If that’s your only option, then place a mirror in front of you to expand your view and career opportunities.
- Windows are best on your side. If you’re facing the view, you’ll be distracted. Work while you’re at your desk and enjoy the view when you’re on a break.
- Make sure you also have enough room behind you (minimum of 36 inches) so that you have room to grow. You should be able to get in and out of the desk with ease.

## Feng Shui Objects for the Desk

You can include some feng shui inspired objects on your desk to bring in different energies. Here are some you can try out:

- A living, green [plant](https://www.thespruce.com/best-office-plants-4169917), to invite growth. Be sure it’s well sized and selected for the light and space that you have available at your desk.
- Fluorite is one of our favorite crystals. It’s especially beneficial for focus and to expand your intellect.
- A ceramic mug that you love, with a stable base that is not easy to knock over. This invites the energies of earth that are about self-care and stability. Use the mug regularly and keep it clean.

Ivan Pantic / Getty Images

## Feng Shui and Clutter

It’s helpful to keep your desk organized, but clutter isn’t necessarily bad feng shui. As long as you keep things moving and your desk isn’t collecting dust, clutter can be a sign of movement and [flow](https://www.thespruce.com/create-good-feng-shui-in-your-home-1275057). In fact, a desk that has nothing on it is very "yin", meaning there is no life energy there. You will know if the clutter is something that is a sign of life or a sign of stagnation.

We recommend a daily ritual for working with the clutter on your desk. At the beginning or end of your work day, take a few moments to clear your space. Clear your desk, clear your mind. That means organizing your paperwork, putting things away, etc. As you actively move the objects around on your desk, you’ll be working energetically to organize your thoughts and mind as well. Next use a smudge spray like palo santo mist to open up the qi, then write down nine intentions.

## More from The Spruce

[How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom: Dos and Don'ts](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-feng-shui-your-bedroom-1274334) [The Basic Principles of Feng Shui](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-feng-shui-1275060) [Feng Shui Colors and How to Use Them](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-color-tips-to-create-a-beautiful-home-1274395) [How to Place Your Bed for Good Feng Shui](https://www.thespruce.com/place-your-bed-for-good-feng-shui-1274331) [How to Bring Good Feng Shui Into Your Home Office](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-tips-for-your-home-office-1274486) [28 Study Room Ideas Perfect for Productive Work Days](https://www.thespruce.com/study-room-ideas-7095600) [77 Best Living Room Ideas for Your Home](https://www.thespruce.com/living-room-ideas-5194639) [37 Guest Room Ideas to Make Friends and Family Feel Perfectly at Home](https://www.thespruce.com/guest-room-ideas-8606235)

[Feng Shui Tips for a Mirror Facing the Bed](https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-tips-for-a-mirror-facing-the-bed-1274767) [15 Simple Small Living Room Ideas for Minimalist Style](https://www.thespruce.com/small-living-room-photos-452695) [13 Space-Making Hacks for Small Kitchens](https://www.thespruce.com/more-storage-and-counter-space-in-a-small-kitchen-3017406) [35 Beautiful Shower Ideas to Inspire Your Bathroom Remodel](https://www.thespruce.com/bathroom-shower-ideas-for-remodeling-1822563) [Ideas for Decorating a Long and Narrow Living Room](https://www.thespruce.com/decorate-long-narrow-living-room-2213445) [Is a Mirror Facing the Front Door Bad Feng Shui?](https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-a-mirror-facing-the-front-door-1274597) [22 Restful and Designer-Approved Bedroom Layout Ideas](https://www.thespruce.com/bedroom-layout-ideas-5207082) [14 Garage Wall Paint Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Space](https://www.thespruce.com/garage-wall-paint-ideas-8547472)

[Visit The Spruce's homepage](/)

Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.

Subscribe

Follow us:

- [Visit The Spruce's Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thespruceofficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thespruceofficial)
- [Visit The Spruce's Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/thespruceofficial/)
- [Visit The Spruce's Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial/)

- [Decor](https://www.thespruce.com/home-design-and-decorating-4127998)
- [Garden](https://www.thespruce.com/gardening-4127780)
- [Home Improvement](https://www.thespruce.com/home-improvement-4127862)
- [Cleaning](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-and-organizing-4127927)
- [Celebrations](https://www.thespruce.com/celebrations-4163111)
- [What to Buy](https://www.thespruce.com/best-home-products-4135328)
- [News](https://www.thespruce.com/home-news-5070015)

- [About Us](/about-us-4776800)
- [Terms of Service](https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/brands-termsofservice)
- [Editorial Guidelines](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)
- [Advertise](https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/advertising)
- [Careers](https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/careers)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/brands-privacy)
- [Contact](/about-us-4776800#toc-contact-us)

[Access TRUSTe's Enterprise Privacy Certification program](//privacy.truste.com/privacy-seal/validation?rid=428db2d1-80a7-49ef-8cc9-c8c451fd55b2)

The Spruce
is part of the [Dotdash Meredith](https://www.dotdashmeredith.com) publishing family.

Newsletter Sign Up

Newsletter Sign Up

Newsletter Sign Up