6 Feng Shui Bedroom Tips for Better Sleep and Restoration

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Create a personal sanctuary with these Feng Shui bedroom tips for better sleep. 

Last year, my young family moved across the country. Even though my husband’s employer was covering our relocation costs, we sold most of our furniture and kept what we shipped to a minimum. To us, our move was a new beginning, and it called for updates to our home environment, too. We wanted our new place to feel more fresh and inviting than it did before, but more importantly it had to be ultra restorative. So I spent several weeks researching Feng Shui and followed Modern principles when furnishing our bedroom and nursery. Today, we enjoy noticeable improvements in comfort and sleep quality. That’s saying a lot coming from the parents of a now-one-year-old!

You don’t need a cross-country overhaul to be able to feel more restored and rested. Small adjustments to your home can help, too. Try these practical Feng Shui bedroom tips that worked for me. You’ll be on your way to better sleep before you know it.

Quick Links: Feng Shui Bedroom Basics

Every Feng Shui bedroom has its basics – a sturdy and comfortable bed, natural anchoring furniture, and a few well-placed pieces of artwork. In this article, l’ll offer advice on selecting the very best items for your room. Here’s a sneak peek at some of my favorites.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of spatial arrangement. Rooted in a belief that humans are connected to their surroundings, it is a time-tested approach to improving the energy flow of indoor and outdoor environments. There are actually multiple schools of Feng Shui, each with their own tenets and techniques for arrangement. At the end of the day, all schools can all be grouped into one of three categories: Classical, Black Hat, or Modern.

• Classical Feng Shui is a several-thousand-year-old practice steeped in culture and tradition. It is a tailor-made yet formulaic approach to arranging objects, incorporating elements of astrology, science, and mathematics. Skilled practitioners of Classical Feng Shui schools use a variety of tools in spatial design. The most common and popular ones used today are the intricate Compass and Bagua Map.

• Black Hat Sect Tantric Buddhism Feng Shui was developed in the 1980’s and is predominantly practiced in the United States. It is an adaptation of Classical Feng Shui that simplifies core frameworks (e.g. the Bagua Map) and leans more heavily on spirituality. Black Hat practitioners frequently incorporate chants and mantras into their sessions. This enhances the experiential elements of the Feng Shui practice.

• Intuitive/Modern Feng Shui, the newest form of Feng Shui, is deeply psychological. It is the least prescriptive of all Feng Shui schools, and in many ways this makes it the most personal. Modern Feng Shui practitioners believe that the best arrangements are driven by introspection and emotion rather than by strict guidelines. For instance, if the Classical approach calls for a color that you find unappealing, you are encouraged to use one that elicits a more positive response.

Does Feng Shui Work?

I find the Intuitive/Modern approach most compelling because I believe that the mind is a powerful healing tool. Science consistently shows that the brain can convince to the body to relieve its own symptoms. For example, a 2014 study led at the Harvard Medical School concluded that a placebo was 50% as effective as a real drug to reduce pain after a migraine attack¹. Interestingly, this effect held true even when patients knew they were taking a placebo, which suggests there is more at play than positive thinking. Practicing “rituals of treatment”, like the act taking a pill, may also be a component of relief.

Being emotionally invested in your healing process is clearly just as important as the treatment itself. So, even though Modern Feng Shui strays from the Classical approach, I believe that its intuitive components could enhance effects of the ancient healing ritual.

Core Principles of Feng Shui

No matter which type of Feng Shui inspires your bedroom design, you’ll inevitably follow two core principles: purposeful design and balance. Structural hot spots, like doors and windows, will guide your furniture arrangement. You’ll also incorporate a variety textures and materials in line with the theory of the five elements. According to this theory, all of Earth’s elements evoke an emotion and/or physical response. By balancing representation of the elements, you can design a space that is truly harmonious with nature.

• Wood represents creativity and expansion; it governs traits like personal growth, vitality, and flexibility. In design, Wood is expressed through the colors blue and green, as well as columnar shapes, plants, natural fabrics, and wooden furniture.

• Earth represents stability and order; it governs traits like balance and grounding. In design, Earth is expressed through the colors brown, tan, and soft yellow, as well as square and rectangular shapes and landscape imagery.

• Water represents spirituality and wisdom; it governs traits like inspiration and insightfulness. In design, Water is expressed through deep and dark tones (e.g. black, navy blue), as well as asymmetrical shapes, water fixtures, and mirrors.

• Metal represents mental clarity and logic; it governs traits like organization and focus. In design, Metal is expressed through the colors white and grey, as well as round shapes, metallic objects/surfaces, and stones.

• Fire represents passion and authority; it governs traits like expressiveness and courage. In design, FIre is expressed through the colors red, pink, and orange, as well as triangular shapes and objects like candles, electronics, and lamps. 

Calibrating the opposing forces of yin and yang is also important. Yin energy is feminine, soft, nurturing, and dark. Conversely, Yang energy is masculine, hard, aggressive, and bright. If you are going for a truly restorative feel in your bedroom, you’ll want to infuse the room with yin colors, soft textures, and nurturing symbols.

