Feng Shui Bagua Map: Apartment and Bedroom Examples

To place a Bagua map on a floor plan, first choose its reference: actual north for the compass method, or the entrance wall for BTB. The apartment and bedroom examples below show the difference. Treat them as symbolic mapping exercises; clear routes, suitable light and safe use of each room remain the basis for practical changes.

• See the apartment floor plan
• See the bedroom floor plan

Compass Bagua or entrance-aligned Bagua?

In compass methods, north on the map follows actual north on the floor plan. In BTB, the grid’s base follows the entrance regardless of north. The International Feng Shui Guild glossary distinguishes these methods. This professional association documents the practice, not evidence of health or financial effects.

For a walkthrough of entrance alignment, see our beginner’s guide.

Bagua map for an apartment: a compass example

In this fictional floor plan, the N arrow points north at the top of the image. The entrance is at the bottom right. Gold lines show the reading grid, not new walls.

1. Draw the apartment outline and mark its doors and windows.
2. Check where north lies and mark it on the plan. Use that direction to orient the grid.
3. Read each space using the numbered key. A room can extend across more than one area.

Key to the numbers on the plan

1. Northwest: helpful people and travel
2. North: career
3. Northeast: knowledge
4. West: creativity and children
5. Centre: balance
6. East: family
7. Southwest: relationships
8. South: fame and reputation
9. Southeast: prosperity

Here, the entrance is in area 9, in the southeast, while the career area is north, at number 2. The door position does not change compass directions. Area names belong to the tradition and do not predict personal outcomes.

Bagua map for a bedroom: an entrance-aligned BTB example

This second example uses BTB for one bedroom. The reference is the wall containing the bedroom entrance, shown at the bottom. The arrow beside the door shows the way in; it does not indicate north.

1. Look at the plan as if standing in the doorway, facing into the bedroom.
2. Align the grid’s base with the entrance wall. The door can be at the left, centre or right of this base.
3. Read the nine areas without rotating the grid to find north. Keep room to open the door and reach the bed.

Key to the numbers on the plan

1. Prosperity
2. Fame and reputation
3. Relationships
4. Family
5. Balance
6. Creativity and children
7. Knowledge
8. Career
9. Helpful people and travel

This bedroom’s door lies in area 7, not area 8. You do not need to shift the grid to centre the door. Furniture can cross several areas; the illustration is not a universal recommendation for bed placement.

Mindful Design Feng Shui School explains entrance alignment in BTB, including its use for a single room. This describes a symbolic practice.

For the sleeping area, see our small-bedroom layout suggestions.

Reference: Bagua areas by compass direction

The Bagua symbolically organises space into eight sectors and a centre. This table uses compass directions, not the automatic position of the front door.

Chi: The Vital Energy of Your Home

Chi, or Qi, is the concept of vital energy used in this tradition. Feng shui interprets doors, routes and objects through that concept. Here, “flow” describes that symbolic reading; circulation refers to actual walking space. An obstruction can make a home harder to use, but it cannot diagnose fatigue, conflict or financial problems.

The Entrance: The Mouth of Chi

The entrance is called the “Mouth of Chi” in feng shui. In practical terms, check that the door opens freely, keys have a place and lighting is sufficient. Store shoes and bags away from the route. A mirror or plant is a decorative option, not a requirement for good luck.

The Living Room: The Social Heart

Arrange seats so people can talk and walk through the room. If comfortable, place the sofa with support behind it and a view of the entrance, known as the command position. Choose lighting for reading and other activities.

Plants and crystals can have decorative or symbolic value. They should not be presented as protection against electromagnetic radiation. Keep cables and sockets accessible and follow appliance instructions.

The Kitchen: The Centre of Abundance

In symbolic readings, the kitchen relates to nourishment. Start with clear preparation surfaces, properly stored food and maintained equipment. The Fire and Water associations of a stove and sink do not, by themselves, justify renovation.

Do not place plants, cloths or decorations near heat sources to “balance elements”. Respect appliance installation requirements and clearances. Gas and electrical maintenance belongs with qualified professionals.

The Bathroom: Containing Energy Loss

The idea of energy escaping through a drain is symbolic. Practical priorities are fixing leaks, drying surfaces and maintaining ventilation. A symbolic rule about closing the door should not prevent air exchange. Choose storage that is easy to clean and plants only when conditions suit them.

The Office / Work Area

The command position suggests a view of the entrance. Adapt it without introducing screen glare or an uncomfortable posture. Leave room for the chair and organise cables. The symbolism of support and stability can guide decoration, but does not guarantee productivity or income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply feng shui at home simply?

Start with one room: clear routes, fix defects and adjust lighting. Try reversible changes before buying decorations or renovating.

Does the Bagua align with north or the door?

It depends on the method. Compass methods use actual directions; BTB aligns the grid with the entrance. Do not mix the two references.

Which plants should I choose for my home?

Choose for the light, space and care you can provide. Check suitability around children or pets. Feng shui associations are symbolic.

Conclusion

A functional room gives you a concrete starting point. Choose a symbolic method if it interests you, keep changes that are useful and avoid attributing health or money problems to a floor plan.