Do you ever feel like something is off in your living space? It might be time for a little reorganization using the principles of feng shui. This ancient practice has been celebrated for centuries for its ability to bring positive energy and balance into our homes. Incorporating feng shui in your bedroom can lead to improved sleep and increased relaxation. If you're interested in creating a harmonious space where you can unwind and recharge, then this beginner's guide is for you.
Quick Feng Shui Tips for Your Bedroom
1) Avoid Sharp Edges
Jagged, pointy edges do not create an inviting atmosphere in your bedroom. Soften your space by adding natural decor such as plants, lamps, sculptures, and other items with smooth edges.
2) Shrink Large Windows
While a breathtaking view might seem appealing, oversized windows can make you feel uncomfortable and exposed. To create a cozier feel, add darker drapes or curtains along both sides of the window.
3) Minimize Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics emit electromagnetic energy that can disturb your sleep. Keep smaller items like alarm clocks or smartphones at least three feet away from your head.
4) Organize Your Bookshelf
Proper organization of your bookshelf can greatly impact the overall feng shui of your room. Arrange your books by color and weight, placing heavier books at the bottom. Align them right on the edge of the shelf to create a sense of balance.
5) Purchase a Headboard
A sturdy headboard provides a sense of security and comfort in your bedroom. It creates a feeling of protection and adds a touch of elegance to your space.
6) Bring Down Tall Ceilings
Cathedral ceilings may be impressive, but they can also make us feel vulnerable and small. If your ceilings are too high, consider painting them a darker color or adding visual interest to the lower half of the room with pillows, area rugs, or vases.
7) Reposition Your Bed
In feng shui, bed placement plays a significant role. Ideally, position your bed against the opposite wall from your bedroom door. If that's not possible, place it as far away from the door as you can to create a sense of security.
8) Downsize a Large Room
While open spaces may seem desirable, an excessively large bedroom can feel insecure and impersonal. Consider adding small furniture like a vanity or seating area to create a more intimate atmosphere. Painting your bedroom in warmer tones can also help make the room feel cozier.
9) Keep Work Out
Resist the temptation to turn your bedroom into a home office or incorporate workout equipment. Work-related items create a distracting environment, while workout equipment disrupts relaxation.
Feng Shui Bedroom Art Ideas
Sometimes, it's okay to break the rules of feng shui and choose artwork that reflects your personality and style. However, if you're looking for guidance, consider these general rules:
1) Choose Relaxing Artwork
Busy and chaotic paintings have no place in the bedroom. Opt for artwork that evokes a sense of relaxation. Also, avoid placing large mirrors near the bed, as they can be distracting while you're trying to sleep.
2) Stay Positive
Decorate your bedroom with artwork that displays positive imagery or connotations. Fun, upbeat sayings or photos of smiling people can create a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Avoid artwork that triggers strong emotional responses.
3) Don't Hang Above the Bed
If you don't have a headboard, resist the urge to fill that space with artwork or heavy sculptures. Art above our heads can create a fear of it falling on us during the night. Instead, use the other walls in your bedroom to showcase artwork.
4) Find the Perfect Pair
Images of pairs, such as wedding photos or artwork depicting couples, can evoke feelings of intimacy and harmony. Even if you're not in a relationship, decorating with artwork that shows pairs can create a sense of connection.
Creation vs. Destruction Elements
Feng shui is based on the balance of five core elements: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each element supports and interacts with the others in different ways. By understanding these elements, we can create a harmonious living space. Here's a quick overview of the elements and some examples of how they can manifest in your home:
Fire
- Candles
- Geometric patterns like cones, pyramids, and triangles
- Landscape artwork of sunrises or sunsets
Earth
- Textiles like granite, brick, or cement
- Decorative rocks and pebbles
- Mountain or desert landscapes
Metal
- Metal materials like bronze, silver, gold, or copper
- Oval or circular furniture
- Metal sculptures
Water
- Small water features like waterfalls or aquariums
- Free-form artwork
- Glass
Wood
- Wooden floors and furniture
- Tall, vertical shapes
- Floral artwork
Life Aspiration Areas
In feng shui, achieving balance in your entire home is essential. Each room should support your aspirations and personal growth. The following are the nine Life Aspiration Areas and their associated directions:
- Career: North
- Knowledge: Northeast
- Family: East
- Wealth & Prosperity: Southeast
- Fame: South
- Love & Partnership: Southwest
- Creation: West
- Synchronicity: Northwest
- Health: Center
Enhance each area by incorporating the corresponding elements and symbols. Here's a guide to which elements work best in each Life Aspiration Area:
Layout Your Home for Feng Shui
Mapping out your home based on the Life Aspiration Areas is essential for achieving balance and harmony. While it may sound complicated, it's easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a feng shui layout for your home:
- Use an existing floor plan or measure the rooms of your home.
- Translate the measurements to scale on graph paper.
- Find the center point of your home by folding the outline in half vertically and horizontally and mark an "x" in the center.
- Fill in missing space if your home is not a perfect square or rectangle.
- Stand in the center of your home and place your floor plan on the marked "x". Use a compass to determine the directions.
- Mark each direction with its corresponding Life Aspiration Area.
- Draw dotted lines from the center out to each direction on the floor plan.
- Label each direction with its corresponding Life Aspiration Area.
Feng Shui Bedroom Colors
The colors in your bedroom can significantly impact your mood and energy. While there's no fixed rule for choosing bedroom colors, feng shui can guide you in applying color effectively. Remember, physical manifestations of the elements are more important than simply painting your room a certain color. Here are the colors associated with each element:
- Fire colors: red and purple
- Earth colors: yellow and orange
- Metal colors: white and silver
- Water colors: blue and black
- Wood colors: green and brown
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to create a harmonious bedroom and a feng shui house. Remember, feng shui is not about rigid rules, but rather creating a space that reflects your personality and brings you peace. Get creative and personalize your bedroom with decor that speaks to you. Fleece blankets, throw pillows, and canvas prints can add the perfect finishing touches to your feng shui sanctuary.
Source: McCandles, C. (2011). Feng Shui That Makes Sense. Minneapolis, MN: Two Harbors Press.