How to Prepare Your House for The Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year isn’t just another holiday; it’s a vibrant celebration of family, tradition, and renewal. But have you ever wondered why so much effort goes into preparing your home for this occasion?
It’s all about starting fresh and inviting prosperity into your life. Whether you're hosting guests or simply enjoying the festivities with your loved ones, your home sets the tone for the year ahead.
Let’s dive into how you can transform your space into a haven of luck, love, and good vibes.
Start with a clean slate
Before the decorations go up, there’s one golden rule: clean, clean, clean! This tradition is deeply rooted in the idea of sweeping away bad luck from the previous year. A spotless home represents a fresh start, making way for good fortune to enter.
Start by decluttering your living spaces. Donate or discard items you no longer need to free up physical and mental space. Then, tackle each room systematically, paying special attention to areas that often get overlooked, like behind furniture or inside cabinets.
The "welcoming entry"
According to Feng Shui, the entryway acts as a gateway for "Chi" (energy) to enter your home. A cluttered or unkempt entryway can block the flow of positive energy, symbolising missed opportunities or stagnant luck.
Position a small console table near the entry with a bowl of mandarins (symbols of wealth) or a vase with fresh flowers. Ensure the main sofa is oriented toward the door but not directly aligned with it, as this helps to "receive" good energy without it rushing out.
This layout ensures that guests (and luck) feel invited into the space and are greeted by a vibrant, cheerful environment.
Living room arrangement for good fortune
Now that your house is spotless, let’s talk furniture. Believe it or not, the way you arrange your furniture can influence the energy flow in your home. This practice, rooted in Feng Shui principles, emphasises balance and harmony, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Here are some layout ideas and principles to consider:
1. The circular or semi-circular seating
A circular or semi-circular seating arrangement is ideal for fostering connection and togetherness. This setup encourages eye contact, making conversations feel more engaging and inclusive.
Place your sofa as the anchor, ideally facing the room's focal point (such as a TV or a decorative wall). Arrange armchairs or additional seating around the coffee table, ensuring no one has their back to the entrance of the room. If space is limited, opt for a semi-circular layout by using fewer chairs.
This circular arrangement ensures everyone feels included, symbolising unity — which is a key value during the Lunar New Year.
@kristinshelbs uses a rug to anchor the main seating area, creating a cosy conversation space. Pictured: The Owen Chaise Sectional Sofa.
The Dawson Sofa and Wayne Armchairs arranged around the Mori Coffee Table is a great example of how @halfway_wholeistic creates a semi-circular arrangement.
2. The conversation zones
If you have a larger living room, dividing it into smaller conversation zones can create cosy, intimate spaces while maintaining a festive feel.
Use a sectional sofa along with a few ottomans to define the main seating area. Create a second seating nook with two armchairs and a small table in another part of the room. Place a plant or screen between the zones for a natural divider.
This layout keeps the space dynamic and allows guests to mingle comfortably without feeling crowded. Don’t forget to place some snacks on the table like pineapple tarts, love letters, and prawn rolls so guests have something to munch on while engaging in conversation.
3. The open and flowing layout
During the Lunar New Year, it’s important to allow the free flow of people and energy through the living room. An open layout prioritises accessibility and harmony.
Avoid blocking pathways with furniture. Place the sofa against a wall or slightly angled toward the room's center. Use lightweight furniture like poufs or nesting tables that can be easily relocated to accommodate more guests.
Open layouts ensure good Feng Shui by allowing Chi to circulate freely, which is believed to bring good fortune and harmony into the home.
Arranging dining spaces to welcome togetherness
The dining space is one of the most important areas during the Lunar New Year. This space symbolises unity and abundance, so its arrangement should enhance these values.
A thoughtfully planned dining area can encourage togetherness, promote good energy flow, and create a welcoming environment for Lunar New Year gatherings.
Here are some practical examples of dining space arrangements you can try this Lunar New Year:
1. The round table setup
A round dining table is highly recommended for Lunar New Year celebrations as it signifies equality and balance. Everyone sitting around the table has equal access to food and equal participation in the conversation.
A round shape also has no sharp edges, promoting harmony and good energy. It’s perfect for fostering inclusivity and making everyone feel valued.
Place a Lazy Susan at the center to make food-sharing easy and accessible for all. Decorate the table with items such as a bowl of oranges or tangerines, which represent wealth and happiness.
2. The extendable dining table for larger gatherings
If you’re hosting a large group, an extendable dining table ensures everyone has a spot. These versatile tables can be expanded to accommodate more people, making them ideal for large family reunions or festive gatherings with friends.
