6 inspiring ways to design a bedroom using the ancient tradition of Feng Shui – you'll only wish you tried it sooner

Aesthetics are a big part of interior design principles, but other equally important elements should be considered when designing an everyday space.

There are many factors to consider when designing a Feng Shui bedroom but comfort is vital to a truly successful design. Designing with a sense of serenity and positivity will ensure that your bedroom stands the test of time, acknowledging its function as a place of rest.

Feng Shui can help to create a calming space. 'Feng' meaning water and 'Shui' meaning wind, when brought together, describe a balance between nature and humanity. Used in design to balance key elements and create a sense of harmony, Feng Shui is the perfect guide to a calming and peaceful bedroom.

We've spoken with interior design experts and therapists who have filled us in on the best ways to channel Feng Shui within bedroom design.

1. Eliminate clutter or negative energy

Feng shui is made up of equally important principles that all come together to create a calming sanctuary. However, one of the most crucial elements of Feng Shui is ridding a space of unwanted excess or clutter.

'As with everything Feng Shui, the first step is to deal with clutter', says expert interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon. 'Overcrowded surfaces, too much on the walls or the pile of clothes masquerading as a 'floordrobe' will cause you to feel emotionally jumbled. They will gather dust and debris to interfere with breathing, and in addition to being potentially dangerous for night time forays to the bathroom, a cluttered bedroom suggests you’re putting your wellbeing and self-esteem at the bottom of your list of priorities.'

'It's quite important to remember that Feng Shui magnifies everything around it, so when you live in chaos, adding feng shui will just make things worse', says Suzanne. Follow spring cleaning rules and clear visual clutter. 'Instead lay strong foundations first by clearing the space of anything surplus and deep cleaning it to flush out any stagnant or negative energy lurking in the room. This is especially important after a period of stress or illness.'

2. Incorporate bespoke lighting

Lighting is never something you should skip out on. In fact, it's crucial in any space as it sets the mood and creates ambiance. But bedroom lighting is perhaps the most important of all if you're looking to meet feng shui principles.

Jo Plant, head of design at lighting brand Pooky, suggests 'A pair of rechargeable table lamps (with a remote control so you needn’t move before sleeping!) placed next to the bed will produce a warm glow that’s perfect for that bedtime read, while also helping you to unwind naturally. Your choice of lampshade can also make a difference – try choosing a material that will diffuse the light gently, such as linen or velvet.'

Always consider the hue of your bulb and its effect on the bedroom. 'Finally, ensure you are using warm-toned bulbs throughout, this choice mimics the sun setting and encourages your mind and body to unwind for a restful night’s sleep', says Jo.

3. Opt for a calming color scheme

Color plays an important role in the overall feel of a room and can make your home feel more relaxing. Whether creating a color scheme with decor or using paint to frame a space, swatting up on calming colors will ensure your bedroom is light, airy, and tranquil.

There are plenty of soothing decorating ideas, but your chosen room color idea is perhaps the most fundamental. 'For the ultimate sleepy den, opt for calming tones throughout, choosing neutral bases like wood or rattan and pair with pastel blues and lilacs to lull you into slumber,' says Jo.

Feng shui design embraces cohesion and curation. Helen Pet, Brand ambassador at Arteriors says that deciding on a palette will only enhance the tranquility of a room. 'Maintaining a color scheme across your bedding and lighting will ensure there is a cohesive feel about the room, promoting calmness', she says.

Architect and Feng Shui specialist Anjie Cho says to look at colors as the five elements. 'You can pick an element you want more of in your life and strategically add a little bit of that color to your bedroom', she says. There are plenty of examples but 'earthy tones like brown and yellow signify grounding and stability.'

4. Pay attention to yin and yang energies

Yin and yang energies are at the center of Feng Shui. To avoid an imbalance it's important to ensure each element is equal.

TVs don't belong in the bedroom as electronic devices disrupt harmony, causing the yang energy to increase. Anjie suggests 'Pay attention to electronic devices in your bedroom. In Feng Shui, we balance yin and yang energies, and when it comes to sleep, you want to enhance the yin (restful, dark) energy in your bedroom. Electronics, like phones and other devices, emit blue light that's linked to yang energy. Yang energy is active and bright and can make it harder to unwind and fall or stay asleep.'

Feng Shui energy mapping helps you to reach your goals by creating harmony in your space. To achieve alignment, it's important to balance yin and yang. Suzanne says, 'Mobile phones will interfere with sleep, and having them too close to the head as you sleep may cause significant harm. If you have to use it as an alarm clock, put it well below head height and face down so if it lights up it won’t wake you.'

5. Check your bed placement

Comfortable, effortless bedding will improve your rest but nailing Feng Shui bed placement will also ensure you have a peaceful and uninterrupted night's sleep.

Feng shui bedroom layout is crucial, says Suzanne. 'We aim to position the bed in what’s known as the ‘command position’ which means the bedroom door is in direct or peripheral line of sight when lying on the bed. The command position ensures the sleeper feels confident to relax in the space because they will know when the door opens. However, we don’t have the foot of the bed directly facing the door (known as the coffin position) as this allows our personal energy to seep away in the night.'

Anjie agrees saying, 'Ideally, your bed should be placed to allow you to see the doorway. This placement helps you feel in control of your space and reduces the chances of being startled. If your back is to the door, your non-conscious mind may feel uneasy, which can elevate your stress levels and cause a fight or flight response.'

6. Avoid mess on or around the bed

Maintaining good habits will ensure you return to a welcoming sanctuary. Cleaning the bedroom is vital to ensure Feng Shui is balanced and the room is free from chaos.

Suzanne emphasizes the importance of tidiness and suggests this key minimalist home hack. 'Always make your bed when you get up, it’s your first achievement of the day and it immediately creates order in your mind,' she says. 'I always encourage my clients to make their bedroom look and feel like a hotel room they would happily pay to stay in. Matching bedding, beautiful pillows, and throws are both welcoming and show you are worthy of something special every day. Even if you like an afternoon catnap, remake your bed so when you slip between the sheets you feel relaxed and cherished.'

Suzanne also suggests avoiding clutter around the bed as this will disrupt your sleep cycle. To sleep better, 'Don’t have anything hanging over the bed – whether this is ‘bridge’ built-in furniture, pictures or shelves', she says. 'These will press down energetically and can result in headaches, migraine, neck, shoulder, and back pain, blocked ears, stuffy noses, and snoring. You’ll also be subconsciously aware the whole lot could fall on you as you sleep, so part of your brain will always be on alert.'

There are plenty of sleep trends in 2025 but these experts have proven that feng shui is a fail-safe way of designing a bedroom as it prioritizes peace and comfort over anything else.