In this article
Sofa and the command position
The classic recommendation is to place the main sofa with a solid wall behind it and a view of the door, without sitting in a direct line with it. This is the "command position", and it works well for ordinary reasons: you feel less exposed and you can see who comes in.
If the sofa must float in the middle of an open-plan space, put a console table or low shelf behind it to give it a visual back. Avoid placing it under a window if you can.
Arrange seating for talking
Chairs and sofas should face each other, or sit at a gentle angle, so people can talk without raising their voices. A coffee table in the middle with space to walk around it, roughly 40 to 50 centimetres or 16 to 20 inches, keeps the circle open.
Rooms where every seat points at the TV tend to feel more like a cinema than a living room. If television is the main activity, that is fine; just make sure there is a spot for conversation too.
The television and electronics
Tradition calls the television a screen of fire or water that draws attention from the whole room. Practical solutions: put it in a cabinet with doors, or cover the screen with a cloth when it is off, or place it so the room does not revolve around it.
Hide cables as best you can, and keep the area around devices dust-free. A bundle of tangled wires may not feel like feng shui, but it is an easy thing to fix.
Light, windows and air
Mix ceiling light, table lamps and one or two soft accents instead of a single bright fixture. Warm white bulbs suit evening. Keep windows clean and curtains light enough to let daylight in, then draw them at night for a cosy feel.
Open the windows for a few minutes every day. Air quality indoors matters more than any ornament, and fresh air is free.
Clutter, surfaces and the elements
Living rooms attract piles: post, toys, remotes, laundry. Give every category a home, with baskets, closed shelves or a tray, and clear coffee table and side surfaces once a day. A room with some empty surface feels larger.
To balance elements, think of wood in the furniture and plants, fire in lamps and warm cushions, earth in rugs and ceramics, metal in frames and legs, and water in glass or mirrors. See the five elements and feng shui colours for more ideas.
Mirrors, art and finishing touches
A mirror that reflects a pleasant view or a window can double the light. Avoid one that shows a messy corner. Artwork with calm themes such as landscapes tends to suit a living room better than harsh or crowded images.
Add one or two plants (see feng shui plants) and leave it at that. The aim is a relaxed space where visitors sit down quickly.
Questions people ask
Where should the sofa go?
Ideally against a solid wall with a view of the door. If it must float, a console table behind it helps.
Do I have to hide the TV?
No. It is a suggestion to reduce its dominance; a cabinet or a shelf arrangement works if you prefer.
How many plants should a living room have?
A few are fine. Quality and care matter more than number.