How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant Using Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that helps improve the energy of a space. In restaurants, this energy—or “Chi”—can influence how customers feel the moment they walk in. Good energy makes people stay longer, order more, and come back again.

Many restaurant owners focus only on food and service. These are important, but the space itself also matters. If the layout is off or the colors feel wrong, people may not enjoy the visit. Feng Shui offers practical steps to fix this.

In this guide, we will look at how to use Feng Shui to attract more customers. You’ll learn how to set up your entrance, arrange tables, choose colors, and more—all based on clear principles, not superstition.

2. What is Feng Shui and Why It Matters in Restaurants

Feng Shui means “wind” and “water.” It is a way of arranging spaces so that energy can move freely. When energy flows well, people feel better in that space. This is why Feng Shui is used in homes, offices, and restaurants.

In a restaurant, Feng Shui affects how customers feel. If the space feels calm and balanced, customers are more likely to enjoy their time and return. If the energy feels blocked or rushed, they may leave early or feel uncomfortable.

Feng Shui also connects with areas like wealth, health, and relationships. In a business like a restaurant, the goal is to boost the flow of energy that brings money and happy customers.

You do not need to believe in magic to use Feng Shui. It is based on logic. For example, if a chair is too close to the kitchen door, people feel disturbed. If a mirror reflects the front door, energy flows out instead of staying in. These small things can change how people experience your space.

3. Key Feng Shui Principles to Attract More Customers

Using Feng Shui in your restaurant means applying a few clear rules. These are based on how energy moves and how people feel in a space. Below are three key principles that matter most.

The Command Position Principle

The command position is the spot in a room where a person feels most in control. In a restaurant, this means placing seats so customers can see the entrance but are not directly in line with it.

Avoid placing chairs with their backs to the door. Also, do not put tables right in front of the entrance. People sitting there may feel rushed or exposed. When guests feel secure, they enjoy their meals more.

Yin and Yang Balance in Ambience

Yin is calm and soft. Yang is active and bright. A good restaurant space needs both.

Too much Yang, like loud music or strong lights, can make people feel tense. Too much Yin, like dim lights and silence, can feel dull. Use soft lighting, gentle music, and warm colors to find balance.

For example:

• Use candles or soft lamps for Yin.
• Use upbeat background music and bold art for Yang.

The right mix keeps the space active but relaxing.

The Five Elements and Their Placement

Feng Shui includes five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each one has colors, shapes, and materials linked to it.

Here is a simple guide:

Include all five in your layout. This helps create a complete, welcoming feel.

4. Feng Shui Tips for Different Areas of the Restaurant

Each part of your restaurant plays a role in attracting and keeping customers. Use these Feng Shui tips to improve flow, comfort, and energy in key areas.

Entrance Area

The entrance is where energy enters your space. It should be clean, open, and welcoming.

• Keep the front door clear. No bins, signs, or clutter.
• Use bright lighting at the entrance.
• Add plants or a water feature nearby. These invite positive energy.
• Place a welcome mat with warm colors. It sets the tone.

Make sure the door opens fully and nothing blocks it. A blocked door can block new customers.

Dining Area

This is where guests spend most of their time. Comfort and balance matter here.

• Space tables well. Avoid cramped seating.
• Avoid placing tables under beams or sharp ceiling angles.
• Choose earthy tones or soft colors to calm the mood.
• Use round or oval tables to improve flow. Sharp corners cut energy.

If mirrors are used, make sure they reflect good things—like a full dining area, not the kitchen or exit.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the fire element of your space. It controls food quality and business energy.

• Keep the stove clean and all burners working. Each burner represents income.
• The cook should have a clear view of the kitchen entrance.
• Avoid placing the stove opposite the sink or fridge. Fire and water clash in Feng Shui.

Good energy in the kitchen means better meals and a smoother business.

Cash Counter

This is the money corner. Its placement can affect your income flow.

• Place the cash counter in a commanding position—not directly facing the door.
• Keep this area organized and clean.
• Add a small plant or wealth symbol, like a lucky cat or coin tree.

Avoid placing the counter under stairs or beams, as this presses down on the money energy.

5. Best Colors, Symbols, and Décor for Attracting Customers

The colors and items you choose affect mood, energy, and how customers respond to your space. Feng Shui uses specific colors and symbols to attract attention and create a positive feeling.

Recommended Colors Based on Feng Shui

Colors connect to the five elements. Pick them based on the mood you want.

Avoid dark or dull colors in large areas. These can create low energy.

