Using Feng Shui to decorate your home can encourage the flow of positive energy, or Chi. While some Feng Shui principles, such as balancing the elements, are used throughout your home, there are also room specific tips you can incorporate.

The way you decorate your living room will depend on how the room is used. Do you have a formal living room and separate family room? Or is your living room more of a casual multi-purpose space for the whole family?

Formal Living Room

People often invite guests into a formal living room and have a separate family room for daily, casual use. You should guard against letting a living room become a neglected space that is only used for company. When you don't use the rooms in your home, the energy in those spaces can become stagnate.

A formal living room is less active than a family room and can be the ideal place for reading, drawing, or playing a musical instrument. However, musical instruments and art supplies should be kept in working order and used regularly. Remember that all objects contain Chi and those that are broken or neglected can drain energy.

Formal living rooms reflect your public, social self. Decorate your living room to reflect your passions with artwork and design objects that depict your interests. This will put you at ease both as a host and when relaxing in the room alone.

Arrange furniture in a way that will encourage comfortable conversation. Place the primary seating, often the couch, in view of the main door and arrange additional seating around it. Sit in each seat and be sure you can comfortably see the others. Hang a mirror if you cannot see the main door from any seat and make sure there is a clear path to walk through the room, especially if you have multiple entrances.

Living/Family Room (Multi-purpose Room)

Rooms that serve multiple purposes can be difficult to design. Family rooms are more casual than formal living rooms, and more active. Begin by assessing the room's activities. Is it a room for watching TV, playing with toys, entertaining guests, or maybe even eating?

The key to successfully applying Feng Shui to a multi-purpose room is organization. Provide plenty of storage for each family member. Toy boxes, book shelves, and cabinets with drawers can be used to store items that are not being used.

It is best to place TVs and other electronics in furniture with doors. This makes it easier to separate the functions of the room and keeps the TV from becoming the default focal point. If you have an entertainment center without doors, you may be able to hang a sliding curtain over the TV opening.

If you eat in the family room, be sure to provide adequate table space, such as a coffee table, multiple end tables, or a small pub table. Wooden tray sets can also be stored neatly when not in use.

Enhance the active energy of the room with vibrant art and comfortable furniture. Tables and storage furniture with rounded corners are best to both encourage the flow of Chi and for safety. Display family photographs, special toys, and children's artwork to promote happy family energy.

Whether designing a formal living room or a casual multi-purpose space, the philosophies of Feng Shui can promote the positive flow of Chi. This will create an inviting and soothing home environment for you and your family.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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