Feng shui guides most often advise avoiding items that look broken, block the way through a home, have sharp points aimed at people, or add active objects to the bedroom. These are traditional guidelines, not measured effects, but they are simple to follow, and many of them are also good housekeeping.
Broken, cracked or dead items
Broken or cracked objects are the most common item to remove. Cracked mirrors, broken clocks, chipped ornaments and damaged furniture are said to show neglect or unresolved problems. Dead or dying plants are treated the same way, because they suggest fading energy. Expired or burnt-out candles fall into this group too.
The fix is usually to repair what can be repaired and replace what cannot. This applies to wealth symbols as well. A cracked Pixiu or a broken money frog is generally replaced rather than kept on display.
Clutter at the entrance and in walkways
Clutter is one of the most repeated feng shui concerns. Piles of shoes, bags, mail and boxes at the front door are said to block the entrance of energy, often called the “mouth of chi.” Clutter along hallways and walkways can make a home feel cramped and stagnant.
Clear the entryway first. A simple mat, a shoe rack and a small table for keys often solve the problem. Keep walkways open so you can move through the home without turning sideways.
Sharp or pointed objects
Feng shui teaching describes sharp corners, spikes and pointed shapes aimed at people as “poison arrows.” The idea is that these shapes create tension. In practice, the advice is also a safety measure: sharp edges can cause injury.
If you have a pointed object you love, try moving it so its point is not aimed at a seating area or the bed, or place it on a shelf out of the main path.
Mirrors facing the bed or the front door
Mirrors are powerful in feng shui, and two placements are often discouraged. A mirror facing the bed is said to create restless energy and disturb sleep. A mirror facing the front door is said to reflect the energy that enters the home back out again.
If you have a mirror in either position, try moving it to a side wall. Mirrors on side walls are said to spread light and open up a room without reflecting the entrance.
Items to keep out of the bedroom
The bedroom is traditionally a place for rest, so many guides suggest keeping active objects out of it. Common examples include:
- Electronics and televisions near the bed.
- Exercise equipment or work materials in view of the bed.
- Water features, which some guides say cause restlessness.
- A bed placed in direct line with the door, which is sometimes called the “coffin position.” Sources suggest placing the bed so you can see the door without being directly in line with it.
Keeping these items out of the bedroom is simple to do, and it also helps many people sleep better in a quieter space.
Wealth symbols: what to avoid with them
Several rules apply to wealth symbols such as Pixiu, money frogs and gold ingots:
- Do not display broken or dusty pieces. Clean them regularly and replace damaged ones.
- Keep them out of the bathroom. Many traditions treat drains and toilets as places where energy is lost, so guides advise keeping money symbols away from them.
- Do not make them the only feature of a cluttered area. A symbol surrounded by piles of paper or boxes is said to lose its effect.
For placement guidance on specific symbols, see our articles on Pixiu and money frogs.
What to do instead
Replace the items you remove with something that looks cared for. A healthy plant, a clear shelf or a simple piece of art in a clean spot usually works better than a bare corner. If you are not sure whether an item is a problem, ask whether it looks broken, blocks a path, points at a person or disturbs rest. If the answer is yes, move or replace it.
Conclusion
Avoid broken and dead items, clutter at the entrance, sharp points aimed at people, mirrors facing the bed or front door, and active objects in the bedroom. These guidelines are traditional, but they also make a home tidier and safer. Apply the same care to wealth symbols: keep them clean, unbroken and out of bathrooms.