Science takes a distinctive look at the millennia-old Feng Shui customs for decorating your home, for example. Many scientists classify them as pseudoscience because there is no scientific research behind the results or the claims do not meet scientific evidence and testing.
Let’s step over this and look at what this more than 4,000-year-old Chinese knowledge can mean for your bedroom. With the emphasis on “can,” because we are healthily critical. At the same time, we have an open mind and researched what Feng Shui experts say. We are happy to include these tips for you in this blog.
What is Feng Shui?
The origins of Feng Shui can be found in the Taoist belief in chi or life force. Chi consists of inseparable“Yin” and“Yang” elements that describe the life force that dwells in everything. Balance between Yin and Yang is an important goal when applying Feng Shui. So Feng Shui is a method of bringing harmony and balance to the arrangement of buildings and spaces to allow positive energy to flow better. In the Chinese language, these words mean “the way of wind and water.
Nearly half of all Chinese adults believe in Feng Shui, and many people in the Western world are also interested in it. For example, they apply Feng Shui principles when decorating their bedroom.
How should your bed stand according to Feng Shui?
Sleeping with your head facing east, where the sun rises, promotes concentration. If you seek more stability, you can also face your bed to the south.
Although some experts do not rule out the north, unless you follow the teachings of Vastu Shastra. This tradition suggests it is best to sleep facing south. According to these recommendations, the polar attraction of the north could cause nightmares. Before you give your bed its correct place, it is best to go over the following basic principles.
Feng Shui tip #1 <- Bedroom space suitable?
Ask yourself if your bedroom is adequate to serve as a sleeping space as well. What about noise? Is there a lot of street noise? Is the ventilation of the room optimal? And does this space have enough natural light?
Feng Shui speaks about avoiding heavy beams and sharp corners. These are said to obstruct the natural flow of energy and affect your rest and sleep quality.
What this means in practice is quite significant. It is best to avoid freestanding wardrobes, open shelves, or folding screens. Choose carefully where you place your furniture; do not put them in the way of natural energy flows, such as windows or doors. Therefore, it is best not to place your bed in a corner or next to a door. Not always easy then!
Make it dark! Ensure good blackout conditions. Now, you don’t have to be an expert for that, but it is also important within Feng Shui. Alies Coster is a sleep expert and founded Slaap Opleiding Nederland. In February 2024, she contributed to an article in the Dutch magazine Margriet about Feng Shui. She confirms that sleep hygiene is a universal theme that is truly important, whether or not you keep Feng Shui in mind.
Feng Shui tip #2 <- Create space!
Is your bedroom tidy? Clearing is the physical process that gets you started to harmonize the flow of energy. To keep the energy flowing properly, you sometimes face choices.
Do you have limited space and use a drawer under your bed, for example, to store things? According to Feng Shui customs, it is better not to do that and leave this space free.
A mirror gives the illusion of space. If it is placed correctly, energy flows are reflected and, according to Feng Shui experts, the effect can be doubled. Avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, though. So no, you better not hang it above your bed!
Leave enough space to the left and right of your bed to move around and get in and out of your bed.
Feng Shui tip #3 <- Focus!
A sleeping space is an oasis of peace and quiet so you can discharge and recharge for a new day. Focus on yourself and your partner, and avoid anything that can distract you such as books or TV. Work-related items such as a desk or a computer are also best avoided in the bedroom. Less is more!
Color, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, plays an important role in bringing focus to space. Natural tones promote relaxation. Think of beige, blue, or green shades. Busy wallpaper or too many colors distract you and disrupt your energy.
Elements containing water are also to be avoided in an adult sleeping area. An aquarium or images that contain references to water are best avoided, according to Feng Shui experts. They are said to bring too much movement into a room meant for rest. Instead, focus on your relationship or yourself if you are single. Cheerful photos together with your partner or of yourself bring happiness.
Bad vibes? Do NOT position the bed like this according to Feng Shui…
Of course, you read these recommendations with a grain of salt (we hope). But there are also no-go’s according to Feng Shui that it’s best not to do because they block energy flows or bring in negative energy.
Why is it best not to sleep with your feet to the door?
If your bed is in line with the door, and therefore you are lying with your feet towards it, you might feel unsafe. That insecurity leads to stress, and stress affects your sleep. You would also get too much energy at night, when you just want to unwind.
Feng Shui does point out that it is important that you can see the doorway. Let’s take a moment to estimate where your bed will be!
Why not place bed under window?
A wall provides protection, grounding and security. Preferably place your bed against a full wall. A window offers too little protection and safety. Therefore, it is not recommended to place your headboard or your bed under a window.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why not sleep with your head to the north?
Feng Shui does not rule out this compass direction, but Vastu Shastra’s recommendations do. Sleeping with your head toward the polar north creates an energetic clash in your brain, which is said to cause poor sleep.
In which direction should we not sleep?
Having your feet in line with the door is not recommended, also the west is hardly named.
Why bed not under window?
This gives too little security compared to a full wall, so to be avoided. On top of that, you can also get a stiff neck if your window is not fully closed.
How to put down bed – Conclusion
If you sleep restlessly and have therefore looked up this blog, then you have learned that Feng Shui is mostly about “less is more.
Keep these logical elements in mind: create a tidy bedroom, free from stimuli, completely dark, and ideally with as little ambient noise as possible. These are truly universal principles of sleep hygiene. Feng Shui’s guidelines are based on energy flows that must be able to move freely. Blockages are bad. Safety is also an important pillar. This makes sense because when you sleep, you are relaxed and free from stress. Your personal sense of security plays a vital role in this!
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