Your bedroom is your safe space. With the new year officially here, you may be thinking about redecorating some of your favorite spaces. That “new year, new you” feel is in all of us right now. What better place to start than the bedroom? Creating a serene and balanced environment in your bedroom is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about fostering positive energy and promoting a restful atmosphere. Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art, offers practical principles to achieve harmony in your living spaces. You may have heard a few superstitions, like never having your bed face a mirror, or caddy-cornering your furniture can throw off the relaxing atmosphere. In this blog, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of how to feng shui your bedroom to get that perfect feel.
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese perspective rooted in the belief that everything possesses energy. This includes the layout of your home and specific rooms, including your bedroom. Think of it a little like astrology. Whether you believe in it or not, it’s an interesting perspective into learning how small details can impact your mood and everyday life psychologically. When it comes to home decorating, correct feng shui can balance the energy that flows around your space. This can have an impact on things outside of your bedroom, like your mood for the day, relationships, and even luck in different aspects of your life!
Now, when we say feng shui, we’re not talking about impossible feats. We wouldn’t ask you to hang your bed from the ceiling, or only use wooden furniture. It is more than that, and specifically relies on design choices, layouts, and comfortability. Of course, these can be different for each person, but there are a few basic tips that everyone can incorporate into their remodel.
Equal spacing is not only pleasing to the eyes but also pleasing to the mind. This is mostly for the layout of your bed, and not necessarily your dressers, seating area, or closet space. One of the most important tips for laying out a bedroom is to leave equal space on both sides of the bed. This includes placing equal nightstands, decor, and pillows throughout your bed space. Try to avoid unequal wall art directly above your head. One central piece or two identical-sized pieces are more appropriate for the result you’re looking for.
The most common feng shui principle to follow in a bedroom is to have a commanding position, but what does this mean? To sum it up, it means that when laying out your room, be mindful to place your bed in a crucial part of the room with a clear vantage point of the main door. Don’t be fooled, however. You do not want your bed to be directly lined up with your doorway, but still allow easy visual access to the exit. This process can metaphorically allow you to see who and what is entering your space at all times.
The best practice to achieve this is by placing your bed in the center of the room. The way most bedrooms are designed, there is always a free wall. Take advantage of that space, and allow the symmetry to come naturally from placing the bed at the centerpiece of your room. Avoid throwing your bed in a corner or against a wall as much as possible.
Spring cleaning hasn’t hit yet, but there’s no better time to start than when laying out a new bedroom. It might be tempting to throw everything you own into your bedroom, but that can interrupt the stress-free feel you’re going for. Minimizing clutter can encourage a better sleep schedule, positive cleaning habits, and better mental health. Consider a separate room or storage space in your home to store your belongings.
Now, this may fall into a bit of superstition, but we promise it’s worth it. In the sense of feng shui, too many mirrors in your bedroom can actually create an imbalance in the energy you’re attempting to command. That energy can bounce around, creating a more hectic environment. Not to mention, too many mirrors can cause headaches, unwanted views, and a feeling that your space is smaller than it appears.
There are also superstitions that mirrors can encourage negative energy. This can cause sleeplessness or heights of anxiety in your space, the exact opposite of what feng shui is supposed to promote. If you do include a mirror in your bedroom, avoid having it face your bed directly.
While what we’ve mentioned can seem a little… sterile, there are ways to decorate a room with feng shui in mind. In fact, many practices encourage the use of soft decor and rugs to help balance out the space. Placing an area rug under or near the bed is a great way to ground the energy while sleeping, striking a balance between soft textures (yin) and hard surfaces (yang). Achieving a similar effect at a lower cost is possible by using two smaller rugs on each side of the bed.
We’ve all shoved things under our bed before, don’t lie. Out of sight, out of mind, right? However, that might not be the right mindset when trying to encourage positive energy in your space. In terms of feng shui, having storage under the bed may disrupt your sleeping pattern as it hinders the smooth flow of energy around the energy fields of your bed.
But don’t worry, it’s recognized that not everything can be free from under-the-bed storage. In terms of superstition, when storing things under your bed, try to keep in mind who gave you those things, and the energy it attracts. Things such as bedding, blankets, towels, and comfort-related items are great for storing under the bed, while diaries, old clothes, or unwanted objects may not be.
Choosing the right color scheme can make all the difference. A color scheme that promotes tranquility and relaxation is most recommended, but it depends more on what you deem comfortable. Soft, muted tones such as blues, greens, and neutrals are often recommended in Feng Shui for bedrooms. Color theory notes that these colors can encourage relaxation and stress-free emotions. However, pastels, off-whites, and even colors found in nature such as yellows can work just as well.
Dark tones such as reds, deep blues, or blacks are not recommended, as they can make the room feel a little claustrophobic. This is also important to think about when choosing decor. While that large red tapestry may look beautiful, it might be better for it to find its home in a larger space around your house.
Going natural can be a great thing for your bedroom, but what do we mean by that? When we say “go natural”, we mean literally! Don’t be afraid to incorporate a houseplant or two, natural finishes such as wood or metal, and reduce technology.
Plants are a great way to get started, but make sure to limit the amount of plants incorporated, as it may introduce too many soft textures into the room, throwing off the balance. You can also consider adding natural elements into your space for a balancing feel. Achieving good feng shui involves an equal representation of the elements: wood, fire, metal, earth, and water. You can choose to express these elements through color choices, textures, finishes, shapes, and decorative objects in the bedroom.
By incorporating these Feng Shui principles into your bedroom, you can create a space that not only looks appealing but also fosters a balanced energy. Experiment with your spaces, and find something that suits your preferences. Your bedroom is your haven, and you may find that a little redecorating can encourage better sleep, less stress, and a clean lifestyle.
Augustus & Carolina can assist you in building your maximalist collection. With tons of unique options for any aesthetic, we are here to make your vision a reality! Need some inspiration? Check out our indoor furnishing gallery and outdoor gallery. Come visit our showroom at 822 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.