6 Actionable Tips for Good Bedroom Feng Shui

Now that you understand the tenets and types of Feng Shui, let me share some practical (and science-backed) tips to improve the flow of energy in your bedroom. You don’t have to implement them all at once. Start with the most accessible ones, and work your way through the list until you have achieve the ultimate sleep sanctuary of your dreams.

Go All Natural

Solid Wood Bed Frame

Feng Shui experts unequivocally agree – a sturdy bed frame is a must. My husband and I spent several years on a mattress and box spring with metal risers. Now that we have a solid wood bed frame, there is no turning back. It makes such a difference!

In Feng Shui, the headboard symbolizes security and support. So it is essential to have one that brings grounding energy. Stick to a single solid panel made of natural materials, like wood or untreated upholstery. Avoid headboards that are disproportionally short or tall compared to your mattress height, too. Metal, built-in shelving, and slats/bars are discouraged, as these design elements scatter energy and may evoke feelings of entrapment. And because most box springs contain petroleum-based polyurethane and toxic flame retardant chemicals, look for bed frames that do not require a box spring.

Apt2B: Best Upholstered Beds

Apt2B is one of the best places to shop for natural upholstered beds. Their bed frames are handcrafted in California using solid wood and premium materials and fabrics, and they are free of chemicals like ScotchGuard and flame retardants. Apt2B beds have a contemporary and modern feel, and most check all the boxes for good Feng Shui in the bedroom. Make sure you get a first-hand look at their gorgeous selection of colors by ordering free fabric swatches online. I highly recommend opting for their white glove delivery service, too. There is no unpacking, assembly, or cleaning up required. Worth it.

Avocado Mattress: Best Solid Wood Beds

The rustic modern Natural Wood Bed Frame from Avocado Mattress also effortlessly ticks the boxes of a Feng Shui bed. Handcrafted to order in California, it is made from 100% reclaimed wood and finished with a no-VOC sealant. Unlike most conventional wooden bed manufacturers, Avocado Mattress does not use medium density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board. So you not only get a product that is genuinely natural, but also one that lowers your exposure to dangerous air contaminants like formaldehyde.

The upcycled wood used to make this eco-friendly bed comes from buildings built 50-100 years ago. It is harder and more durable than the new lumber used for wooden beds, and therefore it is less prone to warping. At first glance the price tag may seem a bit steep, but the bed comes with free shipping, in-home delivery, and assembly. It’s worth a look!

Organic Mattress

Since mattresses absorb the energy of whomever sleeps on them, my #1 tip for those in need a fresh start is to invest in a new organic mattress. When choosing one, consider density, comfort, and materials, ideally following these guidelines:

• Queen Size: If you are in or seeking a relationship, Feng Shui practitioners recommend sticking to a Queen-sized mattress. Twin/full mattresses leave little room for a partner, while larger ones are less conducive to intimacy.

• Organic Latex or Pocketed Coils: Many Feng Shui practitioners believe the metal in innerspring mattresses amplifies electric and magnetic fields (EMF). As a result, they claim such mattresses disturb sleep and pose health risks. Scientific evidence on this theory is inconclusive, but to be safe look for pure natural latex or organic hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils. Pocketed coils are individually wrapped in fabric and are not connected with a wire. Because they function independently – not as an interconnected unit – their conductive properties are diminished ².

• Certified Natural Materials: To be sure of what you are getting, look for third-party certifications. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) labels will indicate you are getting authentic organic materials, and the GREENGUARD GOLD seal will ensure the mattress has been screened for harmful substances like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Also, make sure the mattress does not contain flame retardants. These chemicals result in poor indoor air quality and have been linked to numerous health hazards³.

My Green Mattress: Best Pure Organic Latex Mattress

Pure organic latex mattresses are ideal for bedroom Feng Shui – not only because they are supportive and non-toxic, but also because they limit motion transfer. The 9″ medium-firm Hope Latex Mattress by Green Mattress is one of the best around. It is handcrafted in the USA of three transitional layers of GOLS-certified latex, which are surrounded by a quilted cover made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool. Because the mattress cover contains naturally fire-resistant wool, no chemical flame retardants are used whatsoever. The Hope Latex Mattress is also GREENGUARD GOLD certified, meaning it meets the strictest standards for VOC-emissions (including formaldehyde) and phthalates.

My Green Mattress is a family-owned business known for high-quality construction and outstanding customer service. Their mattresses are very reasonably priced. They come with a 100-night risk-free trial, free shipping, and a 20-year limited warranty.

Avocado Mattress: Best Hybrid Organic Mattress

The 11″ organic hybrid mattress by Avocado Mattress is by far my favorite mattress. It is completely chemical-free, extremely comfortable, and relatively affordable. Handmade in California, each Avocado organic hybrid mattress features 1,414 individually wrapped pocketed coils that are surrounded by GOLS-certified Dunlop latex. The outer layer is a blend of GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOTS-certified organic wool. The mattresses are free of flame retardants and are also GREENGUARD GOLD certified.