Extendable dining tables allow you to customise the size of your dining area based on the number of guests, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger reunions.
Position chairs evenly on either side and at both ends of the table for balance and inclusivity. Consider using festive tableware like gold cutlery or red placemats to enhance the celebratory feel. Add a centrepiece of fresh flowers, such as peonies (symbolising good fortune), or oranges to highlight the Lunar New Year theme.
Recommended read: Why Should You Get an Extendable Dining Table?
@briannawonggg ensures ample space in the dining area for guests with the Seb Extendable Dining Set.
The Dillon Extendable Dining Table is one of the largest in our range, extending up to 280cm. Picture credits: @audreycrispinteriors
3. Alfresco dining setup
Outdoor dining under the sky is perfect for feasts with grilled or hot pot dishes that can create a communal cooking experience. It makes post-dinner clean-up much easier too!
Use a large rectangular outdoor table or combine smaller tables to accommodate guests. Look for tables that are made from durable outdoor materials such as teak or aluminium so that they can withstand the elements.
Use nature-inspired decorations, such as money plants or potted citrus trees, to align with Lunar New Year themes.
Creating a comfortable guest bedroom
If you’re planning to host guests overnight, be sure to prepare the space thoroughly! A clean, organised, and thoughtfully arranged guest bedroom not only sets a positive tone for the year ahead but also aligns with the spirit of new beginnings.
Refresh the bedding and add on decorative throw pillows for enhanced comfort. Opt for a storage bed with built-in drawers or compartments to store extra blankets or decorations — which is especially helpful in smaller bedrooms.
Choose a dresser or sideboard with multiple compartments so your guests have ample space to store their belongings.
@atasteofkoko decorates around the Lexi Tufted Bed with simple Lunar New Year decor like oranges and red envelopes.
@bobmubarak ensures guests have a comfortable stay with the Dawson Storage Bed and Amara Area Rug.
Best decorations to include in your home for the Lunar New Year
Decorating your home for the Lunar New Year is a meaningful tradition that invites luck, prosperity, and harmony into the household. Each decoration carries specific symbolism tied to themes of renewal, abundance, and happiness.
Here’s a list of the most popular and auspicious decorations for Lunar New Year:
| Item(s) | Symbolism | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Oranges or tangerines | Representing wealth and happiness | Place a bowl of oranges or tangerines on your dining table or in the entryway |
| Red envelopes (Hongbao/Angbao) | Wealth, blessings, and good wishes | Hang them on plants, money trees, or a kumquat tree |
| Money tree or lucky bamboo | Prosperity, wealth, and good energy | Place them in the living room or entryway to symbolise growth and abundance |
| Plum blossoms, orchids, or peonies | Renewal, beauty, and prosperity | Arrange fresh flowers in vases and place them in the living or dining areas |
| Red and gold lanterns | Celebration, joy, and a bright future | Hang them by the front door, in hallways, or outdoors |
| Spring couplets (Chunlian) | Luck, happiness, and good wishes for the year | Hang these red paper decorations with auspicious phrases on either side of your front door |
| “Fu” character (Upside-down or regular) | The Chinese character "Fu" means fortune, and when hung upside-down, it signifies "fortune arriving." | Hang it on the front door, windows, or walls to symbolise incoming luck |
| Candy tray | Sweetness and unity for the new year | Place a decorative tray with treats such as candied fruits, melon seeds, or chocolates shaped like gold coins on the coffee table |
| Gold ingots or coins | Wealth and prosperity | Place gold ingot decorations on tabletops or shelves |
| Red paper cuttings | Happiness and blessings | Apply red paper cuttings to walls, windows, and glass surfaces |
Ushering in prosperity and joy
Preparing your home for the Lunar New Year is about more than just aesthetics — it’s a way to honour tradition and set the stage for a prosperous year ahead. From cleaning and arranging furniture to adding symbolic decorations, every step contributes to the positive energy flowing through your space.
With these tips, you’re all set to welcome the new year with a beautifully prepared home!
Frequently asked questions about Lunar New Year house preparations
Can you clean on Lunar New Year?
Cleaning on Lunar New Year's Day itself is a big no-no because it’s believed that sweeping or washing on the first day of the new year could wash away your luck. Make sure all your cleaning is done before the festivities begin.
What are the best decorations for Lunar New Year?
Red and gold accents, paper cuttings, couplets, and lucky plants like money trees and orchids are popular choices. They represent happiness, wealth, and prosperity.
How should I arrange furniture for Lunar New Year?
Focus on open layouts that promote conversation and energy flow. Avoid clutter and ensure your entryway is welcoming to invite ‘luck’ into your home.
