5 rules for Christmas tree placement, according to Feng Shui principles

The ideal placement of your Christmas tree depends on the areas of life you want to enhance, according to the map of Bagua

Where to put your Christmas tree, according to Feng Shui
(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey / Future)

A meaningful touch can be added to holiday décor by incorporating Feng Shui. In Feng Shui, placing your Christmas tree in a location that promotes a positive flow of energy can align it with the principles of balance and harmony and increase the festive atmosphere in your home.

When choosing the perfect spot for your Christmas tree this holiday season, consider the principles of Feng Shui, including the map of Bagua and the five elements to bring the energies you want into your home.

Here's how to strategically arrange your Christmas tree aligning with Feng Shui principles, to create good Feng Shui in your home and enhance the positive energies associated with each specific area of your living space.

Where to put your Christmas tree, according to Feng Shui

'Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that emphasizes the importance of harmonizing individuals with their surroundings to promote positive energy flow, or chi,' explains Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible.

'When it comes to placing your Christmas tree, incorporating Feng Shui principles can enhance the festive atmosphere in your home. 

Here are some tips to consider.

Complying with the map of Bagua

Christmas tree themes with traditional scene

(Image credit: Future)

'Put the Christmas tree in a location in your house that is in harmony with the Feng Shui energy map, also known as the Bagua Map,' recommends Abner Miller, an interior designer expert and event organizer of Starlinkhow.

'Different facets of life are represented by each sector of the map. You can strengthen the positive energy linked with the sectors where the tree is placed in relation to your particular aims or intentions. 

'The ideal locations for a Christmas tree from a Feng Shui perspective are either the Wealth, Fame, or Family areas of the home,' says Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors. 'This placement supports abundance and prosperity.'

We use this map to understand how different aspects of life are affected by your home's layout.

Keely Smith / JD Interiors
Keely Smith

Keely Smith is a designer and artist living in North Vancouver, BC. She has over 10 years experience working with design studios, private companies and as a freelance designer.

Make use of the five elements

traditional christmas tree decor in cozy living room

(Image credit: Future)

You can also place it according to the element it belongs to.

'Feng Shui revolves around the five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Each of these elements is associated with specific colors and shapes,' explains Feng Shui consultant and founder of My Space Affair, Ira Njoroge.

Just as each location is associated with certain facets of life, different locations are also associated with a different elemental association.

1. The Center (Health and Well-Being)

A decorated Christmas tree with an armchair either side and wrapped presents at the base. Red and white curtains by the French doors in the background.

(Image credit: Future)

You can put your Christmas tree in the center of any room or the center of your house if you wish to enhance your health and well-being.

'The central area of a home is often considered the core, representing stability and balance,' explains Karina Newman, home expert and owner of iBuyers. 'In the context of holiday decor, maintaining openness in this central space adheres to the principle of not overwhelming the heart of the home with excessive decorations.

'The Earth element, which stands for foundation, energy, and balance, is associated with this location,' says Abner Miller. 'The earthy colors of yellow, orange, and brown can be used to decorate your tree. You can also add stones, crystals, or ceramics, which stand for solidity and strength.

Opting for the center of your home can also bring balance and unity. 'The center-most area of a home is very important as it connects to all the other areas of the Bagua map. By placing the tree near the center of your home you're in turn lifting the energy of the entire home,' says Lisa Morton, owner and designer at Pure Living with Lisa Morton.

2. The Southwest (Love and Relationships)

Real tree siting in a living room

(Image credit: Chris Everard / Future)

'You can put your Christmas tree at the lower right corner of any room or in the Southwest part of your house to attract or improve romance and closeness in your life,' explains Abner Miller. 

'This domain is associated with the Earth element, signifying steadiness, sustenance, and confidence. 

'The colors of love, pink, red, and peach, can be used to decorate your tree. You can also include some circular or heart-shaped objects, which stand for harmony and unity.'

3. The South (Fame and Reputation)

Cozy living room with christmas tree, sofa, and fireplace

(Image credit: Layered Lounge)

The fame and reputation area is associated with the southern part of your living space. It fosters recognition and creative expression. 

