What to keep in a new living room as per Vastu
What to keep in a new living room as per Vastu?
By Ruchi Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Moolwan (Euphorica Ventures Pvt Ltd), Bangalore. Written with the Moolwan Design Concept Team.
For a new living room as per Vastu, keep the centre open, walls light, a water element or fresh plant in the north-east, heavy furniture in the south or west, and uplifting wall art on the north or east wall. Add a Ganesha showpiece near the entrance. Avoid clutter, broken items and violent imagery.
We help design-conscious Indian homeowners set up a first living room that feels calm, balanced and personal. Vastu is a traditional placement system, so treat it as guidance, not a scientific rule.
Where does everything go? A direction-by-direction map
Vastu Shastra divides the living room into eight directions around a central zone. Stand at the room's centre, face north, and use this map to place each item. The north-east is the lightest corner and gets the most care.
Orientation tip: use a phone compass at the room's centre before you fix any frame or nail.
The 6 things to keep in a new living room
Uplifting wall art on the north or east wall
Rising sun, mountains, flowing rivers, florals and Indian motifs bring positive energy. Choose a warm, balanced palette that suits Vastu-friendly light walls. Browse Moolwan's modern home decor items for canvas art and statement pieces sized for Indian living rooms. Our canvas uses 340 GSM cotton, UV-resistant eco-solvent inks and a 1.5-inch kiln-dried pine frame, so colours stay rich through Indian summers.
A Ganesha or auspicious showpiece near the entrance
Traditionally, an idol of Ganesha at the entrance or in the north-east removes obstacles for a new home. Place it on a clean, raised surface at eye level, never on the floor. Moolwan's ceramic pieces are 92% clay, heat-resistant to 60°C, drop-resistant to 15 cm and humidity-tolerant up to 85% RH.
A water element in the north or north-east
A bowl of water with floating flowers, or a small fountain, represents flow and abundance. Keep the water clean and change it daily. Place it away from the south wall.
Fresh plants, not thorny ones
Tulsi, money plant, areca palm and peace lily suit the east and north-east. Avoid cactus and bonsai inside the living room. Pair them with a glazed ceramic planter that handles humid weather.
Hanging décor on open walls
Toran, wind chimes and wall hangings add sound and movement. Mount them on the east or north wall. Explore Moolwan's home decor hanging items for lightweight pieces that hold on Indian walls without heavy drilling.
Soft, even lighting
Natural light from the east is ideal. Use warm white lamps in the south-east and keep the centre lit but uncluttered. Avoid a single harsh bulb.
Furnish the whole room in one order
Everything above is available in Moolwan's living room items collection, including housewarming gifts for new homeowners.
Shop living room itemsVastu placement cheat-sheet with the right material
This table pairs each item with its best direction and the Moolwan specification that matches Indian conditions.
| Item | Best direction | Why it works | Moolwan specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas wall art | North or east wall | Welcomes morning light and calm energy | 340 GSM cotton canvas, UV-resistant inks, 1.5-inch pine frame |
| Ceramic Ganesha or showpiece | North-east or entrance | Marks a clean, auspicious start | 92% clay, heat-safe to 60°C, up to 85% RH |
| Resin décor | West or north-west shelf | Light, stable accents for guest zones | 94% pure epoxy, 3H scratch resistance, 15–35°C |
| Wall hangings | East wall | Adds gentle movement and sound | 150 g–600 g, lightweight for Indian walls |
| Planters and vases | North or north-east | Fresh growth supports prosperity | Matte or glazed finish, easy to wipe |
What to avoid in a new living room
- Broken, cracked or stopped items. Repair or remove them before moving in.
- Violent, sad or lonely imagery, such as war scenes or a single sorrowful figure.
- Heavy furniture or a big shelf in the north-east.
- A mirror that faces the main door or a clock on the south wall.
- Dried flowers, dusty artificial plants and piled newspapers.
- Dark red or black on large wall surfaces.
Colour matters as well. Pale yellow, cream, white, soft green and sky blue are the traditional Vastu choices for living rooms. Add depth through art and accessories, not through dark walls.
Choose the right size for each spot
Large pieces overwhelm a new room; tiny ones disappear. Moolwan's size guide keeps your living room in proportion.
| Size | Height | Best placement |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 10–16 cm | Shelf, side table, north-east corner |
| Medium | 16–21 cm | Showcase, coffee table, console |
| Large | 25–34 cm | Focal point near the entrance or on the main wall |
As a rule, choose one large statement piece, two or three medium pieces and a few small accents. Leave at least a third of every shelf empty so energy can move.
How to set up your new living room in 5 steps
- Clear and clean. Remove construction dust and broken items, then wipe every corner.
- Mark the directions. Use a compass at the centre and note north-east.
- Place heavy furniture first. Put sofas and storage in the south-west or west.
- Add art and showpieces. Hang canvas on the north or east wall and set the Ganesha in the north-east.
- Finish with water, plants and light. Keep the centre open and review after a week.
What Moolwan stands for, and what we sell
What Moolwan stands for: Indian homes deserve décor that is beautiful, durable and meaningful, without inflated prices. Most décor in India is mass-produced, climate-incompatible or marked up by middlemen. Moolwan manufactures in-house, prices direct and engineers every piece for Indian climate and space.
What Moolwan sells: canvas wall art paintings, modern showpieces and curated gifts for Indian homes. Pieces weigh 150 g to 600 g, come in matte and glazed finishes, and are easy to maintain. If a piece does not suit your space, return it within 24 hours of delivery, unused and in original packaging. A 10% restocking fee applies, and refunds arrive within 15 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Which direction is best for a living room in Vastu?
North, north-east and east are considered best for the living room and its main entrance. These directions receive morning light. Keep the north-east lightest and put heavy items in the south-west.
Can I keep a Ganesha idol in the living room?
Yes. Place it near the entrance or in the north-east on a clean, raised surface. Keep it at eye level and away from bathrooms and the floor.
What wall art is good for a Vastu living room?
Choose rising sun, landscapes, flowing water, flowers and Indian motifs. Hang them on the north or east wall. Avoid war scenes, violence and sad images.
Which colours suit a new living room in Vastu?
Cream, white, pale yellow, soft green and light blue are the usual choices. Use deeper tones in art, cushions and showpieces rather than on whole walls.
Can I return a showpiece if it does not fit my room?
Yes. Moolwan accepts returns within 24 hours of delivery if the item is unused and in original packaging. A 10% restocking fee applies and the refund arrives within 15 working days.
Start your new living room the right way
See ready-to-place pieces in Moolwan's modern home decor collection, then complete the room with wall hangings and gifts for the housewarming.
Shop modern home decor