Bedroom

Sleeping beauty

Text Lungile Nkosi

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy based on creating harmony and good energy in a space with the right spatial arrangement. The energy of a space directly impacts on how that space makes you feel.

Bed positioning

After a long day, nothing can be nicer than flopping onto a plush bed with perfectly fluffed pillows, clean linen and soft lights. But before to shut your eyes and say goodnight to the world, consider the position of your bed. Ideally your bed should not be in line with the door.

The main reason for this is that the door is the entrance and exit between different spaces, and your bed in line with the door subconsciously connects you to the spaces on the other side of it. So in essence, the energy from outside your door has the potential to rush over you while you’re asleep, draining your energy and preventing optimal sleep.

Ancient feng shui teachings call this the coffin. When your feet face the door it is symbolic of how the dead are carried through the door. This of course is based on your beliefs and is up for debate – but repositioning might be worthwhile.

Roche Bobois

Size does matter

When applying feng shui theories to your bedroom, remember that selecting the right-sized furniture for your room is important. Estelle Orsonneau, marketing/communication assistant at Roche Bobois, says: “Bed choice is most important as it is the focal point of the bedroom.” Where your bed is placed and the size of it ultimately determines the movement in the room. All other elements like the dressing table, occasional chairs and side tables must be placed after the bed, making the size and position of the bed a determining factor of the design of your bedroom.

Roche Bobois

Colour and clutter

Decluttering is a major feng shui practice. Clutter is the accumulation of stuff you no longer use or need, symbolising stagnation. Make sure you rid yourself of anything you are not using. If it holds sentimental value, store it away. “Do not clutter your bedroom. Have your cupboard space so you are able to keep things organised and not all over,” Orsonneau advises.

Lastly, how a space feels has a lot to do with colour. Never underestimate the power of colour. Each colour on the spectrum stimulates an emotion – for instance the colour blue is meant to be calming. Your bedroom is where most of your rest happens, and is also the first place you wake up. Neutral colours work best as they help relax the brain after a long day and calm you before a hectic day. “Sticking to neutral colours usually works; a lot of people go wrong with adding many different elements of colour, and this is when it will all clash and look odd. Rather stick to one colour and add a touch of another colour,” Orsonneau explains.

Roche Bobois

Light and feng shui

Light in your bedroom can be used to balance your chi. Artificial lighting is a physical manifestation of the sun, meaning it provides energy, light and warmth. Introducing side lamps with warm-coloured bulbs can make your bedroom feel warmer and calm. “Lighting is the mood creator for the room – so determine what mood you like to create and select the lighting style that complements your room decor setting,” says Leslie Sun, owner of Uniq Lights and Home.

Having the right energy in your home, more specifically your bedroom, can completely transform your mood. Ensure a good night’s rest and a fresh, promising morning with the right feng shui.

Uniq Lights and Home

THE AUTHOR

SA Home Owner Online

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