Top 9+ Feng Shui Ideas That Just Don’t Work in Most Homes

Keeping the Toilet Seat Down to "Contain Wealth"

The belief that leaving the toilet seat up allows your money to flush away sounds almost comical, but it’s surprisingly common! While closing the lid is certainly good for hygiene—and nobody likes dropping their toothbrush in the bowl—there’s no evidence that this practice affects your bank account.

Money comes from hard work, smart planning, and sometimes a little luck, not from the position of your toilet seat. Fixating on this superstition can cause unnecessary stress over something that really doesn’t make a difference.

Instead, focus on real wealth-building habits: budgeting, saving, and investing. The bathroom can stay clean, but your money will thank you for practical action—not magical toilet rituals.

Hanging Wind Chimes Everywhere for Good Luck

Wind chimes are said to invite positive energy and chase away bad vibes, but what happens when every doorway and window is festooned with jangling metal or bamboo? The sound, meant to be calming, quickly becomes overwhelming—like living inside a music store during a windstorm.

Too many wind chimes can actually disrupt the peace you’re aiming to create. Instead of boosting your luck, you might end up irritated or distracted.

A couple of well-placed chimes in spots where gentle breezes can set them singing are all you need. Remember, when it comes to good fortune, sometimes less noise really is more.

Mirrors to "Double Wealth" in the Dining Room

It sounds tempting—just hang a big mirror in your dining room and watch your riches double! But the reality is a lot more complicated.

Mirrors do amplify light and space, but if they reflect clutter, arguments, or awkward angles, they can bounce back more chaos than cash. Poorly placed mirrors can make a dining room feel confusing or even uncomfortable, especially during family gatherings.

The true value of a dining space is in shared meals and good conversation, not illusions of multiplying money. Use mirrors thoughtfully to enhance beauty and brightness, not as magical money machines.

Avoiding All Overhead Beams

Feng Shui experts often warn that beams overhead create a sense of pressure and squashed energy. But if you live in a home with exposed beams—or even just a low ceiling—this advice can be impossible to follow.

Tearing out structural beams isn’t practical for most people, and trying to avoid them entirely can make you feel helpless in your own home. Instead, embrace what you have!

Soften the look of beams with clever paint choices, draped fabric, or hanging plants. Think of them as architectural character, not curses.

Your home should feel safe and personal, not full of things you’re supposed to fear.

Banishing Electronics Entirely for Better Chi

Imagine a home with no phones, no TVs, not even a humble lamp—just quiet, empty rooms. While Feng Shui encourages minimizing electronic clutter, trying to rid your home of all electronics is simply unrealistic today.

Work, socializing, and even relaxation often involve a screen or two. Instead of feeling guilty for having technology, focus on keeping it tidy and intentional.

Create a charging station, hide wires, or set a “tech-free” zone for quiet time. The goal isn’t to live like it’s the 1800s, but to find a balance where technology doesn’t take over your life or your living space.

Forcing a Water Feature for Prosperity

A bubbling fountain or a sleek fish tank can look beautiful, but not every home has the space, budget, or desire for a water feature. In small apartments, the sound of trickling water might be more annoying than soothing.

Aquariums require constant care, and neglected fountains quickly turn into algae-filled messes. If a water element doesn’t fit naturally, don’t force it!

You can still honor the spirit of water with simple blue accents, calming artwork, or even a bowl of floating flowers. Prosperity isn’t about shoehorning a fountain into your living room—it’s about creating a space that feels genuinely welcoming.

No Plants in the Bedroom Because They "Compete for Oxygen"

Some Feng Shui sources claim that plants in the bedroom steal your oxygen at night, making the air unhealthy. In truth, most houseplants give off far more good vibes than bad!

They purify the air, add a touch of nature, and make a room feel alive and restful. Unless you’re sleeping in a jungle-sized greenhouse, a few leafy friends won’t cause any harm.

Choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos for a serene atmosphere. Plants are companions, not competitors, when it comes to restful sleep and gentle energy.

The Front Door Must Be a Certain Color for Luck

People often agonize over painting their front door red, green, or blue, believing it’s the secret to welcoming luck and wealth. But the truth is, there’s no universal lucky color—what matters most is how you feel when you walk through your own door.

Stressing over the “right” shade can make homeownership feel like a test you’re doomed to fail. Pick a color that brings you joy, suits your style, and fits your neighborhood.

A happy, confident welcome is more powerful than any shade of paint.