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7 Feng Shui Bedroom Rules That Can Impact Your Sleep

What Is a Feng Shui Bedroom?

Feng Shui, which translates to "wind and water," is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on balancing energies within a space. By arranging furniture and decor in specific ways, you can promote positive energy, or "chi," which can improve various aspects of your life, including sleep. Implementing Feng Shui principles in your bedroom can create a restful sanctuary that fosters tranquility and relaxation.
Here, we dive into 7 feng shui bedroom tips that can help improve your quality of sleep. Design expert Courtney Marquez shares tips that have helped her own interiors, plus how a few simple shifts can impact your space.

Rejuvenating Earth Elements

Choose the Right Headboard

"A solid headboard made of wood or upholstered fabric," Courtney starts us off with, "provides sturdy support and symbolizes stability in your life." This is known, in the school of feng shui, as the commanding position, where you feel in control. The designer recommends avoiding "headboards with open slats or bars, as they can create a sense of separation and disconnection."

Organizing Your Space

Use storage solutions such as baskets, bins, and shelves to keep your belongings organized and out of sight. Regularly declutter and remove items that no longer serve a purpose in your bedroom.

Bedroom Designs for Good Sleep Quality

Bring Nature Indoors

Incorporating natural elements such as plants, wood, and stone can help create a more harmonious and calming environment. Choose plants that promote air purification, such as peace lilies or snake plants. One thing to avoid: water features and water elements in general, which are considered bad feng shui in the bedroom.

Choose a Calming Color Scheme

Colors play a significant role in Feng Shui, as they can influence mood and energy levels. "Opt for calming colors," says Courtney, "such as soft blues, greens, and neutrals to create a soothing and restful atmosphere in your bedroom."

Pieces of Furniture for Flow of Energy

Importance of Fresh Air

Good air quality is essential for a restful sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is well-ventilated by opening windows regularly and using air purifiers to remove allergens and pollutants.

Maximize Soft Ambiance & Natural Light

Natural light is a vital component of Feng Shui, as it helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes overall well-being. Ensure your bedroom receives ample natural light during the day by keeping windows unobstructed and using light, airy window treatments.

Good Energy Feng Shui Bedroom Layouts

Feng Shui Bed Placement

Arrange your bedroom furniture in a way that promotes balance and symmetry, such as placing matching nightstands on either side of the bed. Your bed position should against a wall opposite the bedroom door (a door always in your immediate line of sight can cause stress). To take this even further, go with the literal directions: a south-facing bed is said to promote wealth.
On the note of furniture, implementing yin energy (feminine) and removing yang energy (masculine) can help create a more restful atmosphere. Principles of feng shui dictate dark bedroom colors, soft textures and soft, curved lines.

Are Mirrors & Electronics Bad Feng Shui in the Bedroom?

Bad feng shui in the bedroom can disrupt the flow of positive energy and impact your well-being. Key factors include mirrors facing the bed, which can cause restlessness; beds positioned directly in line with the door, known as the "coffin position," leading to feelings of vulnerability; and clutter under the bed, which blocks energy flow. Additionally, furniture with sharp angles pointing at the bed can create negative energy, while sleeping under overhead beams may induce a sense of oppression. Excessive electronics can interfere with restful sleep due to emitted electromagnetic fields, and negative or depressing artwork can contribute to an unfavorable atmosphere. By addressing these elements, you can cultivate a bedroom that enhances relaxation, harmony, and positive energy.

Is Clutter Part of Feng Shui Bedroom Rules?

Creating a harmonious and restful bedroom using feng shui principles involves several key guidelines:
  • Bed Placement: Place your bed against a solid wall, ensuring it has a clear view of the door but isn’t directly in line with it.
  • Balance and Symmetry: Use pairs (e.g., bedside tables and lamps on either side of the bed) to promote balance and harmonious relationships.
  • Declutter: A clutter-free environment is essential for good feng shui. Keep surfaces clean and free from unnecessary items.

Feng Shui Bedroom Checklist

Do This:
  • Position Your Bed Correctly. Place your bed in the "command position," ideally diagonal to the door but not directly in line with it.
  • Opt for Soft, Natural Colors. Incorporate earthy tones, pastels, or neutral shades for a calm and restful energy.
  • Use Ambient Lighting. Invest in soft, adjustable lighting to create a soothing atmosphere.
  • Keep the Space Clean and Clutter-Free. Remove unnecessary items to ensure a smooth energy flow (Chi).
  • Add Plants Wisely. Choose air-purifying plants, but avoid spiky ones like cacti.  
Avoid This:  
  • Placing Mirrors Facing the Bed. Mirrors bouncing energy can disturb sleep and create stress.
  • Clutter Under the Bed. Remove items stored underneath to maintain a free flow of energy.
  • Tech in the Bedroom. Keep electronics like TVs and laptops out to maintain a tranquil environment.
  • Sharp Furniture Edges. Avoid furniture with pointed corners aimed at your bed (a Feng Shui no-no called "poison arrows").
  • Overwhelming Patterns. Skip loud or aggressive prints in décor that over-stimulate the senses.  
Apply these principles to transform your bedroom into a peaceful haven!

What is the best direction for a bed in Feng Shui?

The ideal Feng Shui placement for your bed is with the headboard securely against a solid wall, which provides support and stability. It should also be positioned diagonally across from the door, allowing you to see the entrance while lying in bed without being directly in line with it. This placement is said to encourage relaxation and a sense of safety by avoiding negative energy flow, or the "coffin position," which occurs when your bed aligns directly with the door.

What colors should you avoid in a Feng Shui bedroom?

In a Feng Shui bedroom, you should avoid bright reds, blacks, and other overly stimulating or heavy colors as they can disrupt the calming energy needed for rest. Instead, opt for earthy, soothing shades like beige, soft blues, or light greens. These colors are believed to promote serenity, balance, and harmony, making your bedroom a peaceful retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.