Is a Bedroom With a Desk Bad Feng Shui?

Having a Desk in Your Bedroom Can Disrupt Sleep and Relaxation

Having a workspace in your bedroom brings stressful work energy into a space meant for rest and relaxation. The presence of work materials like a computer can make it harder to mentally detach from work. Staring at screens late at night can disrupt sleep cycles and quality.

The ideal feng shui bedroom layout promotes deep, restful sleep by removing stimulating clutter and distractions. The energy generated when working at a desk is counterproductive to the calm atmosphere needed for quality sleep. Bringing this kind of busy energy into the bedroom tends to make it more difficult to relax and fall asleep.

Having work items in your direct line of sight also makes it challenging to mentally separate from the demands of work. Out of sight, out of mind is a key feng shui principle. Keeping work hidden away promotes the sense that the bedroom is solely a place for rest and intimacy.

Another consideration is the use of electronic devices like computers and phones before bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can greatly disrupt normal circadian rhythms and melatonin production. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. It’s best to avoid stimulating screen time in the bedroom when possible.

Desks Disrupt the Ideal Feng Shui Bedroom Layout

In feng shui, the ideal bedroom layout has the bed placed in the commanding position, which is diagonally across from the doorway. Having the bed in this position promotes relaxation and allows for the best energy flow in the room.

Unfortunately, placing a desk in the bedroom disrupts this ideal feng shui layout. The desk brings stressful work energy into what should be a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Its presence competes with the bed for the commanding position of the room, which throws off the entire energy.

Ideally, the bedroom would be kept as a simple, peaceful retreat with just the bed, nightstands, and perhaps a dresser or armoire. Any office furniture like a desk brings distracting yang energy that makes it harder to fully relax and get deep, restorative sleep.

Place the Desk in the Commanding Position if Possible

If a desk in the bedroom is unavoidable, place it in the commanding position facing the door. Sitting with your back to the door is unfavorable in feng shui. Positioning the desk to face the door promotes productivity and focus.

The commanding position refers to the farthest position from the door but facing towards the door. Having your back to the door leaves you unaware of your surroundings, which can create a sense of vulnerability. Facing the door provides a commanding view of the room and allows you to see anyone who enters.

From a feng shui perspective, having your back to the door can drain your energy and vitality when working. It disrupts the natural flow of chi into the room. Facing the door keeps the flow of energy aligned in your favor.

In addition to the energetic benefits, sitting facing the door minimizes distractions. You can stay focused on your work without being startled or disrupted when someone comes in. The commanding view of the room also promotes a sense of control over your workspace.

Add Feng Shui Elements to Promote Balance

Feng shui principles emphasize harmony and balance between opposing energies. The yang energy of a desk can be balanced out with some thoughtful feng shui enhancements.

Incorporate earth elements like crystals, plants and wood accents to ground too much mental energy. The five feng shui elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Natural materials like quartz, jade and wood represent the earth element and can help stabilize the excessive mental stimulation from desk work.
Use soft lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere. Overhead lighting is too harsh and yang for a bedroom. Swap out overhead lights for table lamps with soft bulbs to set a calmer mood.
Add yin elements like soft fabrics and curved lines to counteract the yang energy of the desk. Yin represents stillness and openness. Upholstery with soft, flowing fabrics and furniture with rounded edges introduces more yin into the space.

Keep Work Hidden When Not In Use

If you must have a desk in your bedroom, be sure to keep your workspace and any related materials out of sight when you are not actively working. This helps maintain the calm, relaxed energy that a bedroom needs.

Keep desktop and supplies organized and hidden away in drawers when not working. Don’t leave papers, folders, writing implements, etc sitting out on the desk surface when you’re not using them.
Cover your computer monitor or use a laptop that can be closed. Seeing work files and materials on your screen is visually distracting. Close laptops, turn off monitors, and generally keep your workspace tech hidden away.
Hide paperwork and files to keep the relaxing bedroom energy. Don’t use your bedroom desk space as a holding area for bills, schoolwork, etc. Keep all of these papers filed away out of sight, ideally in another room if possible.

The goal is to promote the sense that your desk nook completely transforms into a peaceful, work-free zone when you’re not actively sitting there working on projects or tasks. Make it disappear.

