Bringing Feng Shui Into the Bedroom

You may have spent generous amounts of time and money decorating the “public” spaces in your home. Living rooms, great rooms, kitchens and powder rooms are often considered top priorities because these are the spaces most commonly inhabited by guests. However, it is even more important to consider the design and decor of your bedroom.

Although you may be the only person who ever uses this space, the principles of Feng Shui hold that bedrooms are crucial because they express our most personal traits and impact the way we sleep, feel and interact with the outside world. Follow these tips to help create the bedroom of your dreams:

•Put your bed in the “command position.” This places the bed as far from the door as possible while still allowing you to see the door from the bed. However, it is important that the bed not be directly opposite the doorway. The back of the bed should be against a wall or in a diagonal corner position. If your bed will not fit into the room’s command position, hang a small mirror so that you can see a reflection of the doorway from your bed.

•A solid headboard symbolizes solid support in your life.

•Do not store anything under your bed. This practice creates stagnant, blocked energy that can negatively impact you during sleep.

•Surround yourself with your favorite things. You should love to be in your bedroom, surrounded by things that evoke positive feelings. A calm, peaceful space will also encourage a good night’s sleep.

•One mirror is enough. Too many mirrors activate energy flow and can disrupt sleep. Mirrored closet doors can be major culprits in contributing to insomnia. If you can’t sleep well, cover your mirrors for a few nights. You may be surprised to find that your sleep improves in a less active environment.

•Master bedrooms benefit from warm colors. Warm tones help enhance communication while cool colors, such as blue, green and white, may have the opposite effect. Accessories in warm hues can help to counteract the effect of cooler colors in the bedroom.

•Avoid artwork that is aggressive, active or sad. Instead, surround your sleeping space with images that inspire, calm and uplift you. Paintings or photos of peaceful scenes that you love to imagine yourself in are excellent choices.

•Remove the television. The reason is simple: TVs activate energy flow, which is the wrong idea for this restful, relaxing space. By eliminating TV in the bedroom, you will also enhance your communications and relationship with your partner. If you believe that you must have a television in the bedroom, be sure to put it in a cabinet where you can shut the doors over it before you go to sleep.

•Keep your bedroom tidy and your closet door closed. Remember, your bedroom should be relaxing, comforting and nurturing. The chaos of clutter degrades your ability to relax.

By keeping these principles in mind, your bedroom can become the heart of your home – a peaceful haven that allows you to face the world in a more positive and productive state of mind.