With Avocado Mattress, you get a full year to test your mattress for comfort. They also offer free shipping and returns, as well as free financing and a generous 25-year warranty.

Soft Organic Bedding

Soft organic bed sheets and cozy blankets bring restorative yin energy and a touch of indulgence. So definitely spring for a set of linens that make going to bed feel like a treat. For the best organic bedding, choose sheets with a thread count over 250, and a GOTS certification. Don’t forget to pay attention to dimensions, too. Standard size sheets will fit mattresses that are up to 9″ thick. However, for wider mattresses (like the hybrid ones from Avocado), you’ll need sheets that have additional depth.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of excellent organic bedding, so you shouldn’t have too hard of time finding the perfect set for your room. The collection at Under the Canopy is classic and affordable. But if you’re going for a more contemporary feel, West Elm always has a great selection. I have also discovered that Naturpedic makes some of the softest organic bed linens around. By the way, make sure you consider Naturepedic’s lineup of organic latex mattresses, too. They are highly-rated and definitely worth a look.

Place Furniture Purposefully

When it comes to arranging furniture in the bedroom, the most critical piece to get right is the bed. To enhance the feeling of stability and support in the room, keep your headboard up against a solid wall – not a window. Also, avoid placing the bed under onerous ceiling fixtures, such as beams or chandeliers. If your floor plan allows, place your bed in a “Command Position,” situating it so that you face the door while laying in it.

Leaving walking room on both sides of your bed will help to keep yin and yang energies balanced, as will using symmetry and decorating in pairs. So invest in two identical nightstands, bedside lamps, chairs, in addition to other anchoring pieces. 

Feng Shui experts diverge on whether mirrors belong in the bedroom because they amplify light and sound. Some practitioners believe their yang energy is overstimulating and disturbs sleep, while others encourage their use on limited occasions. If there is a mirror in your bedroom and you feel you have difficulty falling asleep, try removing or repositioning the mirror so that it does not face you while you sleep. 

Cut Out the Clutter

Do a clean sweep and cut out clutter to keep positive vibes flowing freely in your bedroom. Clutter is stagnant energy, and scientific studies show it contributes to stress, inhibits focus, and impacts emotions ⁴. Stress triggered by clutter also leads to unhealthy coping and avoidance mechanisms, including poor nutrition and lethargy. Even when it is hidden – in drawers, closets, or under your bed – clutter can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional well-being. So definitely incorporate a few decorative storage baskets into your design to add visual appeal to your bedroom and keep floors and other surfaces clear.

Check out the stylish handmade pieces at Love Line Baskets; they are my favorites. You can also find gorgeous artisan woven baskets at The Citizenry and Serena & Lilly.

Be Artful About Your Art Selection

The artwork in your bedroom not only sets the tone of the room, but it is also one of the last things you’ll see before falling asleep. Opt for uplifting and calming imagery, and don’t forget the powerful symbolism of pairs. It is best to keep photographs of friends or family out of the bedroom, because they can activate the mind or stir up emotions. Also, avoid hanging art directly over your bed. You don’t want anything falling on you while you sleep!

I had a difficult time finding artwork that spoke to me at conventional home furnishing stores and outlets. I ended up getting some fantastic pieces online – a few are even one-of-a-kind. Minted has a wide selection of premium prints in pairs, and Artfinder is amazing for commissioned artwork for couples. But if you’re on a budget and still want something unusual, there is some pretty cool and affordable wooden wall art at Society6.

Assemble a Soothing Color Palette

Science shows that colors can have a profound effect on our mood and also impact physiology. So it’s worth taking the time to assemble a color palette that does your body good. Most Feng Shui experts recommend soothing Earth tones, particularly neutrals (e.g. cream, beige), for bedroom walls. A few studies show that muted shades of blue, green, peach, and yellow promote restful sleep, so consider incorporating these as accents, too.

It is best to limit saturated primary colors and stark white, as they bring yang energy and are too stimulating. As a general rule, aim to balance warm and cool shades/tones, but always honor your own personal taste and style. That’s important.

Create a Technology-Free Zone

One of the preeminent Feng Shui rules to follow is limiting electronics in the bedroom. Recent studies show that blue light from computers, phones, and alarm clocks suppresses melatonin, keeping the brain alert and disrupting circadian rhythms⁵. Even when turned off, the mere presence of electronics can evoke stress in subtle ways. For example, do you really want to be reminded of all those emails you need to respond to right before you hit the hay? My advice is to make your bedroom a technology-free zone. It isn’t easy to stick to this rule religiously, but in my own experience it really makes a difference.

Which Feng Shui bedroom tips did you decide to implement, and how they have impacted your happiness or sleep quality? Did you know daily habits can impact your sleep, too? A regular meditation and yoga practice has helped me. What about you?

Sources: (1) Harvard Health Publishing: The Power of the Placebo Effect (2019), (2) Avocado Mattress Pocketed Coils Test, (3) National Institute of Environmental Health Services: Flame Retardants, (4) Motherly: It’s Science, Clutter Can Actually Give You Anxiety, (5) The Guardian: The Truth About Blue Light