If your living room feels a bit off lately, youre not alone. Maybe it's the awkward furniture arrangement that makes conversation feel like a game of Twister, or that vague sense of stagnant energy that lingers despite your best cleaning efforts. But before you rearrange your furniture for the millionth time, consider consulting the ancient wisdom of feng shuithe 5,000-year-old Chinese practice all about creating harmony between you and your environment through thoughtful placement of objects, colors, and materials.To help guide you on your living room feng shui journey, weve consulted a group of experts: Dr. Hannah Yang, a licensed psychologist at Balanced Awakening who specializes in feng shui; Suzanne Roynon, a member of the International Feng Shui Guild; Classical Feng Shui Master Meena Jagpal-Par; and Gala Magri, a holistic interior designer certified in the practice."The living room is the space where we spend quality time with ourselves, family, and friends. Taking the initiative to create a nurturing and energetically nourishing space is the basis of good self-care, Roynon tells us. Ready to transform your space? Read on to learn how.Esther ChoiFeng shui shaped this curve-filled New York apartment, designed by architecture firm Dash Marshall.Incorporate the Five ElementsCreating balance in your living room starts with understanding and incorporating the five elements. Jagpal-Par provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to weave these essential components into your space:Wood Element (Growth & Vitality)Best for: Promoting creativity and personal growthIncorporate tall, healthy plantsChoose wood furniture piecesAdd nature-inspired artwork featuring forestsUse green tones in decor accentsEarth Element (Stability & Grounding)Best for: Creating a sense of stability and supportSelect rugs and curtains in earthy tonesIntroduce crystals and seashellsUse earthen plantersChoose beige, and light-to-medium brown paint colorsFire Element (Energy & Transformation)Best for: Boosting energy and transformationAdd candles or a working fireplaceIncorporate red accents through cushions and throwsInclude artwork featuring sunsets or warm scenesUse bright pink and orange hues strategicallyWater Element (Abundance & Wisdom)Best for: Supporting career growth and emotional balanceSelect blue and black color schemesConsider a small water fountainChoose artwork with gentle water scenes, but "avoid images of water flowing out of the home, harsh waves, or stagnant water," cautions Jagpal-Par.Metal Element (Clarity & Precision)Best for: Enhancing focus and productivityUse gray, white, and metallic shadesAdd metal furniture and sculpturesInclude metallic picture frames and light fixturesConsider white or gray paint colors"Rooms that have a mix of different elements tend to feel the best," advises Dr. Yang. She suggests a balanced approach: "You might have a picture of a waterfall (water), some live plants (wood), a yellow rug (earth), a steel coffee table (metal), and a candle burning (fire) in a living room, which would be a nice mix of the five elements."Position the Sofa Facing the DoorThe strategic placement of furniture can transform both the energy and functionality of your living room. According to Jagpal-Par, the largest piece of furnituretypically your sofashould be positioned near a solid wall for support, but not directly against it. This allows for optimal energy flow while providing a sense of security.The command position is crucial in feng shui practice. "Position seating with a clear view of the door," advises Magri. "This setup fosters a sense of secure control, making it much easier to relax." When arranging your space, consider creating meandering pathways that allow energy to flow naturally through the room, just as you would walk through it.Photography by Winnie AuTo help feng shui your living room, incorporate comfortable seating that encourages natural interaction and conversation. In this Brooklyn apartment designed by Office of Tangible Space, the the sofa is vintage Ligne Roset.For the perfect conversation area, arrange seating to encourage natural interaction. While many modern living rooms center around the television, Roynon suggests creating a balanced layout that supports both entertainment and communication. Consider a wood coffee table rather than glassit provides more stability and grounding energy, while glass can create a sense of fragility.Clear Your Living Room RegularlyThink of space clearing as your home's energetic reset button. Begin with sound clearingRoynon recommends using sound in all corners of the property to shake up stagnant energy. "Clapping works in a smaller home, but for a larger space use a pan and wooden spoon," she explains.Follow with smoke cleansing, being mindful of cultural considerations. As Jagpal-Par suggests, "Use a smoke-clearing ritual with energy-clearing herbs." Roynon specifically recommends lavender.The final touch comes through intention setting. "Walk around the home and bless it," suggests Magri. "Verbalize what you would like the home to be filled with or how you want it to feel." For example: My intention for the living room is to be a place for celebration, joy and communion.Timing your space clearing is equally important. While some practitioners recommend daily clearing, others suggest aligning with natural cycles. Consider clearing during seasonal changes, after periods of stress or change, when the space feels energetically heavy, or after hosting guests.Opt for Neutral Tonessilvia fozThis neutral living room designed by fashion designer Carly Cushnie is soothing yet impossibly chic.Each element has its own, very logical, color palette," explains Roynon. The key is finding balance while being mindful of each color's impact on the space's energy.Neutral tones should form your foundation. For the living room, it is best to keep furniture in neutral tones for visual appeal and grounding energy, Jagpal-Par tells us. From there, layer in colors strategically through accessories and accent pieces.Earth tones like beige and sand create stability, though Roynon cautions that "too much leads to feeling stuck." Red and its fiery cousinsburgundy, orange, and hot pinkcan energize a space, but use them judiciously as "too much can lead to heated arguments and burnout." Blue and black accessories, representing water, support career growth and emotional balance, while greens bring vitality and growth to your space.Quick Living Room Feng Shui FixesTransform your living room's energy with some expert-approved adjustmentsstarting with a thorough declutter. "Get rid of anything that isn't serving a purpose or bringing you joy," advises Dr. Yang. This includes removing items that don't belong in a living space, such as workout equipment or work-related items.Next, assess your artwork. "Life often mirrors the art we spend most time with," Roynon reminds us. "Is it reflecting a positive lifestyle or leaving you lonely or unloved?"Add natural elements thoughtfully. Jagpal-Par suggests incorporating "live, healthy plants and crystals to enhance the energy of the space." Consider citrine for uplifting energy, clear quartz for grounding, or black tourmaline with mica for protection.Overall, "surround yourself with things you love," advises Jagpal-Par. "The subconscious mind connects to everything it sees, so only keep items that bring joy and positivity."Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand's social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.