17 Feng Shui Dos and Don'ts For Your Bedroom

The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui is all about creating balance and harmony in our living spaces. And one of the most important spaces in our homes is the bedroom – the place where we spend a significant portion of our time resting.

So, if you're looking to improve the energy flow in your bedroom and create a peaceful, harmonious space, here are some essential Feng Shui dos and don'ts from Consultant Joey Yap to keep in mind.

Joey Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics and Chief Consultant of the Joey Yap Consulting Group. He is an authority in Chinese metaphysics and a prolific author of 186 books and counting.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui, literally translated to ‘wind water,’ is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to create balance and harmony in our living spaces. It is based on the belief that everything in the universe is made up of energy and that this energy, or chi, can have a powerful impact on our lives. 

“Feng Shui has a basis in the principles of design, architecture, and environmental psychology. When applied thoughtfully, it can create a more harmonious and balanced living environment,” says Joey.

By arranging our bedroom in a way that optimizes the flow of chi – such as playing around with furniture placement and natural elements – we can create a more harmonious environment that promotes health, wealth, and happiness. 

Why follow Feng Shui bedroom rules?

Some might feel that Feng Shui is a gimmick. However, many have benefited from following simple Feng Shui principles as they can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep and create a comfortable space for you to rest. This, in turn, affects your overall well-being. Here are some reasons why Feng Shui in the bedroom is so important:

Promotes restful sleep

The layout and arrangement of your bedroom can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. And Feng Shui principles can help create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.

Improves health

A well-designed bedroom can promote good health and well-being by reducing stress levels, improving air quality, and promoting restful sleep. Feng Shui principles can help to create a space that supports your physical and emotional health.

Reduces anxiety 

Clutter and disorganization in your bedroom can create a sense of chaos and anxiety. However, by following simple Feng Shui rules and creating a space that is tidy, organized, and free from clutter, you can promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Boosts energy levels

Feng Shui rules can help to create a space that is conducive to positive energy flow, which can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and promote overall vitality. For example, doing something as simple as changing the position of your bed and bedroom furniture can help to balance out the chi and create a more harmonious flow within the room.

Feng Shui bedroom layout

“The ideal bedroom involves various considerations, such as the bed’s placement and layout of the room,” says Joey. 

The typical Feng Shui bedroom layout is to place the bed diagonally across from the door. You also want to ensure equal space on either side of the bed. This placement allows for a clear view of the door and creates a sense of safety and security. 

Here’s what an ideal Feng Shui bedroom layout would look like:

The ideal Feng Shui bedroom layout.

Feng Shui bedroom rules: Dos

1. Lean your bed against a wall

In Feng Shui, it’s believed that the bed is the most important part of the bedroom. To promote restful sleep and a sense of security, Joey recommends leaning your bed against something sturdy like a wall. This provides a feeling of stability and support, allowing you to relax more fully and wake up feeling refreshed and grounded. 

Placing your bed against a solid wall can also help to reduce energy flow, creating a more peaceful and restful environment. 

2. Use a headboard

Similarly, in Feng Shui, a solid headboard provides a sense of stability and support, making you feel grounded and secure. 

“Choose a headboard that is made from a solid material such as wood, metal, or upholstered fabric. Platform beds are also a good option as they have a low profile and provide a solid base for your mattress,” Joey shares.

Also, choose one that has curved edges over sharp edges to avoid the ‘cutting’ negative energy in the bedroom. 

3. Balance your space with nightstands

If you have the space for it, Joey highly recommends investing in nightstands to place on each side of the bed. These pieces of furniture can provide a grounding effect by anchoring the energy of the bed to the surrounding environment.

Additionally, you can use the extra surface space to incorporate other elements of Feng Shui, such as plants and crystals, to enhance the energy flow. Also, you should use matching nightstands to create balance and equality in your bedroom.

4. Use soft lighting

Harsh, bright lighting can be too stimulating and disrupt your sleep. Instead, opt for soft, ambient lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere. You can also use lamps and dimmer switches to adjust the lighting to your liking. Soft lighting can also help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

5. Balance the elements

In Feng Shui, five main elements are rooted in the idea of achieving equilibrium. Each element – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – represents specific quantities and energies. 

“Balancing them ensures no single force dominates, creating a tranquil space, which is particularly important for the bedroom,” says Joey. 

However, don’t include the water element in your bedroom as it’s believed to bring bad luck. 

Here are some ways to incorporate the four elements in your room:

• Wood: Use wooden furniture like bed frames, nightstands, or dressers
  
  

• Fire: Use scented candles or bright-colored accent pillows
  
  

• Earth: Select furniture and decor made from natural materials like stone or clay
  
  

• Metal: Incorporate decorative metal elements in the form of frames, sculptures, or accessories 

6. Incorporate natural elements

Natural elements, such as plants, natural fabrics, and materials like wood and stone, can help to bring the outdoors inside and promote a sense of tranquility and calmness.

Here are some ways you can add natural elements to your bedroom:

• Use woven laundry baskets
  
  

• Add potted plants to your space
  
  

• Opt for wooden nightstands or chairs
  
  

• Choose a headboard made of wood or rattan 

These elements will help to promote a connection with nature, which can have a positive impact on your well-being.

7. Keep work life separate

Even though working from home has become the norm and many people have office desks in their bedrooms, keeping work-related items in your bedroom can create a sense of stress and anxiety. This makes it difficult to relax and have a restful sleep. 

To promote a more tranquil and restful atmosphere in your bedroom, you’ll want to keep your work life out of the bedroom. This includes laptops, paperwork, and files, as well as other items related to work. 

Joey elaborates, “If you have limited space in your home, try to find a dedicated workspace outside of your bedroom where you can store these items.”

