Why Location Matters in Feng Shui Bed Placement
Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arranging living and working spaces in harmony and balance with natural forces. A key principle is strategic placement of the bed to promote health, prosperity, and good fortune.
According to feng shui wisdom, the best feng shui bed placement is the “command position.” In the command position, the bed is diagonally positioned across from the bedroom door, allowing you to see the entryway but not be aligned with it directly. This enables you to see opportunities while still feeling protected and in control.
Command Position for Optimal Feng Shui
The ideal feng shui placement for a bed is the “command position.” This is when the bed is positioned diagonally from the bedroom door, so you can see the door but are not directly in line with it.
Having a bed in the command position allows you to easily see opportunities and changes coming your way. At the same time, being diagonal to the door gives you a sense of control over your space. The bed is facing the auspicious area of the room, allowing you to gather the positive qi energy flowing from the doorway.
The command position enables you to be sheltered and supported with a solid wall behind you. But you also get the security of seeing any entrance into the space. This is the optimal feng shui bed placement for balance, safety, and activating positive energy flow.
Issues with Bed Against Wall
Placing a bed against the wall blocks the energy flow on that side of the bed and creates an imbalance. Chi energy needs to circulate around all sides of the sleeping area for optimal rest and wellbeing.
With a bed flush against a wall, the occupant on that side may feel restricted, stuck, or unsupported. Their sleep quality is more likely to suffer. Partners may also fight over who gets the open side, since it allows easier access.
Bed positioning affects how energy accumulates around the sleeper at night. The ideal is free flow, with no harsh angles or edges catching and trapping the chi. But a bed on just one wall has a disrupted, lopsided flow that fails to envelope the sleeper properly.
Over time, the stuck energy on the walled side can manifest in health issues, especially if someone always sleeps on that side. Neck tension, insomnia, lethargy upon waking, and headaches are common symptoms. It may also exacerbate underlying conditions.
The imbalance can also lead to relationship problems for couples, as one partner unconscious absorbs smoother energy flow. This feng shui flaw is easy to remedy with just a bit of adjustment to open up the flow.
Okay for Kids and Guests
Having the bed against the wall is generally fine for kids or guests staying in the bedroom, even though it’s not ideal for feng shui.
For children, positioning the bed against the wall can provide a sense of support and protection. The solid wall behind the bed can make kids feel more secure and reassured, especially in an unfamiliar environment like a hotel or while traveling. Some feng shui experts say this setup is good for fostering stability in a child’s sleeping space.
Similarly, for adult guests temporarily using the room, having the bed against the wall is likely not a major issue. Since guests are not sleeping in the room every day and night, the blocked energy flow does not impact them as significantly. As visitors, guests may also appreciate the feeling of security from having a wall behind the bed in an unfamiliar bedroom.
So while far from ideal in terms of feng shui, there are some situations where placing a bed against the wall is acceptable for short-term use. The key is that for the room’s primary resident, the bed should be positioned away from the wall whenever possible to allow full energy flow.
Move Bed Away From Wall
Even moving the bed just a few inches away from the wall can make a significant difference in the feng shui. This opens up the energy flow that was blocked by the bed being pushed fully against the wall.
Aim to move the bed 3-6 inches away if possible. This gives some space for energy to circulate while still keeping the bed positioned snugly in the room. It also allows both people easier access to both sides of the bed.
Some options for creating a gap include:
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Use a thinner headboard. Just those few inches gained can help.
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Switch to a bed frame or no headboard at all.
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Reposition side tables closer to the walls to gain space.
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Place foam bumpers on the bed legs to prevent scuffing of walls.
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Install a half moon wall table or wall-mounted lamps instead of full bedside tables.
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Get creative with extra pillows, cushions or a mattress topper to take up space between the bed and wall.
The goal is to open up any amount of space you can, even just an inch or two, to keep energy and opportunities flowing.
Add Wood Elements
Adding natural wood elements can help boost the energy in a bedroom where the bed is up against a wall. The wood element represents vital growth and renewal in feng shui. Introducing living plants, fresh flowers, and wooden accents will help stimulate positive chi and balance the stagnant feel of a bed in the corner.
