Simple Ways to Use Feng Shui in the Bedroom

I thought this would be a great time to write about my adventures with Feng Shui, as my children are growing and spending less time in the grown-up bedroom and I have been attempting to re-style the bedroom accordingly.

There is also a method of organization and design for the various rooms of the home called Vastu Shastra. Some even say that it was from Vastu that Feng Shui was born. I studied this quite a bit in my early 20’s, and practiced it too. That is probably due to the fact that I received a fabulous book, Altars of Power and Grace, which I believe was passed on prior to my traveling years. If you are at all curious, have a look here.

Now that I think about it, Vastu is so wonderful that it may well be worth writing a blog post just for it. Anyhow, back to the task at hand! Let’s talk some more Feng Shui, shall we?

If you have ever considered incorporating ideas proposed by Feng Shui into the bedroom, you should design the space to help you create a deep and restful sleep, and maintain a solid connection with your partner and with yourself.  The ambiance of any bedroom should be warm, inviting, and calming.

Whether you’re going to be in the room for an afternoon nap, a good night’s sleep or for a round of passionate lovemaking, you should get sense that the room is pleasurable to spend your time in and release the stresses of any day.

Here are some ideas for incorporating Feng Shui techniques into your bedroom:

Feng Shui Rule #1: Try to Keep Electronics Out of the Bedroom

Anything that can serve as a distraction for you, that can keep you from stepping into your own bedroom oasis and a sense of instant calm, should be removed from the bedroom.  The main logic behind not having a computer in the bedroom is because it’s often associated with work and your bed is associated with rest.

Work and rest are opposite of each other so when it comes to Feng Shui, the energy of these two is incompatible.  Not to mention, the frequency waves off of electronic devices can really interfere with your rest.

Feng Shui Rule #2: Assess Your Lighting Situation

Lighting is a very important design element to consider, whether in Feng Shui or any other designing structures. Feelings and moods are greatly affected by lighting.  There are many stylish floor lamps and table lamps available, in many different shapes and sizes to suit different tastes and which are covered in soft whites and creams and add a lovely ambiance to the room.

Soft lighting for any bedroom is always best, and near to the bed so that it is easy to switch the lights off.  Candles are always a nice alternative, but of course, you would want to place these far away from any fabrics and be sure that the candles are non-toxic.

Feng Shui Rule #3: Find Some Ideas For Your Bed

It is well worth it to invest in fabrics that are tactile to you, and styles and patterns which just make you feel good. Decide if you prefer your bed higher up or closer to the floor, and whether or not you want a headboard.

If so, is it a nice and sturdy wood frame that speaks to you?  What kind of wood, and in what color?  Or is it a more funky headboard that you like?  Perhaps peek through some magazines or do some online searches for ideas.  Try to have your bed accessible from both sides.

Remember, this is all about the free flow of energy so you don’t want anything to feel too cramped or squashed.  It is ideal in Feng Shui to have a nightstand on either side of the bed also.  This also coincides with the lighting idea above – you can place some soft lighting on each nightstand.  I have always read books before bed, as I know I am prepared for a deep, restful sleep once the words on the pages begin to blur or the book begins falling out of my hands!

Sidenote:  It is actually preferable not to have mirrors in the bedroom.  If you must, try to have it a small mirror, not too close to the bed and round if possible.

Feng Shui Rule #4: Do Your Best to Keep Clutter At Bay

Again, the idea is to allow energy in the bedroom to have a lot of space to breathe.  This is hard to do if the room is cluttered and objects are in the way of you moving around the room easily.  There is of course, the ancient Chinese proverb which states, “A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind”!

Organization is always key, and there are plenty of storage options available to suit your particular taste.  If you are at a loss of how to un-clutter your bedroom and where to put your things, try using small labeled boxes (made of thin paper or cardboard) in colors and patterns that you enjoy and are soothing which are easy to stack and stow away.

Feng Shui Rule #5: Choose Your Colors Wisely

You want to steer clear of stimulating colors, such as orange and green.  Try to incorporate tones that are calming and earthy.  Warm blues and purples, tans and browns are usually a good palette to go with.

Since the idea is free movement, be sure that your curtains and fabrics are not too heavy or stifling.  Wall decals are a great way to add personal flair.  I found some great bluish-gray leaf and vine patterned decals which I have placed above my bed, going more than halfway up the wall.  They are both funky and nature inspired, and make me happy just to look at them!

John O’Donohue

 Please watch this lovely video which explains the concepts of Feng Shui even deeper. Enjoy!

Feng Shui- The Invisible Force from Uvas Yu on Vimeo.