Bedroom Furniture Arrangement | Feng Shui Bedroom
Looking to create a better flow with your bedroom furniture arrangement? A feng shui bedroom is thought to improve an individual's sleep, happiness and overall wellbeing. After helping thousands of customers arrange their bedroom furniture over four decades, we've seen firsthand how thoughtful placement can transform not just a room, but the quality of rest you get in it.
As one of the rooms we spend the most time in, being thoughtful about how we arrange our bedrooms is particularly important. The bedroom is the most important room of the home in feng shui philosophy as proper arrangement can ensure we get enough sleep – something the Sleep Foundation confirms is crucial for our health and wellbeing.
What Is Feng Shui?
Feng shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy and art of arranging living spaces. 'Feng' is the Chinese word for wind and 'shui' is Chinese for water. Combined, these symbolise the flow of life that individuals should aspire to create in their home.
Dating back from 4000 B.C., feng shui aims to maximise the flow of 'qi' (also known as Chi). Qi is the natural energy and life force which provides the ultimate source of safety and productivity. The Encyclopaedia Britannica notes that feng shui has evolved from ancient practice into a modern design philosophy embraced worldwide.
Feng shui is based on the psychology of putting a focus on different aspects of our lives, in particular the home, and using this focus to achieve goals. Practicing feng shui in the bedroom, especially if you share with a partner, is even thought to improve your relationship by strengthening bonds and attracting love.
Master Bedroom Bed Placement
The design centrepiece of every bedroom is of course the bed. When placing the bed, feng shui experts use the principle of the 'commanding position'. There are varying levels of feng shui, but there are a few core basics when it comes to the commanding position of the bed.
The Commanding Position Explained
Place your bed in a position where you can see the bedroom door, but ensure it is not directly in front of the door or in line with it. The ideal position is to have your bed diagonally away from the door. Having a view of the door but not being too close to it can provide a feeling of safety, according to feng shui, which is a big factor in relaxation and sleep.
Essential Bed Placement Rules
- Avoid the 'coffin position' - The foot of the bed should not point directly towards the door
- Solid wall support - The head of the bed should be against a solid wall for support
- Window placement - Avoid having your head against a window, as this can allow qi to flow outside
- Space on both sides - Allow access from both sides for balanced yin and yang energy
- Clear overhead space - Avoid beams and sloped ceilings above the bed
The Healthline wellness experts confirm that these placement principles can contribute to better sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
The Importance of Headboards
Headboards represent stability and support in your life and can help achieve sound and restful sleep. They insulate you from the outside world and provide crucial support, both physically and symbolically.
Choosing the Right Headboard
- Solid construction - Choose sturdy materials like solid oak for maximum support
- Appropriate height - Should extend above your pillows when sitting up
- Secure attachment - Must be firmly attached to the bed frame
- Against a wall - Position flush against a solid wall for stability
Headboards are thought to be particularly important in bedroom feng shui layout, as they can ensure stability in romantic relationships and provide a sense of security during sleep.
Mirror Placement Guidelines
Mirrors in the bedroom require careful consideration in feng shui practice. The Architectural Digest design experts note that mirror placement can significantly impact sleep quality.
Mirror Rules for Better Sleep
- Never facing the bed - Avoid mirrors that reflect you while sleeping
- Inside wardrobes - Ideal location if mirrors are needed
- Cover at night - Use curtains or throws if mirrors can't be moved
- Strategic placement - Use to expand space without reflecting the bed
Mirrors are believed to bounce energy around bedrooms which can increase intrusive thoughts and worries, resulting in restlessness. In relationships, a mirror facing the bed is thought to invite third-party interference.
Decluttering for Better Energy Flow
Clutter blocks the flow of qi, disrupts sleep, and can prevent life from moving forward. The Psychology Today research confirms that clutter directly impacts mental wellbeing and sleep quality.
Key Decluttering Areas
Under the bed: Keep this space completely clear if possible. Under-bed clutter stops qi flowing freely around you while sleeping and can prevent healing. If storage is essential, use it only for soft, sleep-related items like extra bedding.
Wardrobe organisation: Regularly declutter wardrobes and remove clothes you don't wear. Keep wardrobe doors closed at night to maintain peaceful energy.
Surface areas: Keep bedside tables minimal with only essential items. Remove work materials, exercise equipment, and electronic devices where possible.
Creating Bedroom Symmetry
Symmetry in the bedroom creates balance and harmony, essential principles in feng shui philosophy.
Achieving Balance Through Furniture
- Matching bedside tables - Use identical tables on both sides of the bed
- Equal spacing - Maintain similar distances from bed to walls
- Paired accessories - Use matching lamps or decorative items
- Balanced storage - Distribute storage furniture evenly
Two bedside tables provide partners with their own space while creating harmony. Even for single sleepers, symmetry promotes balanced energy flow.
Feng Shui Bedroom Colours
According to feng shui, your bedroom wall colour can significantly affect sleep and mood. The Dulux colour psychology experts support these principles with modern research.
Best Colour Choices
Warm, skin-tone colours: Cream, peach, beige, coral, tan, cocoa, and rich browns create soothing environments reminiscent of natural warmth.
Soft, muted tones: Light blues, gentle greens, and lavenders can aid relaxation when used sparingly as accents.
Colours to avoid: Bright reds, electric blues, and stark whites can be too stimulating for restful sleep.
Aim for a balance of warm skin tones with subtle cool accents to create positive and restful energy in your room.
Modern Feng Shui Adaptations
Today's bedrooms face challenges ancient feng shui masters never imagined. Here's how to adapt traditional principles for modern life:
Technology in the Bedroom
- Phone placement - Keep at least 3 feet from your head while sleeping
- TV positioning - If necessary, ensure it's not directly facing the bed
- Work equipment - Remove or screen off any home office areas
- Charging stations - Place outside the bedroom when possible
The Sleep Foundation's research aligns with feng shui principles regarding technology's impact on sleep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through years of helping customers arrange their bedrooms, we've identified frequent feng shui mistakes:
- Bed in direct line with door - Creates unsettling energy flow
- Cluttered bedside tables - Disrupts peaceful sleep
- Too many books - Active energy that stimulates rather than relaxes
- Exercise equipment visible - Promotes activity rather than rest
- Overhead storage - Creates subconscious pressure
- Multiple door alignment - Bathroom doors facing bed disturb energy
Quick Implementation Guide
Ready to transform your bedroom? Here's your action plan:
This Weekend
- Position bed in commanding position
- Clear under-bed storage
- Remove or cover mirrors facing bed
- Declutter bedside tables
This Month
- Install proper headboard if needed
- Add matching bedside tables
- Reorganise wardrobe and remove excess
- Evaluate and adjust lighting
Ongoing
- Maintain clutter-free surfaces
- Keep technology to minimum
- Regular energy clearing through cleaning
- Seasonal reassessment of arrangement
Feng shui is built on thousands of years of observation about how our environment affects our wellbeing. While you don't need to follow every principle rigidly, incorporating these core concepts can genuinely improve your sleep quality and overall happiness.
At House of Oak, we've seen countless customers transform their bedrooms using these principles combined with quality furniture. Explore our range of solid oak bedroom furniture to create your own feng shui sanctuary. From sturdy bed frames with integrated headboards to perfectly paired bedside tables, we have everything you need to arrange your bedroom for optimal rest and relaxation.
Sweet dreams start with thoughtful arrangement.
