Where to place a sofa for feng shui - key factors to consider for promoting harmony in the living room

As the key piece of furniture in the living room, where we position the sofa can have a big impact - especially when it comes to feng shui. Given that this ancient Chinese tradition is all about promoting harmony and balance, knowing where to place a sofa for feng shui is integral to creating a peaceful atmosphere in the living room.

The best sofas are there to seat us as we relax and recover, but also as we socialise with guests and family too. And just like there is an ideal feng shui bed placement, there are some key do's and don'ts for where we should put the sofa if we want to promote a positive flow of energy.

'In feng shui living room layouts, the sofa is the most important piece of furniture and should always be given a commanding position to open up the space, encourage conversation, and enhance the flow of positive energy,' says Sam Tamlyn, Shutterly Fabulous.

But what is the best position for the sofa if we want to create a harmonious space? We've asked the experts where to place a sofa for feng shui, and to share their top tips for creating balance in the living room.

Where to place a sofa for feng shui

Whether you're on the hunt for easy living room layout fixes, or you want to adopt feng shui practices specifically, the placement of the sofa is the best place to start. Once you know where to place a sofa for feng shui, you can start to enjoy a greater sense of peace in your living room. Here are five key takeaways from the experts. 

1. Place the sofa in the 'command position'

'In Feng Shui, the 'command position' is the best placement that empowers and supports the homeowner,' says Eve Kruavit, APDO member and Founder of Holistic Space Design. 'It is the ideal spot for key furniture (e.g. bed, sofa, desk), with a solid wall behind for protection and support, while also allowing a clear view of the entrance to the room.'

Placing the sofa in the command position is widely considered the best way to optimise feng shui in the living room. With the back of the sofa facing against the wall, and the front having a clear view of the room's entrance, feelings of protection, stability and safety are encouraged. 

'As feng shui is all about maintaining balance with the elements and optimising energy and flow, some say that the wall symbolises a strong mountain on the earth, grounded and anchored,' says Lee Trethewey, Interiors Expert, Sustainable Furniture.

2. Don't put it in line with the door

While the command position means the sofa will have a clear view of the living room door, feng shui experts say it shouldn't be placed directly in line with it. When the sofa is in line with the door, it's in the 'confrontational position', implying that those in the living room need to be constantly on guard, watching the entrance. This is not good for promoting harmony and balance, key principles in feng shui.

'Having your sofa so that it's not exactly in line with the door is important, as it means that it can support a smooth flow of energy, preventing it from stagnating in one area,' says interiors expert Lee. 'The confrontational position is considered as being bad, as it implies you are constantly under attack and have no personal safety and security.'

Ideally, the sofa should be placed diagonally across from the door, so that a clear view can be maintained, without being in the direct path.

3. Position your sofa to a focal point

Another way to optimise feng shui in your living room is by positioning your sofa so that it faces the main focal point. This might be opposite your fireplace ideas, window, or TV - wherever the eye is naturally drawn when you walk in to the room, and where you tend to look towards when sitting down. 

'By positioning your sofa so that it faces the focal point, you create a natural flow that draws people into the space and encourages conversation and engagement,' says Joanne Jones, Feng Shui Expert, Trusted Psychics. 

With the living room often being a social space, it's important that the sofa is positioned in a way that makes everyone feel welcome. When it's facing the room's natural focal point, the flow of energy is opened in a way that facilitates interaction.

4. Avoid walls with windows

There's some debate around whether you should place a sofa in front of a window, but feng shui experts are pretty unanimous in their advice. They recommend you avoid putting your sofa by a window, as it can create instability and disrupt the flow of chi. It's also thought to encourage energy to leave, rather than circulate in the room.

With small living room ideas, there might be no other choice than to position your sofa in front of the window - but there are some things you can do to negate any adverse effects on the feng shui of the room. 

'Add plants (though avoid pointy plants like snake plants or cacti) on the windowsill to create a buffer between the sofa and the windows to slow down the energy,' Eve of Holistic Space Design says. 'You can also place a mirror on the wall opposite the sofa to reflect the view and natural light from the window. This will symbolically provide a ‘back’ to the sofa and enhance stability.'

5. Steer clear of sharp edges

Knowing where to place a sofa for feng shui also involves carefully choosing what you place around it. Experts warn that any harsh lines opposite the couch can disrupt the positive flow of energy in the living room, and be harmful to feng shui.

'Avoid placing the sofa directly opposite sharp corners or edges from other furniture pieces, as sharp edges can create negative energy, known as 'sha chi', which disrupts the harmony you’re trying to create in the space,' Eve explains.

'Use rounded or oval coffee tables and side tables to soften the space around the sofa, ensuring a smoother flow of chi,' suggests Joanne from Trusted Psychics. 'Sharp corners or ‘poison arrows’ can create harsh energy and don’t help to promote good health or well-being.'

FAQs

Which direction should a sofa face for feng shui?

'Ideally, the sofa should be positioned in a commanding position, where you can see the room's entrance without feeling directly exposed,' says Rachel Binks, Stylist, Hillarys. 'This fosters a sense of security and control.'

Position the sofa so that it is facing the door without being directly in line with it. You'll want to avoid putting the sofa in the 'confrontational position' - i.e. in line with the door - as this doesn't promote feelings of harmony and balance. 

The sofa should also be placed in a way that maximises natural light. 'If possible, place the sofa so it offers a view of nature, such as a garden or a scenic landscape,' says Joanne from Trusted Psychics. 'This connection to the natural world can enhance tranquility and well-being.'

What is the best feng shui layout for a living room?

If you want to arrange your living room in alignment with feng shui principles, the key is to aim for symmetry, balance and harmony. 'The perfect living room is all about achieving a balance of energy through strategic placement,' says Sam from Shutterly Fabulous. 'You want to ensure a balanced environment by maintaining an equal presence of yin and yang in the space.'

For example, avoid arrangements that create sharp corners and harsh lines. You wouldn't want the top of your sofa to sit precisely in line with the edge of your coffee table for example, as this makes the space feel stuffy and formal. It's difficult for energy to flow freely in this kind of atmosphere.

'Ensure the sofa faces a focal point (e.g. a beautiful view, a fireplace, or a lovely artwork) that feels inviting, facilitates social gatherings, and enhances the room’s overall atmosphere,' Eve Kruavit says. 'If the view outside the window is not pleasant, add plants by the window to draw positive energy into the space.'

Now you know where to place a sofa for feng shui, will you be rearranging your living room in a bid to promote peace and harmony?