Feng shui is an ancient Chinese perspective rooted in the belief that everything (including the arrangement of a room) possesses energy. Regardless of how much you buy into the concept, learning the inner workings of feng shui and understanding how it can impact your everyday life is fascinating. In the home, the right feng shui balances the energy that flows into and around your space and can affect your well-being, relationships, and even your wallet.
Feng shui consultants don't typically make strict rules that must be followed, instead viewing feng shui principles as malleable. "Principles are meant to be flexible, which allows the mind more room for creative solutions when needed," says New York-based feng shui consultant Laura Cerrano.
Meet the Expert
After studying with some of the finest masters in feng shui and shamanism, Laura Cerrano received her Feng Shui Certification under the guidance of her mother and mentor, Certified Feng Shui Master Carole Provenzale, in 2000.
Create Symmetry
One of the most important things in terms of layout in a feng shui bedroom is to leave equal room on both sides of the bed. "This is symbolic of creating equal space for both you and your partner," explains Cerrano. "Sometimes the dimensions of a bedroom don't allow for this arrangement, so holding the intention of creating space is essential. Even if you could only spare an inch of space between the wall and bed, it's better than nothing."
For balance, try placing two side tables and two lamps in your bedroom—one side table and one lamp on each side of the bed. Plus, symmetry is pleasing to the eye.
Establish a Commanding Position
"The most common feng shui principle in the bedroom is to have a commanding position," says Cerrano. "Position your bed with a clear vantage point of the door from the bed while avoiding being 100 percent in alignment with the doorway."
The result? "This allows the occupant to literally, energetically, and metaphorically see and feel who and what opportunities are approaching their life."
The term “Primary Bathroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bathroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.
Adopt a Less-Is-More Approach
It might be tempting to treat your bedroom as a storage unit, but Cerrano warns against filling it with too much stuff. In fact, Harvard Medical School recommends minimizing clutter in the bedroom environment to improve sleep quality, which in turn promotes better health and aging well.
Limit the Number of Mirrors
Mirrors in the bedroom can seem like a natural fit, but feng shui warns against overusing them: "There are varying thoughts on this, but the one perspective many consultants agree upon is that adding too many mirrors in the bedroom creates an imbalance of energy," says Cerrano.
According to feng shui principles, mirrors have the ability to activate the energy within a room, yet the most important thing is to test this for yourself because every person is different.
"Clients I work with will sometimes choose to keep a mirror in their bedroom and tell me that they sleep soundly. Others will negotiate the principle and remove extra mirrors and still keep one while being mindful of what it reflects. Some clients love the idea of no mirrors in the bedroom or may just place a long mirror inside the closet door." If you do that, "just make sure the closet is organized because mirrors double what they project."
Ground the Space With a Rug
People sometimes avoid rugs in the bedroom because larger-scale ones can be expensive, but Cerrano insists it's a worthwhile investment for your sleep: "Adding an area rug under or near the bed is another way to help ground the energy when sleeping and create a balance between yin (soft textures) and yang (hard surfaces)." Having two smaller rugs on each side can achieve a similar effect without the costly price tag.
Avoid Under-Bed Storage
A common place for storage in the bedroom is usually under the bed, but Cerrano believes it's not good practice: "From a feng shui perspective, storage under the bed can obstruct your sleeping pattern because the movement of energy cannot flow evenly around the energy fields of your bed."
For example, Cerrano suggests storing shoes in closets because otherwise, "they symbolize other people potentially taking advantage of you."
It's not always possible to leave the area under the bed completely clutter-free: "If you do need to store items under the bed, be mindful of who gave these items to you and what emotional content you associate with them." Some items—specifically bedding, clothing, and towels—are better to store under the bed than others. A small number of books is also acceptable, as long as their titles and content are positive.
Always Make Your Bed
This practice speaks more to everyday habits than layout or décor, but Cerrano stresses that it's nonetheless important: "Making your bed may seem small and insignificant, yet a greater development within your conscious and subconscious minds is evolving. This simple act becomes your first accomplishment of the day and it only requires two minutes of your time."
Making the bed every morning can kickstart an organized mindset, which helps reduce stress and increase motivation, Cerrano says. "It’s also a means of self-respect because it means you've taken the time to prepare your bed for sleep as your mom or dad may have done during childhood. It's a little slice of self-love."
Open Your Blinds Every Day
Just like making your bed in the morning, opening your blinds before you head out for work may not be ingrained in your daily rituals, but it should be: "Opening your blinds and your windows (if weather permits) during the day is a wonderful habit to acquire," says Cerrano.
"This is called letting the outside in. It helps to refresh the energy by allowing natural light and fresh air to filter into your bedroom. At night, close the windows and blinds as to keep the fresh energy circulating inside your bedroom when sleeping." Even if you won't be there to enjoy the natural light, let it stream in while you're at work.
