The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui is all about creating balance and harmony in our living spaces. And one of the most important spaces in our homes is the bedroom - where we spend a significant portion of our time resting and rejuvenating.
So if you're looking to improve the energy flow in your bedroom and create a peaceful, harmonious space, here are some essential Feng Shui dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui, literally translated to ‘wind water’, is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to create balance and harmony in our living spaces. It is based on the belief that everything in the universe is made up of energy, and that this energy, or chi, can have a powerful impact on our lives.
By arranging our bedroom in a way that optimizes the flow of chi - such as playing around with the colors, furniture placement, and natural elements - we can create a more harmonious environment that promotes health, wealth, and happiness.
Why follow Feng Shui bedroom rules?
While some people might feel that Feng Shui is a gimmick, many have benefited from following simple Feng Shui principles. It can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep and create a comfortable space for you to rest. This, in turn, affects your overall well-being. Here are some reasons why Feng Shui in the bedroom is so important:
Promotes restful sleep
The layout and arrangement of your bedroom can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Feng Shui principles can help create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.
Improves health
A well-designed bedroom can promote good health and well-being by reducing stress levels, improving air quality, and promoting restful sleep. Feng Shui principles can help to create a space that supports your physical and emotional health.
Reduces anxiety
Clutter and disorganization in your bedroom can create a sense of chaos and anxiety. By creating a space that is tidy, organized, and free from clutter, you can promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Boosts energy levels
Feng Shui rules can help create a space that is conducive to positive energy flow, which can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and promote overall vitality. Doing something as simple as changing the position of your bed and furniture can help to balance out the chi.
Feng Shui bedroom layout
The typical Feng Shui bedroom layout is to place the bed against a solid wall, diagonally across from the door. You also want to ensure equal space on either side of the bed. This placement allows for a clear view of the door and creates a sense of safety and security.
Here’s what an ideal Feng Shui bedroom layout would look like:
The ideal Feng Shui bedroom layout.
Feng Shui bedroom rules: Dos
Lean your bed against a wall
In Feng Shui, it is believed that the bed is the most important part of the bedroom. With that said, leaning your bed against something sturdy like your wall can provide a sense of security and support. As such, this promotes restful sleep, knowing that you’re stable and grounded.
Placing your bed against a solid wall can also help to reduce energy flow, creating a more peaceful and restful environment.
Use a headboard
Similarly, a solid headboard provides a sense of stability and support, making you feel grounded and secure. Choose a headboard that is made from a solid material such as wood, metal, or upholstered fabric. Platform beds are also a good option as they have a low profile and provide a solid base for your mattress.
@benji_plant’s Dawson Bed creates a cozy bedroom oasis. Also pictured, the Kelsey Chair.
Also, choose one that has curved edges over sharp edges to avoid the ‘cutting’ negative energy in the bedroom.
Balance your space with nightstands
If you have the space for it, it’s highly recommended to invest in nightstands to place on each side of the bed. These furniture pieces provide a grounding effect by anchoring the energy of the bed to the surrounding environment.
The Emery Nightstand and Dalton Bed. Picture credits: @chalovescafe
Additionally, you can use the extra surface space to incorporate other elements of Feng Shui such as plants and crystals to enhance the energy flow.
Do take note to use matching nightstands to create balance and equality in your bedroom.
Choose soothing colors
The colors you choose for your bedroom can have a significant impact on the energy in the space. Soft blues, greens, and grays are considered to be calming and soothing colors. Using neutral and earthy tones is also recommended to create a calming environment and reduce overstimulation.
These colors promote a sense of peace and relaxation, which can help you sleep better at night. You can use these colors on your walls, bedding, or decor.
Use soft lighting
Harsh, bright lighting can be too stimulating and disrupt your sleep. Instead, opt for soft, ambient lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere. You can use lamps and dimmer switches to adjust the lighting to your liking. Soft lighting can also help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Incorporate natural elements
Natural elements such as plants, natural fabrics, and materials like wood and stone can help to bring the outdoors inside and promote a sense of tranquility and calmness.
@mamamilaau places a potted plant on the Joseph Nightstand beside the Joseph Bed.
Here are some ways you can add natural elements to your bedroom:
- Use woven laundry baskets
- Add potted plants to your space
- Opt for wooden nightstands or chairs
- Choose a headboard made of wood or rattan
These elements will help to promote a connection with nature, which can have a positive impact on your well-being.
