How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom; Dos and Dont's

Most people spend about one-third of their lives in their bedrooms, primarily sleeping or trying to get to sleep. Given this significant amount of time, it’s important to consider your sleep environment to maximize sleep quality and overall health.

People frequently use their bedrooms for various activities, from exercising to working, but experts indicate this can disturb the energy flow and cause restlessness. [1]

You may be familiar with the term feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”) but less aware of the concept's usefulness or how it can be applied to promote well-being, particularly in your bedroom.

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese method of arranging spaces to promote harmony and balance. It translates to “the way of wind and water,” as both wind and water symbolize an invisible energy that flows in certain directions.

There is evidence that this practice has been informing the design of homes, public spaces, and even whole communities in China for over four thousand years.

The practice of feng shui is based on the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), or the life force that inhabits everything. Qi is made up of yin and yang elements that, when balanced, can improve the flow of positive qi in people’s lives and keep negative qi away.

Feng shui is a method of balancing yin and yang and improving the improving the flow of QI by beneficially arranging spaces according to feng shui principles. [2]

Related Sleep Blog: What is Sleep Hygiene and Why is it Important?

Why Feng Shui Your Bedroom?

Feng shui has been gaining popularity outside of China for many years and has evolved with the increasing popularity of the minimalist aesthetic. People are becoming more aware of the role that their surroundings play in regulating their mood and promoting relaxation.

Feng shui is more than creating a harmonious space using furniture and colors. Bedroom feng shui involves the mindful arrangement of furniture and elements to promote relaxation and restful sleep, emphasizing the importance of minimizing tall furniture and the cautious use of water features.

It’s about mindfulness, paying attention to one’s bedroom environment, and recognizing the presence of the energy and elements all around. [3]

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips

So, how can you apply feng shui principles in your bedroom? Incorporating feng shui practices can enhance the energy and atmosphere of the bedroom. For the beginner, there are three main considerations:

Your Bed for Good Feng Shui

Feng shui bed placement requires that the headboard be against a solid wall for stability and support. The bed should also be positioned as far from the door as possible. When laying in bed, you should be able to see the door, but not directly in line with it.

Feng Shui Bed Tip: Position your bed diagonal from facing the door. If you're unable to do so, add a mirror. You can see the door's reflection easily when you're in bed.

A sturdy headboard is necessary. In feng shui, a headboard represents stability and support. The optimal choice is a solid wood headboard without bars or separations.

Another important guideline is to keep nothing stored under the bed. (Easier said than done, we get it!) This allows for energy to flow freely around you while you sleep. If need to be used underneath the bed for storage, it’s recommended to stick to soft, sleep-related items, including pillows, blankets, and sheets.

The Commanding Position: Why It Matters

In feng shui, the commanding position is a fundamental principle that is crucial in creating a harmonious and balanced bedroom environment. This position refers to the placement of your bed so that you can see the door while lying in bed without being directly in line with it.

The commanding position is essential because it provides a sense of safety and security, allowing you to feel comfortable and relaxed while sleeping.

By placing your bed in a commanding position, you can create a sense of control and stability in your life. This position also allows you to see who is entering the room, which can help you feel more secure and less vulnerable. Additionally, the commanding position can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a night of more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Incorporating this feng shui principle into your bedroom can significantly enhance your overall well-being and create a sanctuary for rest and relaxation.

Feng Shui Bedroom Colors

Colors are also important to consider. For the best feng shui, colors should be warm and primarily neutral to promote relaxation and positive energy. It’s possible to incorporate additional colors that represent the different elements, but it is essential to make sure they aren’t too bright or overwhelming.

While there are no perfect colors for the bedroom color, below we’ve listed a few of the best colors for feng shui:

• Blue: This color promotes a sense of calm, increases coolness to a room, and creates an illusion of privacy.
• Green: A connection with nature. It can motivate internal change.
• Light Yellow: Allows one to wake with happiness. Other earth tones and pastels can also assist in achieving this. Yellow can cheer, infuse one with hope, clarify, and promote mental activity.
• Red: Strong association with fire, which supports life energy.

Feng Shui Bedroom Color Tips: Furthermore, bedrooms happen to look great in blue, green, and teal, which are connected to the wood element in feng shui, symbolizing growth, vitality, and new beginnings. Nature-inspired hues, like those seen in plants, the sea, and the sky, can be very tranquilizing. Pastel shades of green and blue, in particular, are very soothing.

Deep or dramatic colors, including black and deep blue, are not recommended for use in a bedroom. [5]

Feng Shui Balance

Some feng shui experts believe that the bedroom is the most important room in which to apply the principles because sleep has such a wide-ranging impact. When our space is balanced and peaceful, we can experience improved mood, reduced stress and better sleep quality throughout the night.

Additionally, because sleep quality and duration are directly tied to other aspects of our health, a bedroom environment that promotes sleep can also improve how you feel while you’re awake. [4]

To create a space that caters to your needs, balance the elements of your room. Maintaining a tidy environment can enhance better energy flow in the bedroom, contributing to a more harmonious and restful space. Every element has its own effect, resulting in an environment that reflects who you are and what you want to achieve.

Symmetry is also necessary to consider. If possible, use pairs when placing furniture or other objects. For example, use two nightstands, one on each side of the bed. Ideally, the nightstands should be round with matching lamps on top.