Keep Colors Neutral
You may be inclined to go bright green in a bedroom, but Cerrano advises against it if you're considering feng shui principles. Instead, "pick neutral colors when painting large walls to not overstimulate the energy when you are sleeping. This could include beiges, cream colors, and earth tones. You could even include some cool blue tones. For smaller accent colors, pick colors associated with partnership energy: Pinks, reds, and whites. This could be implemented through artwork, small crystals (like rose quartz), organic candles, or bed sheets."
The goal is to create a sacred and sensual space for yourself and to share with another—if that is your intention, says Cerrano. "The addition of certain feng shui colors is just one way to assist in the atmospheric rendering of good feng shui."
Keep the Bed Away From the Bathroom Door
Don't align your bed directly with the bathroom door. Some feng shui consultants will say the bathroom is associated with energy drain, and suggest avoiding positioning your bed this way. "If you have a primary bathroom connected to your bedroom, you would also want to avoid placing your bed in direct alignment with the bathroom door," says Cerrano.
Minimize Technology
"Feng shui principles invite you to remove electronics from inside the bedroom: TVs, computers, and cell phones emit the largest amounts of electric and magnetic fields, which could disturb your immune system and sleep," explains Cerrano.
The same goes for work-related gadgetry and papers, Cerrano says. "The bedroom is a place for rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection. Space can be tight, especially in studios and one-bedroom apartments, but if you can create a work area in your home that is away from the bedroom, it will help improve your quality of sleep."
Bring the Outside In (or Not)
In feng shui, opinions vary regarding the placement of plants within the bedroom space. Certain practitioners caution against the presence of plants, including other wooden accents, due to their perceived abundance of energetic yang energy. This perspective suggests that such elements might disrupt the harmonious flow of energy within the bedroom, potentially leading to disturbances in sleep or overall well-being.
There are contrasting views advocating for the inclusion of plants in the bedroom environment. Proponents of this stance believe that in a spacious bedroom, a small plant or a single palm can be introduced without adverse effects, provided they are strategically placed to enhance the overall ambiance without overwhelming the space.
Specific types of plants may carry more positive feng shui associations, such as those with rounded leaves, vibrant greenery, or air-purifying properties. Examples of such plants might include peace lilies, snake plants, or bamboo, which are believed to promote tranquility, purification, and vitality within the bedroom setting.
Balance All Five Elements
Achieving a harmonious balance of the five elemental energies – wood, fire, metal, earth, and water – is paramount for cultivating positive energy flow within your bedroom space. Each element carries its unique qualities and associations, which can be expressed through various aspects of your bedroom's design.
Incorporating these feng shui elements thoughtfully can promote a sense of equilibrium and vitality in your living environment. Here are a few examples:
- Consider incorporating wooden furniture, such as a bed frame, nightstands, or a dresser.
- Introducing live plants or artwork depicting lush forests can infuse your bedroom with the rejuvenating energy of growth and vitality.
- Fire can be represented through warm, vibrant colors like red, orange, and yellow, as well as through lighting elements such as candles or a fireplace if feasible. These fiery accents promote feelings of passion, energy, and warmth within the space.
- Metal elements can be introduced through metallic finishes or decor items such as picture frames, vases, or metal sculptures. These accents not only add a touch of elegance but also symbolize clarity, precision, and strength.
- Earth elements are often manifested through earthy tones like brown, beige, or terracotta, as well as through natural materials such as clay pottery, stone sculptures, or woven textiles. Incorporating these elements bring a sense of stability, grounding, and nurturing energy in your bedroom.
- Water can be symbolized through the use of flowing fabrics, reflective surfaces like mirrors or water features, and shades of blue or black in your color scheme, improving feelings of calmness, introspection, and fluidity, enhancing the overall tranquility of your bedroom environment.
By carefully selecting your bedroom's color palette, textures, shapes, and decorative objects to represent each of these elemental energies, you can create a space that not only looks visually appealing but also supports your well-being and promotes positive energy flow according to feng shui principles.
Add a Supportive Headboard
The inclusion of a headboard in your bedroom holds significant symbolic and practical importance in feng shui practices. Beyond serving as a decorative element, a headboard is emblematic of stability, support, and security in feng shui philosophy. It acts as a symbolic barrier that offers protection and support to the sleeper, both physically and energetically.
From a practical standpoint, a securely attached headboard provides a sense of stability and grounding to the bed, anchoring it firmly against the wall. This ensures that the sleeper feels safe and secure, and affords for restful sleep and improved overall well-being. A headboard also creates a visual focal point in the bedroom, adding depth and dimension to the space while promoting a sense of completeness and intentionality in the room's design.
The choice of materials and design for the headboard is also significant in feng shui. Opting for soft edges and avoiding materials that promote hardness or coldness, such as iron, is advisable. Soft, rounded edges contribute to a sense of warmth and gentleness in the bedroom environment, fostering a nurturing and supportive atmosphere conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Furthermore, the headboard serves as a buffer between the sleeper and the external environment, shielding them from unwanted energies or disturbances that may disrupt their sleep. It acts as a protective barrier, creating a sense of boundary and privacy within the bedroom space.
