A Guide to a Feng Shui Bedroom Design

One of the best favors you can do to your bedroom is to give it a Feng Shui design. This ancient Chinese philosophy focuses on maximizing the flow of energy known as qi in the living spaces. With Feng Shui in mind, the rooms would be arranged in such a way that they promote safety and productivity. The energies created by a Feng Shui design are most effective in a bedroom since you’d naturally be in a passive state while sleeping. Applying this set of principles in your bedroom can greatly improve the quality of sleep, and ultimately your well-being.

If you happen to live with a spouse or a significant other, a bedroom designed with Feng Shui in mind is believed to enhance the bond between you and your partner. Following a set of Feng Shui tips can help you improve your sleep and boost your relationship.

Place Your Bed in a Commanding Position             

How to Position Your Bed According to Feng Shui

Make sure to position your bed such that — when lying down — you have a clear view of the door without being directly in line with it. This is known as the commanding position and it involves and gives a sense of security while facilitating relaxation and sleep. You may also want to avoid having the foot of the bed point towards the door. This is referred to as the “coffin” position and it places the bed in the direct path of traffic. If you don’t have other options, consider creating a buffer in the form of a footboard, a bench, or a table placed by the foot of the bed — without obstructing the view of the door.

The head of the bed, on the other hand, needs to be against the wall but not below a window to prevent the qi from flowing outside and causing broken sleep. However, make sure that there isn’t a toilet on the other side either. It also makes sense to have space on the remaining three sides of the bed, especially if two people are using it. And if possible, avoid placing your bed under any soffits, sloped ceilings, low beams, or ceiling fans. It is thought that having the latter two above a bed is not good for relationships or physical well-being.

Get a Solid Headboard

Feng Shui practitioners believe that the headboard signifies stability and support in one’s life and — in particular — romantic relationships. It is important for the headboard to be solid and not perforated. One that consists of bars, for instance, may somehow give off prison vibes — perhaps even making the relationship feel like a prison. You’ll also want to make sure that the Feng Shui headboard is tightly fastened to your bed. This essentially allows you to feel strength and support in your life. 

Minimize Electronics

Feng Shui Bedrooms Are Better Off Without Electronic Devices

Practically speaking, we are aware to some degree that the presence of electronic devices in the bedroom can disrupt our sleeping patterns. These devices are also thought to represent wakefulness and can exude energy. Keeping electronics out of your bedroom can help you get a good night’s rest. Instead of relying on your smartphone to wake you up in the morning, consider opting for an alarm clock. Should you need a light form of entertainment before going to sleep, reading a book may be better than browsing through social media. If anything, simply keep your smartphone in the nightstand drawer at night. And while you could cover a TV with a tablecloth, it’s better not to have one in a Feng Shui bedroom in the first place.

Take Exercise Gear Elsewhere

Fitness equipment carries a lot of yang which signifies active energy. Although this can be very beneficial in other areas of a house, it doesn’t sit well with a Feng Shui bedroom. Bear in mind that in order to get better sleep, you'll want more yin (passive energy) in your bedroom instead. It’s normally best to allocate another room for your home gym. If that is not possible, you could also use a folding screen to conceal the exercise equipment in your bedroom. 

Declutter Your Bedroom

Clutter is more than just a distraction according to Feng Shui. It can disrupt sleep, prevent qi from moving freely, and hinder aspects of your life from moving forward. Tidiness counts in every part of your bedroom, and the area under your bed is no exception. Avoid using that hidden space as storage. Anything you have stored under your bed can disturb the yin energy while creating subconscious obstacles in your life. Luggage, for instance, can mean that you never feel quite settled in your home, while shoes signify restlessness.

Emptying the space under your bed can allow the qi to flow freely as it rejuvenates you. If you must use that area for storage, however, stick to bed linens as they carry calm vibes. You may also want to declutter and organize your closets, drawers, nightstands, and dressers as well. 

Create Symmetry With Nightstands

Creating Symmetry in the Bedroom Is Key to a Feng Shui Design

One of the reasons to have space on both sides of the bed is to accommodate a nightstand on each side. Placing a nightstand on only one side would appear asymmetric and off-putting, whereas having two can also offer each partner their own space and storage. While they don’t necessarily have to match, the nightstands should complement each other and create balance. According to Feng Shui, this represents harmony and space in your relationship and your life in general.

Be Mindful About Mirror Location

Feng Shui experts say that a mirror in your bedroom could be the reason why you may not be sleeping well. Mirrors are believed to bounce energy around the space, leading to anxiety and restlessness. Of course, what’s a wardrobe without a mirror? A simple solution is to install one on the inside of a closet door. You may also want to avoid hanging a mirror on the wall facing your bed as it is thought to disrupt your relationship and promote infidelity.

Choose a Soothing Color Palette

The ideal color scheme for your Feng Shui bedroom essentially depends on what you’re looking for in life. This applies to everything from walls to bed linen. If you could use a little passion in the bedroom, consider an injection of red. Go for blues and greens if you need rejuvenation and fresh energy. Neutral and earthy tones, on the other hand, offer support and relaxation. It’s also important to listen to your own instincts when it comes to choosing a Feng Shui color palette. The hues you’re subconsciously attracted to usually allude to what you actually need in your life.

While warm colors such as beige, tan, and coral are believed to be soothing, lavender and light blues enhance the quality of sleep. An excess of whites, blues, and grays, however, are thought to hinder relaxation. In any case, it is best to have an equal balance of warm and cool tones.

Go for Artwork That Inspires Positivity

Wall Art is an Effective Aspect of Feng Shui

Any works of art that you display on your bedroom walls need to carry positive undertones. Go for pieces that are inspiring, relaxing, or uplifting. An ideal place to hang such artwork is on the wall facing your bed. The way, it will be the first thing you see when you wake and the last thing before you sleep. Avoid paintings where the main theme is a lake, a river, or a waterfall. In other rooms, images that depict bodies of water represent wealth. In the bedroom, however, they signify misfortune.

Keep the Books Away

There’s no denying that books are great. If you’re having a hard time getting a good rest, however, you may want to keep your books out of the bedroom. While it’s okay to keep the one you’re currently reading on the nightstand, the rest are better off elsewhere. Books are thought to carry active energy that stimulates the mind — the opposite of what you need for a good night’s sleep.

Separate Your Work Life

As with fitness equipment, a home office is not suitable for a Feng Shui bedroom. You may have a hard time trying to wind down at night with the desk and all the work items nearby. And vice versa: attempting to work during the day while your bed is whispering “take a nap” can be somewhat of a distraction. If space is an issue in your home and you have no other place for the desk, try secluding it with a folding screen or covering it with a beautifully patterned tablecloth at night.

Inject Greenery 

Houseplants Emit Refreshing Vibes in Feng Shui Spaces

Houseplants introduce a sense of vibrancy to a room. Adding an indoor plant or two in your bedroom invites rejuvenative energy and growth in every aspect of your life. Make sure to account for the heat, lighting, and humidity of your bedroom when choosing a houseplant.

You can also go for a nice bouquet of freshly picked flowers. Consider finding out the meaning of each type and choose them accordingly. Make sure to change the water on a daily basis and dispose of flowers that are withering.

Uplift the Room With a Diffuser

As a final yet effective touch, consider adding an essential oil diffuser to uplift your bedroom. Use sweet orange oil to cleanse the space of any negative energy. Aside from Feng Shui, diffusers are also great for several purposes including aromatherapy and serving as an alternative for scented candles.