Back to blog
Article

Position of Trash Bin Relative to Office Chair

Admin October 08, 2026

The trash bin should not be placed behind the office chair (i.e., behind the desk). From a Feng Shui perspective, this area is considered the 'support' position and should be kept clean and stable; otherwise, it may affect career development and the presence of helpful people. From a practical standpoint, the position can be chosen based on direction, concealment, and the gender of the user.

1. Avoid the 'Support' Position and Prioritize Convenience
The area behind the desk symbolizes 'support' in Feng Shui theory and should be kept tidy and stable to support career growth. Placing a trash bin here may disrupt the energy flow with impurities, hindering the arrival of helpful people. For practicality, the trash bin should be placed near the work area (such as beside or in front of the desk) for easy disposal of waste and to avoid disrupting work efficiency with frequent movement. For example, if the office is located in the northwest direction and the desk is placed east-west, the trash bin can be placed near the west side, aligning with usage habits and minimizing interference with the overall environment.

2. Conceal Placement or Choose Aesthetically Pleasing Containers
The appearance of the trash bin may affect the overall aesthetics of the office and even create 'shar chi' (negative energy in Feng Shui) with sharp edges. It is recommended to choose containers that harmonize with the office environment or use cabinets or screens to conceal them, reducing their visual impact. For example, using a closed trash bin with a lid or embedding it beneath a cabinet can control odor diffusion and avoid visual clutter.

3. Avoid Unfavorable Positions Based on Direction Attributes
In Feng Shui, the four directions of Chen (southeast by east), Xu (northwest by west), Chou (northeast by north), and Wei (southwest by south) are known as 'storage' directions, symbolizing the accumulation of waste. Placing a trash bin in these areas generally does not attract bad luck. However, attention should be paid to specific scenarios:

  • Northwest Direction: Represents company or department leaders. A trash bin should never be placed here as it may affect the leader's fortune; it can be adjusted to the northwest by west (Xu position).
  • Female Office: The southwest (representing the female head) or southeast (Wenchang position, beneficial for clear thinking) are better choices, aligning with Feng Shui principles and practicality.

By reasonably planning the position of the trash bin, daily needs can be met while considering environmental aesthetics and Feng Shui theory, creating a more harmonious workspace.