Feng Shui Coffee Table Tips

Center It

• According to feng shui, one of the best arrangements for a living room or family room places the coffee table in the center of the space. The table serves as the anchor for the room's seating area, and allows the various energies in the room to branch off of it. For a basic layout, place your coffee table on a large area rug in the center of the room or the spot that you plan to use as the seating area. Position the sofa against the wall opposite the table and arrange easy chairs on the other side of the sofa. Add another sofa or love seat opposite the couch if you have a large family or entertain frequently and require additional seating.

Decorate with the Elements

• If your coffee table is in center of your room, it is an ideal showcase for a five-element collection. The five elements, which include wood, fire, earth, metal and water, represent different types of energy that are found in a room. A display of all five elements helps balance the room's energy and is an ideal focal point for the center of the space. A small plant or tree is ideal for representing the wood element, while a candle is an obvious choice to symbolize fire. A stone vase or pot works well as a representation of earth, and any round or metal object can be used to symbolize metal. For the water element, a mirror works, as would a small tabletop water feature. Place the various elements on a tray or runner in the center of the table for a unified look.

Try a Low Design

• To create the most effective anchor for your seating area, use a coffee table that is low to the ground. This type of coffee table helps introduce the Earth element to your living room, which is usually represented by objects that are close to the ground. A square shape typically works best, and helps provides a stronger core for the sofa, chairs and other objects around it. Due to the coffee table's grounding height, the other items in the space feel more connected to it, so the energies in the room are better balanced.

Avoid Sharp Edges

• Sharp edges on furniture are out of place in feng shui design, so opt for a coffee table that has rounded corner. In particular, avoid frameless glass coffee tables because the energy that they provide is too sharp and severe. However, if you already have a glass coffee table or another type that features sharp edges, soften them to fit a feng shui decorating scheme. Purchase metallic tape from a glass store to cover your table's edges and reduce its sharp energy. You can also cover your coffee table with a silk tablecloth or runner to soften its sharp lines.