The Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Feng Shui Bedroom
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as many as 30.1% of Americans were not getting enough sleep in 2022. While how a bedroom is designed is unlikely to be the only culprit to a person’s restless sleep, creating a space that promotes relaxation, calmness, and comfort can be beneficial to getting better sleep.
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How Do I Create a Feng Shui Bedroom?
According to Architecture Digest (AD), Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese design practice that strives to maintain the proper flow of positive energy within a space. The idea is that everything (even inanimate objects) has innate energy that is in alignment with natural forces. Feng Shui principles say that to be at peace, we must allow the flow of positive energy while blocking sources of negative energy within every space.
As a design principle, Feng Shui encourages the flow of positive energy in the home in hopes of creating:
- A heightened sense of harmony
- Increased productivity
- Improved relationships
- Better overall health
- Better quality sleep
With that said, keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of creating a Feng Shui-designed bedroom.
Do: Put the Bed in the Ideal Spot
According to the Sleep Foundation, the proper bedroom Feng Shui bed position is with the head of the bed up against the wall that faces the door. Feng Shui refers to this bedroom Feng Shui bed position as the “commanding position” and holds that this allows you to feel more in control and empowered, whereas sleeping with your feet pointed toward the door is called the “coffin position” and is said to bring bad luck.
Does the Direction of the Bed Matter in a Feng Shui Bedroom?
The Sleep Foundation notes that sleeping with your head facing south is ideal as it aligns with the earth’s electromagnetic fields.
Is a Headboard Important?
According to Feng Shui principles, a solid headboard is important because it adds a sense of security. Feeling safe is ideal for promoting relaxation and peace.
Do: Add Natural and Relaxing Elements
According to AD, incorporating the five natural elements (wood, earth, fire, metal, and water) into a room’s décor can affect how we feel in a space. For larger bedrooms, this may include adding a living plant, such as lavender, a peace lily, or aloe vera. For smaller spaces, an oil diffuser with essential oils inspired by nature (lavender, eucalyptus, lemon grass, etc.) can add a natural touch that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. Other natural elements may include wooden furniture and sheets made of natural fibers, such as cotton sheets.
Do: Declutter the Entire Room (Even Under the Bed)
A big Feng Shui rule is no clutter, as clutter doesn’t allow for the proper flow of energy. This can especially be true in the bedroom, where we need to feel relaxed and calm to get quality sleep. A clean, fresh, and tidy room provides a heightened sense of peace. The space underneath the bed should also be clear and clean, according to Feng Shui principles.
Do: Create Symmetry With the Furniture Layout
A good way to create a Feng Shui bedroom layout is to create symmetry. After finding the ideal bed placement, the best way to create this is to leave space on both sides of the bed and then put nightstands on either side. If there is a dresser in the bedroom, consider putting it on the opposite wall that the closet is on. Feng Shui principles discourage having a desk or bookcase in the bedroom. However, if you must include either of these, be sure to try to decorate so that the bed feels separate from them. This way, there are committed areas for work and relaxation.
Do: Be Mindful of Lighting and Décor
Soft lighting is important in Feng Shui, especially when it comes to the bedroom. The bedroom should be dedicated to relaxation, rest, and romance. To achieve the ideal lighting for all of these scenarios, consider options such as low-lit lamps on the nightstands, installing a dimmer on the main light source, or incorporating some battery-operated twinkle lights to create the ideal effect.
When it comes to décor, it’s important to incorporate items that inspire feelings of happiness, peace, and romance. For example, if you want your bedroom to be a place of romance, keep the pictures of your family in the living room. If you want to create a sense of calm, consider art inspired by nature.
Don’t: Store Distractions in the Bedroom
While it can be tempting to store bulky items in the bedroom under the bed, anything not pertaining to relaxation, romance, and comfort should not be stored in the bedroom at all. If you must use the space under your bed for storage, opt for storing items such as extra blankets, bedding, off-season clothing, or empty luggage. Items, such as books, workout equipment, work materials, etc., create distractions that make it more difficult to relax and get restful sleep.
Don’t: Overdo the Electronics in the Bedroom
Not only are electronics a distraction from sleep and romance but according to the Cleveland Clinic, the blue light emitted from screens can also negatively affect one’s ability to fall and stay asleep. Ideally, electronics should be essentially banned from the bedroom. However, this may not be practical for everyone’s routine and lifestyle. Therefore, strive to reduce the amount of electronics in the bedroom, see if your cellphone has a “night mode” setting for the lighting, and try to turn off electronics for at least an hour before going to sleep.
Don’t: Rely Too Heavily on Dark or Bright Colors for Décor
A good rule of thumb when it comes to picking bedroom colors is to pick paint colors, bedding colors, and décor in calm colors, such as lighter shades of blue and green. More neutral colors, such as lighter shades of beige, gray, or cream, can also be great for providing a calm environment. Pops of bright or dark colors can be added here and there for style preferences, but try to make the overall feel of the room tranquil. For example, if you like bright or dark colors, consider getting a luxury sheet set in your favorite bright or dark color and pair it with a duvet cover in more relaxing tones.
Don’t: Skimp on the Bedding
A restful sleep can be impossible without comfortable bedding. Since the bed is the focal point of the bedroom, the design, color, and feel should all give off relaxing and soothing vibes while being as comfortable as possible. Luckily, Southshore Fine Linens has supremely comfortable bedding in many style options.
For those who prefer extra fluffy, warm, and cozy bedding, you can find quality comforter sets that come in various styles and designs. Or, for those desiring a more breathable option, you can find classy and ultra-soft quilt sets that also come in multiple styles and plenty of neutral colors for the ideal bedroom environment. Regardless of your style and temperature preferences, ensure your bedding is balanced, cozy, and crisp.
Don’t: Keep Too Many Mirrors in the Bedroom
Mirrors can be a great design tool for creating the feel of more space. However, according to Feng Shui principles, mirrors should be limited, and mirrors in the bedroom should not face the bed. When it comes to mirrors, you should not be able to see yourself while lying on the bed, and you should never see a reflection of a toilet in a nearby bathroom.
Where Should I Put a Mirror in the Bedroom for Feng Shui?
Ideally, put the mirror where it will reflect something pretty outside, such as a tree or other plant.
Don’t: Put Your Bed Against a Wall With Plumbing
Not only can the sounds of plumbing in the wall potentially disrupt a restful sleep, but this practice is frowned upon in Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui principles, a toilet on the other side of the wall you sleep against is said to risk “washing away” good fortune.
Bonus tip: Sleep with all doors closed to keep the positive energy inside the bedroom.
Create a Feng Shui Bedroom With Southshore Fine Linens
Whether or not you believe in positive and negative energy, the design principles influenced by Feng Shui are aesthetically pleasing, relaxing, and practical. Plus, creating a Feng Shui bedroom design may assist with less stress, better sleep, and increased productivity.
Are you looking for bedding made of natural fibers? Shop today for cotton bedding.
Sources:
Increase the proportion of adults who get enough sleep. (2023).
Lutz, A. (2024). What Is Feng Shui and How Does It Work?
Which Direction is Best to Sleep in? (2024).
Why You Should Ditch Your Phone Before Bed. (2022).
