Understanding Feng Shui Rules for the Bedroom

Feng shui is a Chinese traditional practice dating back at least 3,500 years. The phrase literally means "wind-water," based on the ancient idea that wind and water could direct the flow of universal energy. The current form of the practice in America holds that by incorporating certain elements into a place and following traditional rules, you can create a more harmonized space and bring positive energy and material blessings into your home.

The most popular place to practice this design philosophy is in the bedroom. While we can't guarantee following these feng shui rules for the bedroom will bring lottery winnings or extra romance, we are certain that creating a relaxing and peaceful space will help you rest more comfortably night after night.

How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom

In feng shui, the use of colors, the placement of furniture and accessories, and the choice of materials used all play a role in creating the right environment. Here are some basics of feng shui for bedrooms for more restful sleep.

The Best Bedroom Colors for Sleep According to Feng Shui

It's no secret that color can make a difference in how a room feels when you walk into it. For the bedroom, creating a relaxing atmosphere is essential for a good night's rest. According to feng shui practitioners, colors used in the bedroom should include soft, natural tones like light greens, blues, and lavender. Neutrals and "metallic" colors can induce mental clarity. Bright and bold colors like red or orange should be used sparingly because they are too energetic for the space.

Starting with neutral, natural colors like oat or driftwood – two options for our bamboo viscose sheet sets – makes accessorizing easy. Once you have the base chosen, you can add light green or sky blue for a little extra color without changing the feel of the room.

Your Bedroom's Layout Matters

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the room, and its placement is key to getting the energy of the room right. You should position your bed as far from the room's entrance as possible while facing the doorway. This will give you a feeling of security while you sleep.

A few more rules for bed placement:

• Avoid placing the bed directly under a ceiling beam or fan. These objects can create an oppressive feeling that will affect your rest.

• Avoid facing a mirror. Many practitioners recommend removing all mirrors from your bedroom because they can be too energetic for a restful space.

• If possible, leave room for a nightstand or other small piece of furniture on either side of the bed to help anchor it. Matching nightstands will add balance to the room.

• Have a solid wall behind your bed for support and protection of your personal energy while you sleep. Windows behind the bed are not supportive and can weaken your energy.

Additional notes for restful bedrooms according to feng shui:

• Remove distractions like TVs, computers, and bookshelves. If they must be in the bedroom, use furniture or art to hide them. (Sleep specialists would agree!)

• Leave water fountains and water features to other parts of the house. Even in image form, water alludes to financial loss or robbery when placed in the bedroom.

• Remove live plants from the bedroom. They have too much yang – the male principle in nature – for a relaxing space.

• Declutter your bedroom. Clutter can make you feel trapped or anxious, and neither feeling is conducive to peaceful sleep.

The Best Materials for Your Bedroom

Soft, inviting materials are essential in the bedroom. Add them in creative ways, like an upholstered headboard, to create a solid but soft support for your head/mind while you sleep. Choose curtains over hard blinds, and make sure the fabrics you use in your bed are the softest available. Cozy Earth's ultra-soft, temperature-regulating bamboo viscose bedding is perfect for creating the most relaxing environment for sleep.

Whether or not you believe that following the feng shui rules for the bedroom will bring luck and harmony to your home, many of the guidelines listed here are good practices for any bedroom. Eliminating distractions, creating a relaxing atmosphere with soft colors, and using the most inviting fabrics available will elevate your bedroom to the sanctuary you crave at the end of the day.