Specifically, incorporate more wood by:
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Placing a potted plant or fresh flowers on the nightstand or dresser near the bed. Opt for leafy greens, flowering plants, bamboo, orlucky bamboo.
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Hanging art on the walls above or around the bed featuring nature, trees, or floral designs. Wall art injects nourishing wood energy.
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Setting a small wooden sculpture, plant stand or organizer on the nightstand or dresser. Unfinished wood is ideal.
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Choosing bedding, pillows or area rugs with green, blue, brown or natural fiber designs. These earthy colors represent growth and renewal.
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Decorating with wicker baskets, rattan mats, or wood storage boxes. Natural fibers also introduce wood energy.
The goal is to compensate for the confined position of the bed by enveloping it in organic, upward moving energy. This allows chi to flow freely despite the less-than-ideal placement against the wall. A dose of wood’s vibrant yang energy balances the yin of a stagnant wall.
Use Mirrors to Visually Expand Space
Placing mirrors strategically in a bedroom can help expand the visual space when a bed is positioned against a wall. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger area.
Hang a large mirror directly across from the bed to give the appearance of more room behind the headboard. Position it so you see the reflection when lying in bed. The mirror will make the wall seem farther away.
You can also hang a long mirror vertically on the wall perpendicular to the bed. Angling it so you see the reflection while in bed makes the room feel wider and less cramped.
Place mirrors to reflect windows, allowing more natural light to fill the room. More light brightens up a dark corner and makes the space feel more open and expansive.
Getting creative with mirror placement activates positive feng shui energy in the bedroom. It’s an easy trick to make a small space with limited bed positioning options feel more balanced and inviting.
Uplifting Artwork
Surrounding yourself with uplifting artwork is another excellent feng shui cure for a bed against the wall. Choose pieces that make you happy and evoke positive emotions. Opt for bright, cheerful colors like yellow, green, blue, pink, and purple. Scenes from nature, like flowers, trees, mountains, and water are highly recommended. You can also find artwork related to things you enjoy such as animals, travel destinations, hobbies, or inspirational quotes.
The key is to pick artwork that boosts your mood and energy levels. Avoid selecting dark, gloomy, or unsettling art. When you wake up and look at something beautiful and inspiring, it starts your day off on a positive note. You want the art to provide a mental and visual escape from the confines of the wall behind your bed. Energetically, the right artwork balances and lifts the space.
Declutter for Better Energy Flow
Clutter is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to blocking healthy energy flow in a bedroom. When objects, clothes, boxes, and other items pile up around the bed, it creates stagnant and chaotic energy that makes it difficult to relax and sleep well.
According to feng shui principles, clutter represents stuck energy and unfinished business. By clearing out clutter around the bed, you effectively clear out that stuck energy. This allows fresh chi to circulate, which has an uplifting and rejuvenating effect.
Aim to keep the area around the bed clear of clutter. Store items in closets, drawers and shelves. Avoid simply shoving things under the bed, as that continues to block energy on the floor. It’s best to keep a clean, open space so energy can sweep under and around the entire bed.
In addition, dust and vacuum frequently to keep your bedroom space fresh. Smudging with sage can also purify any trapped energy. By pairing decluttering with other feng shui enhancements, you’ll notice the positive difference. Your bedroom will become a sanctuary that promotes deep, restful sleep.
Conclusion
Placing a bed against the wall is not ideal according to feng shui principles. The bed is blocked on one side which can create an imbalance in energy flow for the sleeper. It also makes it difficult to access both sides of the bed. However, there are some solutions to improve the feng shui if repositioning the bed is not an option.
The best tips are to move the bed at least a few inches away from the wall if possible. Add wooden elements like live plants and decor in green, blue, or brown hues which represent growth and relaxation. Use mirrors to visually expand the space and give the illusion of more room around the bed. Uplifting artwork and proper lighting also boost the energy. Lastly, decluttering the rest of the room can help the chi circulate.
While challenging, a few feng shui enhancements can make a bed against the wall more harmonious. With some creativity, you can find the right adjustments for your space.
