Fall Decorating with Feng Shui

October 23, 2023

Happy fall to all of our readers in the Northern Hemisphere! As the temperatures outside cool down, many of us start to spend more time in our homes. This can be a great opportunity to look at our spaces with fresh eyes and consider how we might make some changes so that our homes better support us for the season ahead.

While feng shui isn’t the same as decorating, it can be fun to work with feng shui principles when deciding how to set up our homes for a new season. Whether your intention is to invite in new opportunities, prepare for holiday guests, or simply turn up the cozy factor in your space, our feng shui-inspired fall decorating tips can help you create a nurturing, beautiful space that aligns with your goals.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to decorate your home for fall with feng shui:

Embrace the metal element

In feng shui, we work with the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Each element is connected to a season, as well as certain energetic qualities. In the fall, metal element energy is naturally heightened. Metal is cold, rigid, and contracting. You may notice this energy in your life as a desire to turn your focus inwards and get things in order for the colder months ahead.

We can work with this natural increase in metal energy by paying attention to how it shows up in our homes. You can also embrace the qualities of this season by mindfully bringing more metal into your home. A simple way to add the metal element to your home is to decorate with the color white. Maybe it’s time for a fresh coat of white paint on the walls, or a new set of crisp, white bedding. You can also swap out your throw pillows, blankets, or other decor items for pieces that include the color white.

Alternatively, you can bring in the metal element with metallic colors, like gold, silver, copper, and bronze. Try adding a metallic planter or vase, or framing a photo in a beautiful metal frame.

Warm up with the fire element

When the metal element is heightened in the fall, we might find ourselves feeling a little too constricted or rigid. To balance this energy, it can be helpful to introduce the fire element. In contrast to cold, inward-focused metal, fire is warm and expansive. Especially as the days get colder and darker, bringing the fire element into your space can help to create a more balanced, harmonious environment.

If you’re a candle person, now is the time to get out your collection! If you have a fireplace, this could be a good time to clean it out and start enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire. Of course, if you’re using real fire, please make sure you are following safety precautions.

You can also bring in more fire energy with lighting. Whether it’s a battery-operated “candle”, a beautiful sconce, or a table lamp, a light source can go a long way in adding warmth and brightness to your home.

Another option is to introduce the fire element with the color red. Try warming up a couch or armchair with a cozy red throw, or place an accent of scarlet autumn leaves on a side table.

Refresh your front door

Your front door is one of the most important parts of your home, because it’s how qi (life force energy) enters your space. A clean, welcoming front door and entryway help pave the way for positive qi and new opportunities to find you.

To get your front door and entryway ready for fall, first make sure this area is clean and free of any obstacles. Next, take stock of your front door decor and notice if it’s time for a refresh. You may want to add a cozy welcome mat, an autumnal planter, or a festive wreath. Also, take a moment to clean the light fixture by your front door and replace the bulb if needed. Imagine that you are a new guest visiting your home. Can you see the entrance clearly? Do you feel welcome? If you answered “Yes!” to these questions, you are on the right track!

Bring in seasonal flowers and foliage

In feng shui, flowers are often used to enhance joy and unstick stagnant qi. Even if your local growing season is slowing down, you may still be able to find some beautiful, seasonal flowers from a nearby farm or shop. Choose the flowers that you’re drawn to, and place them in a vase in your home. You may want to put these flowers in your entryway so that you’re greeted by beauty each time you come home, or choose an area of your home that you feel needs a little boost. If you aren’t a flower person, you can also cut a couple of colorful branches from your backyard to bring in a little autumnal color!

Activate your dining table

If your fall intentions include connecting with friends or loved ones, take some time to focus on your dining room or dining table. In feng shui, this area of the home represents community and friendships. Notice how many chairs you have at your dining table, and consider whether it would be helpful to bring in more seating for the people you’d like to host this season.

You can also add a layer of feng shui intention as you get your dining room ready for fall. One way to do this is by choosing colors that align with the type of energy you’d like to cultivate in this space. How would you like your guests to feel in your home? How do you want to feel in your home while you’re hosting?

You don’t need to paint your walls a certain color — although you certainly can if that speaks to you! Try introducing color in the form of table linens, candles, or a beautiful fall centerpiece.

Here are a few colors we love in the dining room:
Reach for red when you want to create a warm, energizing gathering space.
Bring in brown to make guests feel grounded and supported.
Go with green when you want to revitalize your family relationships.

If you’re feeling inspired to redecorate this part of your home, check out our post about the best feng shui colors for the dining room.

Love your home

Lastly, we invite you to take some time to appreciate all the ways your home supports you throughout the fall and winter. Especially as we prepare to spend more time indoors, we encourage you to notice everything your home does for you and offer it gratitude in return.