Popular Feng Shui Symbols for Restaurants

• Laughing Buddha with a gold ingot: Symbol of wealth and happiness. Place near the entrance.
• Lucky cat (Maneki Neko): Brings luck and invites more customers.
• Three-legged toad with a coin: Attracts money. Place it near the cash register, facing inside.
• Fish tank or fountain: Represents flowing wealth. Place on the left side of the entrance (when facing in).

Avoid placing these symbols on the floor or near restrooms.

Décor Ideas That Support Good Energy

• Use plants like bamboo or jade plant for freshness and balance.
• Avoid fake or dying plants—they block growth energy.
• Use round mirrors to reflect happy spaces like full tables.
• Keep art positive—food images, smiling people, or nature scenes.

Avoid showing clocks or sad images. These suggest stress or time pressure.

6. Common Feng Shui Mistakes to Avoid in Restaurants

Even small mistakes can block the flow of energy and affect how people feel. Fixing these can help improve your restaurant’s atmosphere and performance.

Blocking the Entrance

A blocked entrance stops energy and customers.

• Do not place signs, bins, or furniture near the door.
• Avoid dirty or broken lights at the entrance.
• Make sure the door opens smoothly and fully.

Poor Table Placement

Where you place tables affects how long people stay.

• Avoid placing tables directly under ceiling fans, beams, or sharp lights.
• Do not put seats with their back to the main door.
• Avoid placing customers too close to restrooms or the kitchen door.

Ignoring Clutter

Clutter blocks energy and makes guests feel uneasy.

• Keep the cash counter, dining area, and kitchen clear and clean.
• Avoid open storage boxes or piles of unused items in view.
• Remove broken décor or dusty items.

Wrong Mirror Placement

Mirrors reflect energy, so place them with care.

• Do not let mirrors reflect the entrance directly—it pushes energy out.
• Avoid mirrors showing toilets, empty tables, or the kitchen mess.
• Use mirrors only to reflect good areas like full tables or art.

Ignoring Balance of Elements

Using too much of one element can make the space feel off.

• Too much red (fire) can cause stress.
• Too many water elements (blue, black, mirrors) can feel cold or slow.
• Balance colors, shapes, and materials across all five elements.

7. Practical Feng Shui Checklist for Restaurant Owners

Use this checklist to review your restaurant and make small changes that bring better energy and more customers.

✅ Entrance

• Is the front door clean and easy to open?
• Is the area around the entrance free from clutter?
• Is the entrance well-lit and welcoming?
• Is there a plant or water element near the entrance?

✅ Dining Area

• Are tables placed with enough space between them?
• Are sharp corners or ceiling beams avoided above seats?
• Are you using a mix of warm and calming colors?
• Do mirrors reflect full tables or pleasant views?

✅ Kitchen

• Is the stove clean and in good working condition?
• Can the cook see the kitchen entrance?
• Are fire (stove) and water (sink/fridge) not directly facing each other?

✅ Cash Counter

• Is the cash counter placed in a strong, visible spot?
• Is the area around it organized and neat?
• Is there a lucky charm like a coin tree or gold cat placed there?

✅ Décor and Energy Flow

• Are there live, healthy plants in the restaurant?
• Is clutter removed from all visible areas?
• Do colors and symbols match your goal (attracting customers, comfort, wealth)?
• Are all five elements present: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water?

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Feng Shui really work in restaurants?

Yes, Feng Shui works by improving the flow of energy in your restaurant. When energy flows smoothly, customers feel more comfortable and are more likely to return. Simple changes like better table placement, lighting, and décor can create a more welcoming environment.

Can I apply Feng Shui to a small restaurant?

Absolutely! Feng Shui principles work for restaurants of any size. In small spaces, focus on clear pathways, proper lighting, and balanced décor. Small adjustments can have a big impact, even in a limited space.

How long does it take to see results from Feng Shui changes?

Results can vary. Some changes, like improving table placement or adding plants, can have immediate effects. Others, like adjusting color schemes or symbol placement, might take a few weeks to see a difference. Consistent improvement in energy will build over time.

What should I avoid when using Feng Shui in my restaurant?

Avoid clutter, blocked entrances, or poorly placed mirrors. Also, ensure your kitchen is clean and free from negative energy. Lastly, don’t use too much of any one element, like an overload of red, which can cause stress.

Do I need to hire a Feng Shui consultant?

Hiring Lee as your consultant can be helpful, especially for complex spaces. However, many small adjustments can be made without expert help. Start with the basic principles, and you’ll likely see positive changes.

Conclusion

Feng Shui is not about magical fixes but about creating balance and harmony in your restaurant. By following the principles of Feng Shui, you improve not only the atmosphere but also the customer experience. This can lead to more positive energy, returning customers, and a successful business. Remember, Feng Shui works with the natural flow of energy. Make small changes today, and watch your restaurant grow!