5 of the Best Feng Shui Items for Minimalists

At first glance, feng shui and minimalism seem like they’re a bit at odds. One practice involves the careful placement of specific objects to guide energy, while the other is centered on removing as much as possible. I think that they share a powerful common ground though: intention. After all, the goal of feng shui isn’t to accumulate trinkets, but to cultivate a harmonious energy flow.

For those of us who prefer clear surfaces and open spaces, the principles of feng shui can still be applied without adding clutter. The trick is to choose a few meaningful pieces that serve a purpose and enhance the calm you’ve already created.

Why Minimalism is the Foundation of Feng Shui Energy Flow

Before you think about adding a feng shui item, it’s still worth recognising that the core of the practice starts with some basic decluttering. You can’t really attain a smooth flow of energy, or Qi, in a space that’s crowded, disorganised, and stagnant. Clutter blocks the flow and can make a home feel heavy or stressful.

This is why minimalism is actually the perfect starting point for creating good feng shui. By intentionally editing your belongings, you’ve already done the most important and difficult part of the work. You’ve created a clean slate. From here, applying feng shui isn’t a matter of buying a bunch of new things, but selecting of a few key objects to enhance the positive energy already circulating. It’s really just making small, powerful adjustments to amplify the harmony you’ve built.

5 of the Best Feng Shui Items for Minimalists

Here are five items that are effective, beautiful, and won’t compromise your minimal aesthetic. I think these go well with most décor styles!

1. The Living Money Tree

The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a classic symbol used in feng shui to attract good luck wealth and prosperity. Its vibrant green leaves represent the wood shui element, which is all about new beginnings, vitality, and growth. Beyond its symbolism, it’s a living piece of home décor that literally breathes life into a room.

I love it for a minimalist space because a single, healthy plant adds a touch of organic texture and colour without being distracting. It’s functional art that also helps purify the air. For the best results, place it in the southeast corner of your home or home office, which is the traditional feng shui bagua area for wealth and abundance.

2. A Brass Feng Shui Bell

Sound is one of the most effective ways to clear stagnant or negative energy, and a feng shui bell is a perfect tool for this. Traditionally, the crisp, clear sound of a metal bell is used to break up old energy patterns and signal a fresh start. It’s even used to cleanse a space after an argument or when an environment feels heavy!

A small, beautifully crafted brass bell is an ideal piece of fengshui decor for a minimalist. Instead of a large, ornate wind chime, a single bell hanging from a simple silk chinese knot has a sculptural, almost wabi-sabi quality. It’s an object with a purpose that can be displayed discreetly. Hang it on a doorknob or a hook in a corner that feels stuck to refresh the feng shui energy in the room!

3. The Brass Wu Lou (Gourd)

The Wu Lou, an hourglass-shaped gourd, is an ancient Chinese symbol for health, longevity, and absorbing negative energy. In ancient chinese tradition, gourds were dried and used to carry medicine, so they became powerfully associated with healing. A brass feng shui gourd is particularly potent because the metal element is associated with precision and cutting away what’s no longer needed.

Its simple, elegant shape makes it a wonderful object for a minimalist home. A small brass Wu Lou can sit on a bookshelf, nightstand, or desk as a piece of meaningful art. It serves as a quiet reminder of well-being. I checked a range of feng shui tips and apparently it’s best placed in the east section of your home (the health sector) or by your bedside to promote restorative sleep.

4. Three Lucky Coins on a Red String

These coins for wealth are one of the most potent and discreet money cures in feng shui. The three coins represent the trinity of luck from heaven, earth, and humanity, and the red string activates their prosperous energy. They are a powerful money amulet used to attract and protect financial well-being. I’m in!

This is perhaps the ultimate feng shui item for a minimalist because it works without ever needing to be seen. You can tuck these lucky coins into your wallet, place them in the folder where you keep financial documents, or tape them to the inside of a cash box. They invite the energy of abundance without creating any visual clutter, so they’re a perfect secret weapon for fengshui wealth.

5. A Minimalist Koi Fish Art Print

In Chinese fengshui, koi fish are powerful symbols of perseverance, abundance, and good fortune. Their association with the water element also ties them to career success and the smooth flow of money into your life. While you could get a large statue, a much more minimalist approach is to use intentional art.

A simple, modern ink-wash or line-drawing print of koi fish can be a beautiful and subtle nod to this principle. Look for a piece that focuses on two fish (representing partnership) or nine (the number of completion and luck). It can serve as a calming piece of Asian décor in your home office or the north area of your home (which governs your career path) to encourage a smooth journey.

What if you’re not into classic oriental style feng shui room decor though?

One option is a piece of abstract art with flowing lines or water tones. Instead of a literal image, you could go for something abstract that evokes the feeling of water. Maybe a print with undulating, flowing lines, or a piece that uses deep blues and blacks. This still works great with feng shui room design because it represents the water element in a more subtle, energetic way. The focus is on movement and depth, which activates the positive qualities of the north (career) bagua area.

Abstract art is a cornerstone of minimalist style, too. It allows for personal expression without adding literal, often distracting, imagery to a serene space. In my view it’s pure intention!

You could also opt for a small, quiet tabletop water fountain if koi fish don’t cut it for you. A small, self-contained water feature with a simple design like a single ceramic sphere where water bubbles over, or a minimalist slate design. Just make sure the motor is silent, so you only hear the gentle sound of water. This is probably the most direct way to introduce the water element. And while it’s an object, it’s a functional one that serves a sensory purpose. One thing to keep in mind though is to never place a water feature like this where you sleep, as it’s believed to dampen the restful energy of bedroom spaces.

Additional Positive Energy Design Tips

Remember, feng shui design is more than just objects. The layout, energy map and existing décor of your living space are powerful tools for creating harmony. Here are a few design tips you can implement without buying a thing:

• Mind the commanding position: Whenever possible, arrange your desk, bed, and primary sofa so that you can see the door to the room without being directly in line with it. This creates a sense of safety and control over your environment.
• Keep the entryway clear: The front door is called the “mouth of Qi,” as it’s where all energy enters your home. Try to keep this area clear of shoes, bags, and other obstacles to allow good energy to enter freely.
• Use mirrors wisely: Mirrors are great for making a space feel larger, but placement is key. Avoid placing a mirror directly facing your front door (it pushes energy back out) or your bed (it can disrupt sleep).

Creating Bagua Harmony with Chinese Feng Shui

As you can see, minimalism and feng shui are not just compatible, they’re complementary. Both are powerful practices for creating an intentional home and you don’t need to fill your space with objects to benefit from the wisdom of this ancient art!

The best approach is to start small. You don’t need to acquire all five of these feng shui items for minimalists. Instead, choose the one item from this list that resonates most with you and your goals. Place it with intention, and notice how it feels in your feng shui home. The goal is always mindful enhancement, not accumulation.