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Rooted in the balance of yin and yang, along with the five elements — water, wood, fire, earth, and metal — feng shui helps cultivate inner harmony. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, meaning the bedroom should be a sanctuary of rest and security. This guide will explore principles to help you create a serene, balanced space that nurtures relaxation and well-being.

Furniture Placement

Your bed is crucial and should be the room’s focal point. Place it in a commanding position so you can see the entryway without being directly in line with it. To avoid a sense of vulnerability, don’t place the foot of your bed directly across from a door. You should also steer clear of putting it in front of a window. Instead, opt for a diagonal or offset placement to enhance feelings of security, stability, and restful sleep. For added balance, place two bedside tables of equal size (with heights less than that of the mattress) on each side of the bed. This arrangement promotes unity and equality.

The dresser grounds the bedroom. The ideal location is against a wall opposite the bed or entryway; however, avoid blocking any pathways. If you have a tall dresser, try not to let it obstruct any windows. Because they help reflect natural light, mirrors open and enhance positive energy in the room. Place them perpendicular to the door leading into your room, in a large closet, or on the back of a door.

When considering feng shui, leaving electronics out of the bedroom is preferred — although we know this is a challenge in our hectic, connected lives. However, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can be disrupted by TVs, cell phones, computers, and video games, all of which may affect the quality of your sleep.

Design Tips

Bringing elements of nature into the space of your home is a basic principle of the practice of feng shui. Natural wood tones or plants are an ideal way to incorporate nature indoors. Planters can be made of stone, metal, or ceramic to add another layer of mixed material to the scene.

Adding artwork in the bedroom should keep with the same aesthetic: nature scenes, peaceful imagery, and happy memories. Hanging artwork above the bed is not suggested, as this could disrupt your sleep with a feeling of heaviness – especially if the piece is large in scale. The ideal placement is across from the bed or above the nightstands.

When considering a headboard, feng shui practitioners believe a solid headboard symbolizes protection, giving a more restful night’s sleep. Wood or upholstered fabric is the preferred material, whereas slated, open-back designs may promote instability. Ideally, there should be no hanging shelves attached to the headboard.

Good Habits

The bedroom is a space of rest and rejuvenation. Clutter, whether it’s piles of clothes, books stacked high, or items stored under the bed, may contribute to negative energy. A messy room can lead to higher levels of stress, making it difficult to calm the mind in a place meant to decompress. Storing items under the bed is not recommended; however, if tight on storage space or if your bed frame has drawers, keep minimal items stored. Making the bed in the morning and placing items back where they belong are simple accomplishments for the day that help clear the mind.

Feng shui represents the art of balance – the name itself translates to “wind” and “water.” Regardless of your preferred design aesthetic, working toward equilibrium in your daily life may help you more easily achieve a relaxed and restful state for sleep.

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