Find ways to bring in and balance the five elements:

Wood

Wood symbolizes the power of creativity and growth. A wooden bedframe with a solid wood headboard would be a perfect way to incorporate this element. Additionally, a set of wooden side tables would fit the feng shui aesthetic.

Bedroom Design Tip: Be cautious of excessive wood elements as they can introduce energetic yang energy, potentially disturbing the calming atmosphere needed for relaxation.

Fire

Fire is the most powerful element, making way for passion, energy, and transformation. You can use a small candle to bring the fire element into a bedroom, but be sure to incorporate fire sparingly. Light of any kind represents this element, so let the natural light in during the day to refresh the energy, and make sure it can be blocked or dimmed at night.

Earth

Earth stands for stability and strength. Bring in the earth element with rocks, carpeting, old books, and anything brown or tan in color. The color brown represents steadfastness, simplicity and dependability. It also, when used in combination with green, conveys a natural tone. Incorporating earth elements can create feelings of stability and security in the bedroom.

Water

Water is related to emotion and inspiration and is also a symbol of wisdom and strength. You can use items that are light blue to display this element, such as a vase or decorative pillow, or try flowy drapes that mimic the flow of water.

Bedroom Design Tip: Aligning the bed directly with the bathroom door can create an energy drain and disrupt the flow of positive chi, negatively impacting sleep and restfulness.

Metal

Metal unites all of the elements, bringing focus and order. Lamps or other accessories are a good way to incorporate the metal element into your space. White or light gray sheets can also be used to represent metal. Did You Know: Feng shui practitioners advocate for specific arrangements, such as mirror placement and bed orientation, to promote tranquility and well-being within the home.

Symmetry and Balance in the Bedroom

Symmetry and balance are important elements in creating a harmonious and peaceful bedroom environment. Create a sense of calm and relaxation in your bedroom by arranging furniture symmetrically. An unbalanced layout can lead to feelings of tension and anxiety

• Achieve symmetry and balance in your bedroom by considering the following feng shui tips:
• Place your bed in the center of the room, with equal space on both sides.
• Use identical nightstands and lamps on both sides of the bed.
• Hang curtains or blinds that are symmetrical and balanced.
• Avoid placing furniture in a way that creates a sense of imbalance or asymmetry.

By creating a symmetrical and balanced bedroom layout, you can promote a sense of harmony and relaxation, leading to better sleep and a more positive energy flow. This balance not only enhances the room’s feng shui but also contributes to a more serene and inviting atmosphere.

Adding Plants and Decor

Adding plants and decor to your bedroom can be a great way to enhance the energy and ambiance of the space. However, choose plants, such as snake plants, and decoration that promote relaxation and calmness, rather than stimulating or energizing elements.

The Benefits of Plants in the Bedroom

Plants can be a wonderful addition to your bedroom, providing a natural and calming element to the space. Some benefits of having plants in the bedroom include:

• Improved Air Quality: Plants can help to purify the air and remove toxins, promoting a healthier sleep environment.
• Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more restful sleep.
• Improved Mood: Plants can help to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

When choosing plants for your bedroom, consider low-maintenance and calming plants such as lavender, jasmine, or peace lilies. These plants not only enhance the room’s feng shui but also contribute to a more serene and inviting atmosphere.

Bringing in Fresh Flowers and Natural Elements

Fresh flowers and natural elements can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bedroom while also promoting a sense of relaxation and calmness. Consider adding fresh flowers or plants to your bedroom or incorporating natural elements such as wood, stone, or water features.

Some benefits of bringing in fresh flowers and natural elements include:

• Improved Mood: Fresh flowers and natural elements can help to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
• Reduced Stress: The calming scent of fresh flowers and the soothing sound of natural elements can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improved Sleep: The peaceful ambiance created by fresh flowers and natural elements can help to promote more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Roses, orchids, or a small water fountain are calming choices for fresh flowers or natural elements, improving both feng shui and the bedroom's serene atmosphere

Feng Shui: What You Should Avoid

Unnecessary clutter can disturb the bedroom's feng shui and create negative energy, leading to restlessness. It is crucial to keep your belongings organized and if possible, out of sight. In a study done with participants struggling with insomnia, researchers found that tidying improved their sleep quality as much as regular bedtime self-care, resulting in fewer sleep-related problems. [6]

One option is to spend a few minutes each day decluttering your space—putting clothes in the hamper, returning items to their proper homes, and, of course, making your bed. Getting in the habit of daily decluttering makes the task less overwhelming and provides a “blank canvas” for positive energy the rest of the day.

Additionally, It is best that electronics of all kinds be removed from the room. Televisions, computers, exercise equipment, or a workspace in the bedroom are thought to distract from rest, symbolize wakefulness, and take up energy, resulting in negative energy. [7]

Final Thought

Insufficient sleep and sleep disorders impact daily functioning, mood, and cognition. In addition, the risk of cardiovascular outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks is raised with the less sleep you get over time.

Related Blog: How to Increase Deep Sleep

There is clear evidence that environmental factors are associated with insufficient sleep and sleep disorders. [8] A feng shui bedroom is just one of the many tools available in your toolbelt to help you create the ideal sleep environment!