Fung shui masters tend to be uncomfortable with abstract art hung on the walls of homes as such pieces can be extremely yin or yang in nature. For instance, while bright splashes of colour on a red background will be more suited to a living room than a bedroom due to their yang nature, they may cause the room's occupants to become agitated and unsettled.

A predominantly dark piece with silhouettes of the human form may appear too foreboding and threatening for children. Some pieces of abstract art lack balance and form and are better suited to commercial premises than residences. Each piece should be assessed individually.

In contrast, images of natural scenery like mountains are popular as they denote stability. Having an image of a verdant, gently undulating mountain (as opposed to a sharp, jagged peak or a volcano) behind one's chair in the study confers support for one's endeavours. If there is water in the form of a lake or river at the base of the mountain, ensure it does not overwhelm the mountain in the image, as having water behind one's back signifies instability and unpredictability. Some fung shui masters feel that if their client's unfavourable element is earth (as calculated using their astrology chart), placing a picture of a mountain behind them is not to be recommended.