We’re here to break down the art of feng shui, where ancient Chinese wisdom meets the modern bedroom. For all skeptics, we won't dive too deep into the mystical aspects – consider this Feng Shui 101. It’s kind of like the Marie Kondo of interior design but with a touch of Eastern philosophy. The goal is to declutter not just your bedroom but also your mind, with some added harmony and balance for your living space.

What Exactly Is Feng Shui and Why Should You Care?

Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is essentially the art of arranging things in your home to achieve harmony with the universe. The goal? To tap into that mystical life energy called "chi" and establish a zen-like connection between you and your environment. Feng shui's name itself is poetic. "Feng" means wind, and "shui" means water – two elements of nature that embody the principles of balance and flow.

Why Bother Feng Shui-ing Your Bedroom?

Now, before you brush off feng shui as a new-age fad, consider its practical benefits – especially for your sleep sanctuary:

1. Promotes Restful Sleep: Your bedroom layout can be the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling like a zombie. Feng shui helps create a serene atmosphere that's all about getting a good night's sleep.
2. Improves Health: A well-designed bedroom can lower stress levels, enhance air quality, and help you sleep like a baby. Who doesn't want that?
3. Reduces Anxiety: Clutter in your bedroom can turn your sanctuary into a pit of chaos and anxiety. Feng shui focuses on a tidy and organized space to promote a sense of calm.
4. Boosts Energy Levels: By allowing energy to flow smoothly through your room, feng shui can elevate your mood, increase your vitality, and contribute to your overall well-being.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips

1. Position your bed in the command position:Place your bed diagonally from the door for a commanding view. Position the head against a solid wall for security, avoiding window and door alignments that disrupt energy flow. Balance is key; ensure equal space on both sides for harmonious energy.
2. Place a nightstand on either side of the bed: Balance is extremely important in Feng Shui, and having dual nightstands is an easy way to bring symmetry to your space and anchor your commanding space.
3. Use a headboard: A solid headboard securely attached to your bed provides a sense of stability to help you feel grounded. Wood or upholstered materials follow the principles of feng shui.
4. Consider a platform bed: Platform beds add a sense of support to the mattress. Opt for rounded designs and sharp corners are believed to “cut” energy in a space.
5. Select calming colors: Colors profoundly impact our emotions and mood. Soothing shades inspired by nature are the way to go. Think of soft blues and gentle greens to evoke the tranquility of nature right in your bedroom.
6. Use natural bedding and eco-friendly materials: This is another way to incorporate nature into the bedroom. Down comforters and down and feather pillows improve feng shui, promote better temperature regulation, and last longer than synthetic bedding.
7. Focus on air quality: Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider incorporating air-purifying plants like aloe vera or peace lilies to improve air quality and promote relaxation.
8. Declutter, even under the bed: Channel your inner Marie Kondo and let go of as much as you can. Find a good space to store the belongings that truly spark joy so that the floor and all surfaces remain clutter-free. And while it may be tempting to keep things under the bed, clearing this zone allows energy to flow freely as you sleep (believed to improve your sleep quality).
9. Only allow one book at a time: Move the bookshelf to another room in the house and remove books from the bedroom. Keeping one book you’re currently reading is okay, but books are believed to carry energy that disrupts sleep and calm.
10. Ban digital devices: This is a hard one in today’s world, but getting rid of phones, tablets, and TVs improves a bedroom’s energy flow and promotes a more serene sleeping environment. We already know how bad the blue light emitted from devices is and how it disrupts sleep. Keeping devices in another room will also force you to embrace a healthier bedroom wind-down routine – such as reading, journaling, or talking to your partner – than the mindless scrolling that keeps us all up later than we’d like.

Feng Shui Don'ts for the Bedroom

Now, let's explore what not to do:

1. Mirror Reflections: Never place mirrors facing the bed; they are believed to reflect energy and disturb your slumber.
2. Bed Alignment: Avoid positioning the bed in line with the door; it's referred to as the "death position" for a reason.
3. Sharp Objects: Knives, swords, or plants with prickly leaves don't belong in the bedroom; they bring tension, not tranquility.

In summary, feng shui isn't just about rearranging furniture; it's about transforming your sleep space into a serene retreat. You don’t need to be a bagua expert or understand the five elements to benefit from feng shui principles. By optimizing your room’s layout, embracing soothing elements, and kicking clutter and distractions to the curb, you're on your way to restful sleep and a balanced life.

Photo by Jonathan Borba