Feng shui principles for living room design draw plenty of attention from homeowners, because the living room is both the face of the home — reflecting the owner’s personality — and a space traditionally believed to influence the health and fortune of the whole family. Beyond aesthetics and function, the feng shui notes below help keep the living room harmonious, bright and airy, and more reassuring to live in.

1. Place the living room at the front of the house

Whether judged by feng shui or by design logic, the living room should sit at the front, right behind the main entrance. This position looks right and makes welcoming guests convenient. Pushing the living room deep into the house or towards the back weakens the layout and makes the flow of daily life feel inverted.

Living room placed at the front of the house, bright and airy

2. Keep the living room bright and well ventilated

A gloomy, cluttered living room is a major taboo in feng shui — and a visual liability as well. A few ways to keep the space fresh and bright:

  • Let in plenty of natural light: avoid stacking too much furniture or large plants in front of windows.
  • Choose bright, neutral wall colours: they diffuse light and make the room feel larger.
  • Add layered lighting: ceiling lights, cove lighting and accent spots to eliminate dark corners.

3. The living room floor must be level

Flooring and rugs in the living room should be flat and level, with no arbitrary bumps or changes in floor height. Practically, a level floor is safer to move across and easier to furnish; in feng shui terms, it symbolises the stability of the household.

Level living room floor with a balanced furniture layout

4. Use round decorative pieces

The living room hosts guests and family life, so it needs a harmonious, lively atmosphere. The circle belongs to the “yang” element and is considered well suited to creating a warm, welcoming feel. Apply it through decorative pendant lights, a round coffee table, a round mirror or a circular rug — a soft focal point against a layout full of straight lines.

5. Keep wiring tidy — avoid loose extension cords

The living room calls for stability and safety. Minimise surface-run cables and portable extension cords trailing across the floor — they are a trip hazard and make the space look messy. Socket positions and concealed wall wiring should be worked out at the design stage so the floor plan stays clean and safe.

Feng shui supports; design and build decide

Feng shui principles only pay off when they are translated into drawings and built correctly: door positions, daylight orientation, floor levels and the electrical system all need to be locked in from the start. If you want to read more, see other guides in our insights library on feng shui mistakes to avoid in home design and apartment altar placement.

AIC works to a single-point design-build model, with over 10 years in the trade (since 2016 under the predecessor Nhan Viet; AIC was founded in 2019) and two in-house factories (1,200 m² and 600 m²). From a floor plan, AIC can produce a BOQ estimate within roughly 4 working hours so you can size your budget; projects are handed over with a warranty of up to 24 months. See our apartment interior design and build service.

Frequently asked questions

Where should the living room be located in a house?

The living room should sit at the front, right behind the main entrance. This position makes welcoming guests convenient, looks right, and helps the remaining spaces fall into a more logical layout. Placing the living room too deep inside the house compromises both circulation and daylight.

How do I keep a living room bright and airy according to feng shui?

Maximise natural light, choose bright neutral wall colours, keep furniture away from windows and add layered lighting so no corner stays dark. A bright, airy space looks better and simply feels more pleasant to live in.

Should living room wiring be concealed in the walls?

Yes. Concealed wiring keeps the living room tidier, safer and better looking than portable surface-run cords. Socket positions and cable routes should be planned at the design stage to avoid chasing walls open later.