'This area lies directly across from the main entrance,' says Keely Smith. 'Putting the tree in either of these spaces encourages positive energy to flow smoothly throughout the home.'

4. The Southeast (Wealth and Prosperity)

Elegant living room with fireplace dressed with foliage, christmas tree, blue patterned sofa, green ottoman

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

The southeast corner of the room is often associated with wealth and abundance, making it a favorable spot for your tree, especially if you're looking to boost your financial fortunes in the coming year.

5. East or wood element (Family and Health)

Christmas tree, decorated with white roses, hanging porcelain branch vases, baubles, felt stars, fairy lights, presents, vintage traditional style sledge

(Image credit: Claire Richardson)

The east corner of your home represents good health and family fortune. Ideally, it should be placed in a room where the family gathers, like the living room, to bolster harmony and togetherness.

'Furthermore, In the realm of Feng Shui, the southeast and east areas are associated with the Wood element, embodying growth, vitality, and positive energy flow. 

'By placing your Christmas tree in these regions, you tap into the elemental energies believed to bring about abundance and harmony,' says Karina Newman. 'It aligns with the Feng Shui philosophy of harmonizing your living space with the natural elements.'

FAQs

How to avoid negative energy locations for your Christmas tree according to Feng Shui?

'Don't place Christmas trees near bathrooms or toilets, as these areas are
associated with depleting energy, even if it falls in one of your lucky directions.' recommends Yama Jason founder of House Customize

'For a bedroom, the yang energy produced by the tree, especially when combined with the lights, can disturb the yin energy needed for peaceful sleep, making it difficult to get a calm and peaceful night's sleep.

'Also, avoid placing the tree under exposed beams or low ceilings, which creates depressing energy and restricts the positive flow of chi.'

How do you decorate a tree according to Feng Shui principles?

Align your tree's decorations with Feng Shui color principles.

'To do this, consider the tree as an embodiment of the Wood element. Balance it with complementary elements – Metal (ornaments), Water (lights or blue decorations), Earth (gifts under the tree), and Fire (red or gold accents) for a harmonious display,' says Bhavin Swadas, founder of Coupon Saturn.

'Consider using Christmas ornaments such as crystals, mirrors and natural materials in your decorations. Crystals are known to radiate positive energy, mirrors enhance and balance energy, and natural elements such as pine cones or dried flowers can bring grounding energy,' explains Yama Jason, founder of House Customize. 

'The colors, shapes and materials of decorations should also be in line with Feng Shui principles. For example, red and gold colors represent abundance and prosperity, circles represent unity and harmony, and materials such as wood or bamboo represent a connection to natural energy.'

How to dispose of your Christmas tree mindfully according to Feng Shui?

'After the holiday season, dispose of your tree properly. In Feng Shui, it's important to let go of the old to make room for new energy in the coming year. If you have a real tree, consider environmentally friendly disposal methods like recycling or composting,' recommends Feng Shui consultant and founder of My Space Affair, Ira Njoroge.


'Maintain a sense of balance and symmetry in the room by placing the tree in a location that allows for easy viewing from various angles,' recommends Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible. 'This creates a visually pleasing and harmonious atmosphere.'

Make sure it doesn't interfere with the natural flow of energy and blends in well with the current color scheme. Allow the energy (chi) to flow freely around the tree, promoting a positive and balanced atmosphere.

You should also choose a tree size that suits the room. An oversized tree might overwhelm the space, affecting the balance. Ideally, the tree should complement the room's proportions for optimal Feng Shui.

Lola Houlton
News writer

Lola Houlton is a news writer for Homes & Gardens. She has been writing content for Future PLC for the past six years, in particular Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and GardeningEtc. She writes on a broad range of subjects, including practical household advice, recipe articles, and product reviews, working closely with experts in their fields to cover everything from heating to home organization through to house plants. Lola is a graduate, who completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Sussex. She has also spent some time working at the BBC.