6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Home for Positive Feng Shui

As a professional organizer, I aim for my clients’ spaces (and my own!) to be as peaceful as possible—and one thing that can easily keep us from having a harmonious home is clutter. It turns out, clutter is not just messy and annoying, but it can keep you from experiencing the benefits of feng shui.

The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui is about finding and creating positive energy. In the home design world, this calls for creating balance between the furniture, decor, and color scheme of a space. But clutter isn’t the only thing that can ruin the feng shui in your house. We talked to the experts to find out what else we should avoid keeping in our spaces.

Some things are seemingly obvious (yet very common in most homes), while others were news to me—and probably you, too! Find out what they are, and learn why and how to rid your house of them to improve the energy of your space.

1. Clutter

“Feng shui is all about creating balance, harmony, and opportunities in your life,” says Kristina Hollinger, author and feng shui expert. “To welcome these opportunities, the energy must be able to flow freely into and throughout your space.” As you might already know, clutter is one of the biggest blocks when it comes to achieving feng shui in your home. It represents blocked or stagnant energy, especially when there’s a lot of clutter in the entryway.

“Think piles of shoes by the front door,” says Alejandra Brady, interior designer and feng shui expert at Alejandra G. Brady. “Keep clutter at bay, especially at eye level, as it adds to stress and anxiety.” Start by creating a storage system in the entryway, and then work on paring down the items in your closets, pantry, and anywhere else items that no longer spark joy tend to crowd together.

2. Oversized Furniture

Another item that could be making your home look and feel cluttered is furniture that’s too big for your space. “Remember, the key is to harmonize, not overwhelm, and to always infuse your space with positive energy and intention,” Hollinger says. That sofa your great aunt wants to pass off to you might be comfy (and free), but if it barely fits in your living room, the whole atmosphere will feel off. Finding something smaller (and within your budget) is best to make your home harmonious. “In essence, feng shui is about balance and intentional placement,” Hollinger says. So, choose furniture pieces that are an appropriate size (and style) for the room that you intend to place them.

3. Sharp Edges

Whether it be furniture or decor, pointy or sharp edges in your home can disrupt feng shui. Believe it or not, our brains subconsciously associate sharpness with danger, and, from a feng shui perspective, harsh objects disturb a room’s peacefulness. On the other hand, round edges allow energy to flow more easily and create a sense of calmness. That could explain the recent curved furniture trend focusing on soft, rounded borders to give off an earthy, organic feel in any space.

4. Broken Belongings

If you have appliances, electronics, or tools lying around that no longer work, it can thwart good feng shui. As Brady points out, something as small as a burned-out light bulb, or as large as a damaged furniture can symbolize neglect and give off negative chi—otherwise known as bad energy. A broken clock is particularly bad for feng shui because it represents time standing still and the inability to move forward. Commit to fixing broken things—or have them fixed by a professional—as soon as you can, and discard any items that are beyond repair.

5. Dying Plants

Like broken objects, houseplants that are actively dying (or are already dead) depict abandonment. Learn how to fix what’s plaguing your plant so you can bring it back to life and compost any that are too far gone. Brady suggests adding fresh flowers to help boost your home’s energy. Another way to promote positive feng shui is to incorporate specific plants that symbolize good fortune and gratitude.

6. Items with Negative Energy

It’s possible there are items with negative energy hiding amongst the clutter in your home. But it’s essential that you address them not only to save space but also to create a favorable environment for feng shui. Holding onto photos, cards, or memorabilia from a stressful or unhappy time in your life means that negative chi is still hanging around. 

Similarly, displaying dark artwork that depicts sadness or violence can prevent feng shui. Instead, opt for cheerful images that transcend from the canvas to your home. “Your home is a reflection of your inner world, and with mindful adjustments, you can cultivate a space that brings joy, peace, and prosperity,” Hollinger says.