Feng Shui Rugs: How to Choose & Place Them for Optimal Energy Flow

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese belief system that some scholars believe people have studied for over 3,500 years. The term translates to “wind” (feng) and “water” (shi). Evoking these natural flowing forces is appropriate for feng shui, because the practice is all about directing the flow of a universal life force or “cosmic current” of energy called “Qi” (or “Chi,” depending on the translation). 

Feng shui involves thoughtfully arranging elements of a space to allow Qi energy to flow through it freely and naturally. Traditional practitioners believe that achieving “good feng shui” helps prevent negative energy from getting trapped in a space and maximizes the flow of healthy, positive energy in its place.  

Whether you’re interested in utilizing the ancient art of feng shui to promote peace or you simply want to know more about how it works, we can help. Naturally, we’ll also give you some pointers on how to use rugs to create good feng shui in the process.

The elements of feng shui

Feng shui focuses on finding ways to balance the Qi that moves through spaces by representing all five of its elements. Each of the five elements of Qi governs a different aspect of nature and life, and including them in spaces is believed to affect these parts of your life. The five elements of feng shui are:

Fire

The fire element represents passion, boldness, inspiration, and expressiveness. It is associated with the summer season and is said to govern fame. When you lack the fire element, you may feel uninspired, lethargic, or emotionally distant. When you have too much, you may grow angry too quickly or act impulsively. Try adding fire to your workspace if you lack drive or to your bedroom to help you get up in the morning.

In home decor, the fire element shows up in:

• Red, orange, or pink colors
• Vibrant patterns and textures
• Warm aspects
• Sharp, triangular shapes

It’s also associated with animal prints, electronic equipment, and (of course) actual fire. Rugs like the Sisal Arrow Extra Wide, Bella, Como, or Wave are all great fits for letting the passion of fire flow. 

Earth

The earth element represents grounding and stability. It is associated with the transitions between each season and governs wellness and healthy relationships. When you lack enough earth Qi in a space, you may feel disorganized, unfocused, or flighty. Too much, and you may start to feel overly serious, bored, or sluggish. Adding earth to your living room is a great way to make it feel balanced and peaceful, and it’s also a welcome fit for family dining rooms.

Decor-wise, the earth element is represented by natural fibers and other eco-friendly materials. It’s also closely associated with:

• Square and rectangular shapes
• Landscape imagery
• Earth tones like yellow, brown, green, or tans
• Simple repeating patterns 

Large rectangular rugs or a series of square rugs made with natural fiber are an excellent way to add some earth Qi to your space. The Hemp Grass rug, Sisal Boucle, or Jute Mahal are all great fits.  

Metal

The metal element represents clarity, efficiency, and precision. It is associated with autumn and governs children and helpfulness. When you lack the metal element, you may feel unfocused, foggy-headed, or indecisive. When you have too much, you could be perceived as overly critical, bossy, or even condescending. Metal makes sense in kitchens and hobby spaces like workbenches… or anywhere your kids are doing their homework!

The metal element flows through metallic objects and decor first and foremost. Your kitchen appliances, electronic equipment, and any metallic decor all contain elements of the metal element. It’s also present in:

• Rocks and stones
• Round or oval shapes
• Geometric patterns and textures
• White, grey, and silver colors

Oval rugs and choices like the Wool Nylon Olivia rug, the patterned wool Moroccan or Tassel Stripe, or the Polysilk Carmen can help you shore it up.

Wood 

The wood element represents vitality, growth, strength, and flexibility. It’s associated with spring and governs family relations and wealth. When you don’t have enough wood in a space you may feel creatively stifled, ambivalent, or rudderless. Too much, and you may become stubborn, uncompromising, or even inconsiderate. Wood is a welcome presence in the living room, dining rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

Anything wooden already in your home, such as hardwood floors or furniture, already carries the wood element. It’s also highly present in rectangular shapes, columns, and anything with a texture that evokes wood grain. 

If you’re interested in channeling the wood element through color, look for vibrant greens and blues. Blue rugs are a great way to add a splash of wood into an otherwise neutral space, or you could use natural fibers to get there. Try the Sisal Polysilk Bali, Wool Sisal Chester, Sisal Delmar, or Wool Sisal Magnolia if you’re looking for options. 

(Photo credit: Akseizer Design Group)

Water

The water element represents emotions and spirituality. It is associated with winter and governs the career. When you lack the water element in a space, you may experience mood swings and feel stressed, lonely, or even less empathetic than usual. Too much, and you could feel overwhelmed by your emotions and find yourself more extroverted than usual. The water element is important in doorways, entryways, and other transitional spaces.

The water element is most present in flowing, wavy, gradual patterns and textures. Look for soft lines, curvature, natural asymmetry, and decor that conveys motion and change.  It’s also strongly associated with reflective surfaces like mirrors and glass. 

In colors, the water element manifests most strongly in deep blacks and blues, greys, and other rich, dark options. A natural Seagrass rug evokes the natural qualities of water well, or you could choose an option like the Wool Sisal Kinsley or Polypropylene Venetian. 

Close your eyes. How does your home feel?

When you close your eyes in your home, what do you feel? If you struggle to feel calm or restored, incorporating elements of feng shui could help give you the energy you need. You’ll know you’ve done good feng shui when you feel good energy flow through you.

Want to use a rug to spruce up your space’s feng shui? Create the perfect option with our custom rug creator today.