Be Mindful of What You Hang Overhead
To uphold a harmonious energy flow in your bedroom, keep the area directly above your head free from clutter or imposing objects. This space acts as a symbolic canopy, influencing the quality of your sleep and overall well-being. Choosing artwork or decor made from soft materials or featuring soothing patterns can help mitigate any potential negative effects on your energy field. By opting for gentle and calming elements, you create a conducive environment for rest and relaxation, promoting a sense of serenity and security within the space.
Ensuring that the space above your head remains unobstructed allows for a free exchange of energy, preventing any potential disruptions to your sleep patterns or overall energy balance. Whether it's selecting artwork with tranquil imagery or utilizing soft fabrics for decor accents, prioritizing a peaceful ambiance above your head contributes to a nurturing and supportive atmosphere in your bedroom, enhancing your ability to unwind and recharge effectively.
Nourish the Senses
When accessorizing your bedroom, think about appealing to the five senses: touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste.
Incorporate feel-good textiles like soft blankets or plush pillows to enhance the sense of touch, inviting comfort and coziness into your space. Introduce visual appeal through soothing colors and aesthetically pleasing decor, such as calming artwork or nature-inspired elements, to promote visual harmony and tranquility.
Enhance the olfactory experience by incorporating subtle scents like vanilla or lavender through candles, diffusers, or sachets, creating a calming atmosphere that soothes the mind and enhances relaxation. Place a jar of water nearby to symbolize the element of water, promoting a sense of flow and vitality within the space while also serving as a practical reminder to stay hydrated for optimal well-being.
Watch Out for Sharp Corners
The arrangement of furniture in your bedroom plays a crucial role in shaping the flow of energy, or chi, within the space. Sharp or protruding corners are considered inauspicious as they are believed to create harsh energy, known as sha chi, which can disrupt the tranquility of the room and potentially affect your well-being.
By evaluating your bedroom for any such sharp corners and repositioning furniture accordingly, you can mitigate the negative effects of sha chi and promote a more harmonious energy flow. It's advisable to avoid positioning furniture in a way that directs sharp corners towards your head while you sleep. This is because the head is considered a sensitive area in feng shui, and having sharp corners pointing directly at it can create feelings of unease or discomfort.
Instead, aim to arrange furniture so that any sharp corners are either softened or directed away from the bed. For example, you could place a tall plant or a piece of soft fabric between the bed and the sharp corner to buffer the energy and create a more gentle transition.
Assess Your Furniture
Tall and imposing pieces of furniture, such as bookshelves or large wardrobes, can potentially create a sense of constriction and overwhelm in the bedroom space. According to feng shui experts, these towering pieces tend to dominate the room visually and energetically, potentially leading to feelings of pressure or constraint for the occupants. Tall furniture may obstruct the natural flow of energy, inhibiting the circulation of chi throughout the space.
To maintain a balanced and nurturing atmosphere in the bedroom, feng shui principles recommend keeping tall furniture pieces, like bookshelves, outside of the bedroom whenever possible. By doing so, you allow for a more open and spacious layout that promotes a sense of ease and relaxation. Instead of towering pieces, opt for furniture with lower profiles that create a more grounded and inviting atmosphere.
Water Features Can Be Added with Caution
Water elements indeed hold significant importance in feng shui practice, symbolizing flow, abundance, and purification. Incorporating water features like fountains or artwork depicting serene bodies of water can enhance the overall energy balance within the home, promoting a sense of tranquility and vitality.
However, when it comes to the bedroom, feng shui principles advise caution regarding the placement of such elements. Water features, especially those that create movement or sound, can introduce excessive energetic yang energy into the bedroom environment. While yang energy is vital for activity and stimulation, an excess of it in the bedroom can disrupt the restful and calming atmosphere that is essential for quality sleep and relaxation. Feng shui experts recommend keeping water features, including artwork depicting oceans, rivers, or waterfalls, outside of the bedroom space.
Consider incorporating water elements in communal areas of the home, such as the living room or foyer, where their energizing qualities can be fully appreciated without interfering with the restorative energy of the bedroom. If you're drawn to the soothing symbolism of water, opt for more subtle representations, such as a small tabletop fountain or a painting with gentle water motifs, that won't overwhelm the bedroom environment with excessive yang energy.
Invest in a Full or Queen Bed
The size of the bed holds particular significance in feng shui as it directly influences the circulation of energy, or chi, within the bedroom space. Feng shui experts often advocate for investing in a full-sized bed or larger to optimize the flow of energy and promote a harmonious environment conducive to rest and rejuvenation.
In contrast, smaller beds may restrict the movement of energy, leading to stagnant or congested chi, which can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere necessary for restful sleep.
From a practical standpoint, a larger bed offers more room for comfort and relaxation, allowing occupants to stretch out and move freely during sleep without feeling cramped or confined. This sense of spaciousness contributes to a more inviting and nurturing bedroom environment, enhancing the quality of rest and promoting a deeper sense of relaxation.