Keep work life separate
Even though working from home has become the norm and many people have office desks in their bedrooms, keeping work-related items in your bedroom can create a sense of stress and anxiety. This makes it difficult to relax and have a restful sleep.
Hence, keeping your work life out of the bedroom is highly recommended. This includes laptops, paperwork, and files, as well as other items related to work. If you have limited space in your home, try to find a dedicated workspace outside of your bedroom where you can store these items.
Keep exercise equipment out of the bedroom
Exercise equipment can be large and bulky, which can create heaviness and clutter in the bedroom. Exercising in your bedroom can also be noisy and create unrest, especially if you’re doing high-impact exercises like jumping jacks or running on the treadmill.
Gym equipment and the act of exercising have ‘yang’ energy, which is described as fast-moving, loud, and active. Having all this energy in an area where you want more ‘yin’ energy (slow and cool) disrupts the energy flow, creating an unbalanced environment.
Feng Shui bedroom rules: Don'ts
Don’t place mirrors facing the bed
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning the layout of your room. While mirrors are certainly a bedroom essential, they are believed to reflect and amplify energy, which can be disruptive to restful sleep.
@diannnnneee places the Miles Mirror beside her bed, away from direct sight.
Avoid using mirrors that face the bed, as this can create unease or discomfort. If you must use a mirror in your bedroom, make sure it is placed out of sight or in a location where it cannot reflect the bed.
Don’t position your bed in direct line with the door
Another important Feng Shui rule is to place your bed diagonally so you can still see your door, but you’re not right in front of it. In Feng Shui, the direct line of sight between the door and the bed is known as the ‘Death Position’ because it is believed to create vulnerability and restlessness.
@nobleidesign places the Seb Bed diagonally across the door, in the center of the room. Also pictured, the Seb Nightstand.
Placing your bed diagonally to the door in the commanding position can help avoid the ‘Death Position’ and promote safety and security. It also helps balance the flow of energy in your bedroom, preventing it from rushing straight out the door.
Don’t position your bed below beams or air conditioners
Positioning your bed directly below beams or air conditioners can create a feeling of pressure and discomfort. As beams are considered heavy and oppressive in Feng Shui, try to move your bed away from them. If it’s not possible, use a canopy or drapes to soften the visual impact and create a sense of protection.
Air conditioners create a downward flow of air, and the heating or cooling of the air disrupts your chi. It is believed by Feng Shui masters that the direct flow of air from the air conditioner can consume your energy and cause the decline of body immunity. Hence, it’s good practice to move your bed to a different position or have the vents blow air in another direction so that they are not blowing directly onto your bed.
Don’t clutter your bedroom
Clutter can create stagnant energy and disrupt the flow of chi in your bedroom. Keeping your space tidy and organized is essential for a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. Avoid storing things under your bed, as this can block the flow of energy, making you feel stuck or stagnant.
Avoid placing electronics in your bedroom
This is a tough one, but Feng Shui masters would unanimously advise you to keep electronics out of the bedroom - including your mobile phones!
Electronics like TVs, computers, and phones emit electromagnetic radiation that can disrupt your sleep and create negative energy in your space. Keep them out of your bedroom, or at least turn them off before you go to bed.
You can also use shielding devices to block electromagnetic fields if you must have electronics in your bedroom. By keeping electronics out of your bedroom, you can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.
Don’t place sharp objects in the bedroom
Sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, swords, or plants with sharp leaves, are believed to create negative energy in a room. Avoid using these items in your bedroom, as they can create a sense of tension or discomfort.
If they must be placed in the bedroom, keep them out of plain sight like storing them in your dresser or wardrobe.
Avoid busy patterns
Busy patterns on your bedding or decor can create overstimulation and make it difficult to relax and sleep. Stick to simple, calming patterns and colors to promote a more peaceful environment.
Avoid having water fountains or artworks of water
Water is a symbol of abundance and wealth, and it is generally considered good to have water elements in the home. However, placing water features in your bedroom is considered bad Feng Shui.
Having too much of the water element is believed to wash away any warmth and bring negative energy in the form of worry into the bedroom.
Feng Shui principles offer a holistic approach to designing a harmonious and balanced bedroom environment that can improve your overall health and well-being. But, it is essential to note that Feng Shui is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you should adapt the principles to suit your specific needs and preferences.
By implementing simple tips like proper bed placement, selecting appropriate furniture, and creating a clutter-free space, you can create a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep and good energy flow.
