Better Feng Shui for bedrooms in 9 simple steps
The age-old art of Feng Shui is based on the study of energy currents called "Qì" and seeks to harmonise them through the proper circulation of wind (Feng) and water (Shui). Today, a veritable philosophy of life based on Taoist fundamentals, it considers each element in our environment as alive and moved by its own energy, interacting with its surroundings. As such, Feng Shui invites us to observe the living in each object, its' interconnections, and to apply these observations to improve our home and life.
The masterpiece of the home, the bedroom is the ideal place to relax and soothe. Although the rules are numerous and sometimes contradictory, this guide brings together the best advice on how to arrange your bedroom according to Feng Shui and improve the quality of your sleep.
It all starts with the bed. Several rules come into play to bring both positive energy and comfort to the room. Right from the start, the size of the bed should be taken into account. A bed that's too big will tend to be supported by a split box spring. While its size provides greater comfort, the separation between the two bases poses a problem for the proper circulation of energy. In fact, energy tends to stagnate between the two parts, so a single box spring is preferable, even if this means sacrificing a few centimetres of the mattress. When it comes to linens, opt for natural and soft materials, and choose neutral or pastel colours that resonate with what you want to bring into your daily life.
The position of the bed in a bedroom is critical to how energy might flow through the place. These rules will help you maximise positive vibes and calm. Once the bed is in the correct place, the rest of the furniture will fall into its ideal position too.
- Position the bed opposite the door. To create a circular movement in the room, you need to have a view of the door, do not creating a straight line between the bed and the door. The ideal solution is to have the door on a corner and, if this is not possible, position a mirror so that you can have a view of the door.
- Opt for a headboard. Symbolising support and stability, a solid headboard with soft angles adds a sense of security to the comfort of the bed.
- Avoid blocking exits. Ideally, according to Feng Shui, the bed should be placed in the middle of the room. As a place of comfort, it should not be able to retain energies. The outlets to its left and right, and at the foot of the bed, should be kept clear. Also, avoid positioning the bed directly under a window. A solid wall is preferred.
The bed represents a large surface area, and it's often tempting to use the empty space beneath it. However, care must be taken not to use it as storage space. The circulation of Qì must not be impeded all around the bed, nor under or over it. Certain items, especially those related to movement such as shoes or suitcases, must be kept away from the bed to ensure a quiet space.
Far from bright colours, the bedroom needs the calm that only soft, neutral colours can provide. Creamy tones, pastels and browns can easily be combined with off-white or beige. The aim here is to use natural colour accents on a serene interior. According to Feng Shui, each colour can bring different virtues depending on the desired effect:
- Ice blue and pale green are both synonymous with vitality. If you're looking for an invigorating night, these are the ideal colours.
- Peachy hues are ideal for romantic encounters. But don't overdo it.
- Beware of pure white and lead white: the former easily reflects light at night and can disturb sleep. As for the latter, its hue classifies it as an element linked to metal, a symbol of concentration and decision-making, far from the desired effect in a bedroom.
Next, don't just think about the colour of the walls, think about the overall decoration and ornamentation. Don't hesitate to include details that will add the desired touches of colour. Finally, make sure you opt for a colour that suits your tastes, to ensure that it can bring you calm and comfort.
By keeping only what's useful and uncluttered, it's easy to opt for perfect symmetry around the bed, as is often recommended by the rules of Feng Shui. However, depending on the desired effect, you need to be careful how you apply it. While the use of objects in pairs attracts good energy into the room (as well as love), impeccable symmetry can backfire.
Beautiful harmony actually comes from complementary pairs, rather than from mirroring. Use objects that complement each other in colour, shape or material. Change the mood and attitude of the room by choosing bedside tables that match rather than duplicate each other. Even if the bedroom is designed for just one person, make sure there's room for a second.
Plants are a symbol of vitality and are often recommended when practicing Feng Shui at home. Be careful, however, to choose certain plants over others. First of all, plants with sharp or prickly edges should be eliminated. To suit the softness of the room as prescribed in the previous points, a plant with round leaves is the ideal candidate.
If plant maintenance isn't something you're naturally concerned about, opt for a low-watering plant like pothos. Indeed, a plant in poor condition will upset the energy of the room, shattering its previously installed harmony. Finally, don't overuse them. Although they are beautiful and can bring with them a colour that matches the room, as well as natural elements, Feng Shui considers the presence of too many plants to be a risk. As their energy is focused on growth and energy, too many plants can conflict with the relaxing character of the room.
While a workspace can sometimes intrude into the bedroom, you need to be careful how it unfolds. Accompanied by its desk, chair and equipment, it brings with it energies contradictory to the desired rest. However, a desk is not a strict no-no, you just have to pay attention to these details:
- Beware of electronic equipment. All computers, tablets and cell phones are charged with magnetic waves and should be avoided. When it comes to alarm clocks, opt for a mechanical model that doesn't require a power supply, as this can disrupt your sleep and your immune system.
- Create maximum separation between the desk and the bed. Try to keep it as far apart as possible and, if possible, erect a partition between the two. A folding screen or a curtain is enough to create this separation, but if nothing else is possible, consider covering your desk area with a sheet every night.
If it's sometimes difficult to find the right balance when decorating a bedroom, Feng Shui provides us with some answers as to what should go where. It is strongly recommended to include objects whose colours are complementary to the general colour of the room.
Candles, crystals and works of art are decorative elements that can bring desired colours into any interior. Be careful, however, to avoid having a bookcase in the room. Books weigh down the space and have sharp, pointed elements. Only a few books are appreciated in the bedroom, especially the bedside book, as long as its theme remains something positive.
Having followed these instructions on Feng Shui for bedrooms, let's pay attention to a few more details that could upset this newly created balance:
- Photographs. It sometimes seems obvious to add photographs of family and friends to the bedroom. However, this is your space, so make sure you don't overdo it.
- The presence of mirrors can be very important, as seen in the previous points, but care must be taken with their positioning. Never position a mirror directly in the path of the bed. This would disrupt the flow of energy in this straight line.
- Avoid attics. Mansard roofs, like beams, create a feeling of oppression. If you can, make sure your bed doesn't end up under a beam, air-conditioning unit or light fitting.
- Be aware of water circulation. While it's well known that you shouldn't place the bed under air circulation such as ventilation or air conditioning, water circulation in the bedroom should also be considered according to Feng Shui. Avoid placing the headboard against a wall adjoining a toilet or bathroom. Also, don't place a fountain in your bedroom, and avoid aquariums or posters depicting water.
- Choose simple designs. Busy, intricate patterns are likely to disturb your sleep; nothing works better than neutral linen, vibrant only in colour.
