Say goodbye to small entryway Feng Shui mistakes, and hello to a calming space for guests to be welcomed with the best of vibes.
The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui — arranging objects for harmony and balance — is a key aspect of interior design, but it can easily be carried out wrongly. We've spoken with Feng Shui and design experts for what not to do, and how to fix the energy-messing mistakes lurking in your small entryway.
When looking for small entryway ideas and designing this area of the home, practicing the art of Feng Shui will help it flow better and create a sense of harmony. Avoid these small entryway Feng Shui mistakes to enjoy maximum relaxation as soon as you hit your front door.
Small entryway Feng Shui mistakes
It's time to get your zen on — your small entryway Feng Shui game will be so much better after getting rid of these design problems. Where possible, we've also found buys to help fix the snags interrupting your entryway’s flow.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Dead or dying plants
Having indoor plants — especially if they’re air-purifying plants — is a brilliant way to add Feng Shui to your entryway. It’s an easy area to miss when watering, though.
“A dead or dying plant creates negative energy and represents decay, which is not something you want to welcome into your home,” says Jonathan Faccone, design expert and founder of Halo Homebuyers.
He recommends choosing vibrant and resilient plants, such as pothos or snake plants.
You could also grab a self-watering plant pot, to save yourself worrying about constantly maintaining them — perfect for those of us who are a little forgetful.
Size (in.): H23 x W7 x L6
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $21.10
Size (in.): H10.8 x W17
Made from: Polyethylene
Price: $199
Size (in.): H10 x W9 x L9
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $19.97
2. Not maintaining the area
When using your hallway, chances are you make a beeline for the door without paying much attention to the surrounding space. Failing to maintain the door area is a big small entryway Feng Shui mistake, though.
“For example, blocking the area behind the front door will make moving through the space difficult, which is poor Feng Shui,” says Suzanne Roynon, Feng Shui practitioner and interiors expert at Interiors Therapy.
If you have a coat stand near the door doing this, you may want to replace it with over-the-door organizers to clear up floor space.
Not only this, but the door itself can make a big difference. Suzanne continues, “Allowing the front door to get dirty, grimy, or have tarnished metalwork will deter positive energy from coming in.”
You can clean it with a simple soap and water solution, or even full-on restore your front door to give it back its sparkle and impress guests as soon as they arrive at your home.
3. Incorrectly placing mirrors
Mirrors are the one thing designers all have in small entryways, but their placement is incredibly important for Feng Shui.
“It can be jarring to see yourself right when you walk inside of the door, which can create an unsettling energy,” says Dr. Hannah Yang, certified Feng Shui practitioner and founder of Balanced Awakening.
Hannah advises making the energy inside the door feel welcoming to yourself, your family, and guests.
“While people may do this to make a small entryway appear bigger, you want to avoid it facing directly to the door and reflecting back to anyone who comes in,” Hannah adds.
Alternatively, you can hang a mirror on a wall facing the doorway to your next room. “This will send opportunities and prosperity into your home, which is where you want them,” Hannah explains.
Depending on the size and shape of the space, you could go for a full-length mirror to check your whole outfit, or opt for a smaller mirror to make sure you aren’t leaving with toothpaste on your face.
Size (in.): H16 x W18 x L4
Made from: Wood, metal
Price: $75
Size (in.): H18 x W18
Made from: Plastic
Price: $14.98
Size (in.): H65 x W22
Made from: Metal
Price: $145.99
4. Too much clutter
Kicking off your shoes, shutting the door, and forgetting about the mess is a small entryway Feng Shui mistake we've all made.
Hannah says, “The feeling you're going for when you enter your front door is one of ease and flow, so you want to pay special attention to keeping the area clutter-free.”
This includes getting rid of, or filing mail right away and using small entryway storage for coats, boots, and shoes. “Make sure everything has a place and goes into it upon entering,” she adds.
She also recommends keeping only in-season gear by the front door — especially in the case of a small entryway like this.
You may love your big, fuzzy winter coat, but in summertime, you don’t need it taking up the space of three lighter jackets. Vacuum-packing out-of-season clothing and linens is a great storage hack as it shrinks them down like magic, perfect for small spaces. The highly-rated jumbo space-saver 30-pack of vacuum storage bags from Amazon will get you started.
Size (in.): H7 x W2 X L5
Made from: Plastic
Price: $11.68 for six
Size (in.): H72.5 x W23.5 x D13
Made from: Wood
Price: $160.19
Size (in.): H11.5 x W8.66 x D13
Made from: Woven rope
Price: $37.99 for three
5. Ignoring the elements
As well as knowing the items are small entryway Feng Shui mistakes, it’s also worth including peaceful pieces with nods to the natural world.
“I believe in incorporating the five elements — earth, fire, water, metal, and wood,” says Jonathan.
He suggests adding decor like metal sculptures, artwork with a water motif, and wooden accents or furniture. “The balance between these elements creates good Feng Shui energy and will create a harmonious balance in your entryway.”
These will all give you the welcome home you need, giving you permission to switch off for the day and relax.
Size (in.): H3 x W1.5 x L5
Made from: Metal
Price: $23.99 for two
Size (in.): H16 x W12
Made from: Paper
Price: $13.17
Size (in.): H5.2 x W1.77 x L5.04
Made from: Wood
Price: $19.99 for six
FAQs
What small entryway Feng Shui mistakes should I avoid?
The small entryway Feng Shui mistakes you should avoid include too much clutter, ignoring natural elements, letting your plants die, having a mirror right by the door, and having an unkept doorway.
What is the worst small entryway Feng Shui mistake?
The worst small entryway Feng Shui mistake is keeping clutter in your space, as this can create negative energy. Make sure your floor is as clear as possible and items like shoes and coats are hung up or stored.
By taking note of these small entryway Feng Shui mistakes, you're sure to bring positive vibes into your home, making it a much more inviting area to enter.
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