How To Feng Shui Your Bedroom

The art of feng shui originated in China more than 3,000 years ago, although some elements date back around 6,000 years. In English, ‘feng shui’ literally translates to ‘wind-water’. Water, wood, metal, fire, and earth make up the five elements of feng shui. It is said that their correct presence and placement promote wellbeing and stimulate Chi. Practically speaking, feng shui is the arrangement of furniture and other elements in living spaces to harness energy forces in order to create a balance with the natural world, thereby bringing harmony between an individual and their environment.

We could all do with a bit of positive Chi in our homes, and what better place to start than your bedroom? This is after all the place where we wind down from a long day and get much-needed rest to re-energize for the next day. Here are some tips to maximize the energy balance and make your sleep just that bit more restful.

Getty Images / Image Source / Perry Mastrovito

The first step is to reduce clutter. Clutter can create stress, whereas an open space creates healthy energy. If you need the space under your bed for storage, opt for softer bed/sleep-related items, and not emotionally-charged items such as mementos or unwanted clothing. The position of your bed is also important: The ideal feng shui is having your bed diagonal from the door; you should be able to see the door from your bed, but without being in line with it. The next important feature is balance. Whether you have a partner or are hoping for one, having space on both sides of the bed creates balance, which in turn gives more freedom.

You want to aim for soft, calm and serene colors, and make sure that access to lighting is available. Light brings clarity and can be uplifting when feeling a bit down or depressed. You can bring artwork into the bedroom, but keep it to a minimum, and don’t hang the pieces too low. When artwork is placed too low, it can bring you down emotionally too. Being surrounded by nature can be calming, so consider bringing one or two plants into your bedroom. Try opting for ones with soft and rounded edges, or ones that are known to give off more oxygen at night. Adopting these tips and techniques will hopefully make you feel balanced and more energized.