Limit Desk Use to Promote Sleep

To prevent your in-room desk from disrupting your sleep, be mindful about when and how you use your desk space.

Avoid working right before bedtime. Give yourself an electronics curfew at least one hour before you plan to sleep, and use that time to start relaxing and winding down for bed.
Charge devices like laptops and phones outside of the bedroom. Having them in the room can tempt you to continue working or scrolling late into the night.
Set a reminder to tidy your desk surface before going to sleep. Having a messy, cluttered workspace can overstimulate your mind, making it hard to calm down. Maintain the peaceful energy by putting everything away.

Choose Colors Carefully

The colors you choose for your bedroom walls, decor, and bedding can impact the overall energy and ambiance of the space. When incorporating a desk area into your bedroom, pay close attention to color choices to maintain a relaxing vibe.

Opt for warm, calming colors like yellows and greens. Avoid stimulating reds or neon colors that can disrupt sleep. Incorporate earth tones that promote relaxation and mental grounding. Browns, tans, and terra cotta shades are ideal.

Use neutral walls as a backdrop for pops of color in decor and bedding. For example, paint the walls a soft tan or light gray, then bring in accents of green and yellow through pillows, art, rugs, and other decor elements. This allows you to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Stick to lighter, softer shades to support restful sleep. Dark or intense colors can feel too active for a bedroom. The goal is to create an oasis of tranquility, so make color choices accordingly.

Add Bedroom Feng Shui Cures

Bringing in intentional feng shui elements can help counteract any negative energy from having a workspace in your bedroom. Try some of these cures:

Hang a crystal like amethyst or rose quartz near the bed to absorb negative energy and promote relaxation. The soft glow of a crystal also sets a calming mood.
Use a Himalayan salt lamp on a nightstand or dresser. The warm pink glow purifies the air and generates positive energy.
Add live plants or fresh flowers to the bedroom. Greenery generates fresh chi and creates a welcoming environment. Good feng shui plants for bedrooms include jasmine, gardenia, and snake plants.
Place feng shui art, like images of bamboo or gentle waterfalls. These represent healthy chi energy flowing freely. Avoid overly stimulating artwork.

Simple enhancements like these can make a big difference in improving the overall feng shui and energy of your bedroom. They counterbalance the busier yang energy from a workspace.

Arrange Furniture Properly

One important feng shui principle for any room, including the bedroom, is the proper arrangement of furniture. Avoid arranging furniture in sharp angles or placements that block energy flow. The ideal furniture placement allows positive chi to freely circulate around the room.

When arranging bedroom furniture, leave space around the bed and open walkways through the room rather than cluttering the space. The bed itself should not be positioned under a beam or feel cramped. Nightstands should be placed symmetrically on each side of the bed to promote balance. Make sure there is room to comfortably walk around at least three sides of the bed.

Also consider the commanding position of the bed in relation to the bedroom door. If possible, position the bed so you can see the door while lying in bed without being directly in line with it. This allows you to control the chi entering the room.

Optimizing the layout and arrangement of furniture is an important feng shui strategy to incorporate proper energy flow in your bedroom. Along with keeping clutter to a minimum, proper furniture placement sets the stage for a bedroom environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenating sleep.

Keep the Bedroom Clutter-Free

Keeping your bedroom free of clutter is an essential feng shui principle for promoting relaxation and restful sleep. Clutter can create chaotic energy that makes it difficult to unwind. Follow these tips:

Remove extra furniture that is not needed. Only keep furniture that serves a purpose and brings you joy. Excess furniture crowds the space and traps energy.
Keep surfaces clutter-free. Clear flat surfaces like dressers, nightstands, and your desk. Limit items to only those you use daily. Put away books, papers, and other items when not in use.
Store items neatly in closets and drawers. Use organizers, shelves, and baskets to neatly store clothing and belongings out of sight. Avoid cramming closets or overfilling drawers.
Do not pile things under the bed. Anything stored under the bed causes unseen clutter. Use under-bed storage containers if needed, but limit what is kept under there. Some feng shui experts recommend keeping under-bed space completely clear.

Removing clutter stimulates positive chi energy flow in the bedroom. A clutter-free room also promotes mental clarity and serenity when sleeping and waking up.