Feng Shui - How To Feng Shui Your Bedroom

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jul 03, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
Feng Shui - How To Feng Shui Your Bedroom

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Feng Shui—it may have originated in ancient China, but its influence has well and truly gone global. From downtown apartments in London to sun-drenched villas in Ibiza, people everywhere are applying this time-tested philosophy to create spaces that just feel better. You’ve probably heard the term before (it’s pronounced “fung shway”), but what does it actually mean? And more importantly—can it really help you sleep better and feel more at ease in your own home?

The short answer: yes, it absolutely can.

Let’s unpack what Feng Shui really is, how it applies to the bedroom (arguably the most important room in the house when it comes to rest and recharge), and—most importantly—how you can start using it today without needing a pricey consultant or a total renovation.

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Feng Shui

First, What Is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is a centuries-old Chinese practice that focuses on creating harmony between individuals and their environments. It’s based on the idea that everything around us contains energy, or qi (also spelled chi), and that how we arrange our surroundings can influence the flow of that energy—for better or for worse.

Traditional Feng Shui is a mix of philosophy, art, science, and a bit of mysticism. Experts can spend years mastering it. In many Asian cultures, no building is designed, no house built, and no office renovated without a Feng Shui consultation.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go full guru to get real benefits. With just a few tweaks, you can turn your bedroom into a sanctuary of positive energy and restful vibes. So if you’re ready to actually enjoy being in your room, wake up refreshed, and maybe even improve your love life (hey, Feng Shui says it can help)—keep reading.

How To Feng Shui Your Bedroom: Simple Tips That Make a Big Difference

1. Close the Doors, Drawers & Cupboards at Night

Here’s an easy one to start: close your bedroom doors at night. That includes your main door, wardrobe doors, the ensuite bathroom door, and even those drawers you always forget to shut. Why?

Because according to Feng Shui, when doors and drawers are left open, the positive energy you’ve built in your space can literally drain away. Plus, a room with everything shut feels calmer, tidier, and safer. You’re not just managing energy—you’re creating a subtle sense of order that your nervous system can feel, even if you don’t realise it.

2. Cut the Clutter

You’ve heard this one before: clutter = chaos. But in Feng Shui, it’s more than just mess. Clutter represents stagnant energy. It blocks the natural flow of qi and contributes to feelings of overwhelm, restlessness, and even low motivation.

You don’t need to go full minimalist if that’s not your thing. But do take a good look around. Is your nightstand buried under books and old receipts? Is your “floordrobe” creeping out from under the bed? Start small—one drawer at a time. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s flow.

Tip: Pay extra attention to what’s under the bed. Feng Shui recommends keeping that space clear or storing only soft, sleep-supporting items like extra bedding. Avoid keeping boxes of paperwork, shoes, or anything emotionally charged under there—it can affect the quality of your rest.

3. Your Bed Placement Matters—A Lot

In Feng Shui, your bed is known as the “command position.” This is one of the most important concepts to get right. Here’s how:

  • Don’t put your bed in line with the door. This is called the "coffin position" (dramatic, we know), and it symbolises vulnerability. Instead, place your bed diagonally opposite the door, where you can still see it, but not be directly in line with it.

  • Make space on both sides. If your bed is pushed up against the wall, it limits access—and, energetically, that can restrict communication and equality in a relationship. Whether you’re sharing your bed or not, make sure there’s room on either side. Bonus: it just looks better.

  • Avoid placing your bed under a window. Your head needs support and protection while you sleep. A solid wall behind your headboard is ideal. If you must put it under a window, go for a sturdy headboard and blackout curtains or heavy drapes.

4. Let There Be (Natural) Light & Air

Ever walked into a dark, stuffy room and immediately felt a bit...off? That’s stagnant qi at work. Light and air are two of the most important energy boosters in Feng Shui. Make it a daily habit to:

  • Open your windows, even for a few minutes.

  • Let in natural light wherever possible.

  • Use mirrors carefully to reflect light (but avoid placing them directly across from your bed—they can be too stimulating at night).

  • Consider adding a fan or air purifier if your room tends to feel heavy or dusty.

5. Stick to Purposeful, Peaceful Décor

Everything in your bedroom should support rest, intimacy, or peace. That means asking yourself: What is this item doing here?

If the answer is “it’s just been there forever” or “I didn’t know where else to put it,” it might be time to rehome it. This includes:

  • Unused gym equipment (the dreaded bedroom treadmill)

  • Stacks of paperwork or work-related tech

  • Unloved furniture that’s just taking up space

Instead, think soft textures, natural materials, calming shapes. Each item should either serve a function (like a lamp or a chair) or bring you joy (like art or a beautiful plant).

6. Go Green—Bring in Plants

Adding plants is a brilliant (and easy) way to enhance your bedroom’s qi. In Feng Shui, plants represent growth, vitality, and the wood element. They also literally clean the air—what’s not to love?

Some great low-maintenance options for the bedroom include:

  • Snake Plant

  • Pothos

  • Peace Lily

  • ZZ Plant

Place them near the window to help “hold” the energy in the room and create a sense of balance. Just don’t overdo it—too many plants can actually make the space feel a little chaotic, especially if they’re not well cared for.

7. Choose Colours That Support Your Intentions

Feng Shui takes colour seriously. Every direction (north, south, east, west) and every element (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) corresponds to certain colours. But don’t let that overwhelm you. The key is to choose hues that align with how you want to feel in the room.

For bedrooms, that usually means soft, muted tones:

  • Blues and greens for calm and healing

  • Earthy neutrals for grounding

  • Pale pinks and peach for romance and nurturing

  • Warm whites or creams for purity and lightness

Avoid too much red (too energising) or dark black (too heavy), unless you balance them out carefully.

8. Be Thoughtful About Your Art

Art is powerful. It’s not just decoration—it’s energy made visual. Feng Shui recommends avoiding artwork that depicts sadness, loneliness, or chaos in the bedroom. So no stormy oceans or solitary figures staring into the void, thank you very much.

Instead, go for art that makes you feel:

  • Loved

  • Inspired

  • Calm

  • Hopeful

A pair of birds, a peaceful landscape, or an abstract painting with soothing colours can help reinforce the energy you want to bring into your life. And yes, it’s OK to hang pictures of loved ones—but keep the extended family out of the bedroom. This space should reflect your intimate world.

Final Thoughts: Feng Shui Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Intention

At its core, Feng Shui is about being intentional with your space. You don’t need to hire a consultant or throw away everything you own. Start small. Close a door. Move your bed. Clear a surface. Bring in a plant. Notice how you feel afterward.

Your bedroom should be your retreat, your sanctuary, your most nourishing space. By applying just a few simple Feng Shui principles, you can invite calm, clarity, and yes—better sleep—into your life.

So go ahead. Light that candle, fluff those pillows, and let the good energy in. Sweet dreams await.