8. Keep exercise equipment out of the bedroom

Exercise equipment can be large and bulky, which can create heaviness and clutter in the bedroom. Exercising in your bedroom can also be noisy and make it difficult to unwind, especially if you’re doing high-impact exercises like jumping jacks or running on the treadmill. 

“Gym equipment and the act of exercising have ‘yang’ energy, which is described as fast-moving, loud, and active,” says Joey. “Having all this energy in an area where you want more ‘yin’ energy (slow and cool) disrupts the energy flow, creating an unbalanced environment.”

Feng Shui bedroom rules: Don’ts

9. Don’t place mirrors facing the bed

“This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning the layout of your room!” warns Joey. 

While mirrors are certainly a bedroom essential, they’re believed to reflect and amplify energy, which can be disruptive to restful sleep.

That’s why you should avoid using mirrors that face the bed. According to Feng Shui rules, if you must use a mirror in your bedroom, make sure it’s placed out of sight or in a location where it can’t reflect the bed.

10. Don’t position your bed in direct line with the door

Another important Feng Shui rule is to place your bed diagonally so you can still see your door, but you’re not right in front of it. 

“In Feng Shui, the direct line of sight between the door and the bed is known as the ‘Death Position’ because it’s believed to create vulnerability and restlessness.”

Placing your bed diagonally to the door in the commanding position can help avoid the ‘Death Position’ and promote safety and security. It also helps balance the flow of energy in your bedroom, preventing it from rushing straight out the door.

11. Don’t position your bed below beams or air conditioners

“As beams are considered heavy and oppressive in Feng Shui, try to move your bed away from them. If it’s not possible, use a canopy or drapes to soften the visual impact and create a sense of protection,” Joey recommends.

Similarly, positioning your bed directly below beams or air conditioners can create a feeling of pressure and discomfort. This is because air conditioners create a downward flow of air, and the heating or cooling of the air disrupts your chi. It’s also believed that the direct flow of air from the air conditioner can consume your energy and cause the decline of body immunity. 

Hence, it’s good practice to move your bed to a different position in your bedroom or have the vents blow air in another direction so that they’re not blowing directly onto your bed.

12. Don’t clutter your bedroom

Clutter can create stagnant energy and disrupt the flow of chi in your bedroom. That’s why keeping your space tidy and organized is essential for a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. 

13. Don’t keep clutter under the bed

Keeping your bedroom clutter-free should extend to the space under your bed.

“In Feng Shui philosophy, the area under the bed is considered a significant space where energy circulates. If it’s cluttered, this can cause stagnant energy and lead to disharmonious energy flow,” warns Joey. 

However, if you have several items that you need to stow away in storage beds or storage bins, Joey recommends periodically going through them to declutter. It’s best to remove things that are no longer needed, have negative associations, or contribute to a sense of chaos.

Also, as much as possible, avoid storing work-related items or materials associated with stress under the bed. 

14. Avoid placing electronics in your bedroom

This is a tough one, but Feng Shui masters like Joey would unanimously advise you to keep electronics out of the bedroom – including your mobile phones! 

Electronics like TVs, computers, and phones emit electromagnetic radiation that can disrupt your sleep and create negative energy in your space. So, the next time you go to bed, be sure to keep them out of your bedroom, or at least turn them off. You can also use shielding devices to block electromagnetic fields if you must have electronics in your bedroom. 

15. Don’t place sharp objects in the bedroom

In Feng Shui, sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, swords, or plants with sharp leaves, are believed to create negative energy in a room. This kind of energy can make a room feel tense or uncomfortable, which isn't exactly ideal for a space meant for rest and relaxation. So, it's best to avoid using these items in your bedroom.

“If they must be placed in the bedroom, keep them out of plain sight like storing them in your dresser or wardrobe,” says Joey.

16. Avoid busy patterns

Busy patterns on your bedding or decor can create overstimulation and make it difficult to relax and sleep. This goes against the Feng Shui principle of creating a calm and balanced space for rest and rejuvenation. That’s why it’s best to stick to simple, calming patterns and colors to promote a more peaceful environment. You can even consider matching bedroom sets to create a cohesive and tranquil look.

17. Avoid having water fountains or artworks of water

Water is a symbol of abundance and wealth, and it’s generally considered good to have water elements in the home. 

However, placing water features in your bedroom is considered bad Feng Shui. 

“Having too much of the water element is believed to wash away any warmth and bring negative energy in the form of worry into the bedroom,” says Joey.

Feng Shui dos and don'ts for your bedroom

Refine your bedroom’s Feng Shui

In conclusion, Feng Shui principles offer a holistic approach to designing a harmonious and balanced bedroom environment that can improve your overall health and well-being. But, it’s important to note that Feng Shui is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you should adapt the principles to suit your specific needs and preferences.

By implementing simple tips like proper bed placement, selecting appropriate furniture, and creating a clutter-free space, you can give your bedroom a makeover and create a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep and good energy flow.

Frequently asked questions about bedroom Feng Shui

What is bad Feng Shui for a bedroom? 

Bad Feng Shui in the bedroom includes clutter, mirrors facing the bed, a bed positioned in line with the door, or keeping sharp objects in the room. These can disrupt energy flow and hinder restful sleep. Electronics, water features, and beams above the bed are also considered bad Feng Shui.

Where to put a desk in a bedroom according to Feng Shui?

Ideally, avoid desks in the bedroom as they represent work and disrupt rest. If necessary, position it away from the bed, preferably diagonally to the door, and ensure it's not in line with the bed. This allows for a clear separation of work and rest energies.

Where to put a dresser in a bedroom according to Feng Shui? 

Place your dresser against a solid wall, avoiding direct alignment with the bed or door. Ensure it doesn't obstruct the flow of energy in the room and allows for easy access. The dresser should ideally be positioned in a way that promotes a sense of stability and organization.