The master bedroom is considered one of the most important areas of the house for making Feng Shui changes, and the rule of thumb about Feng Shui for your bed is that it should be reserved for “rest and romance” only. The critical steps in creating this special bedroom sanctuary are first, choose the right bed, and second, place your bed in the best position to assure restful sleep. The size of bed you choose and the type of headboard can affect the quality of your sleep and your relationship.

The first tip about Feng Shui for beds is to select the right size bed. Queen size beds are rectangular in shape and therefore represent the Feng Shui Wood Element, or growth. They are especially good for new marriages to grow your relationship. King size beds are square and represent the Earth Element, or stability. They help support existing and long-time relationships.

The shape of your headboard is more important than its material. So when you choose a headboard, think of the shape of the Feng Shui Five Elements:

• A square headboard is the best shape because it’s the shape of the Earth Element that represents stability, harmony, and balance. This shape nurtures a harmonious relationship.

• A rectangular headboard is also a good choice because it represents the Wood Element that encourages growth and expansion.

• A rounded or oval shape signifies the Metal Element that promotes creativity and the creative professions.

• A wavy shape represents the Water Element that encourages relaxation and rest.

• It’s best to avoid a triangular headboard, which represent the Fire Element, because its pointed edges could cause arguments between the couple.

A footboard is not essential for all beds, but should be used if the only way to place the bed is with your feet facing directly out the door, which is considered inauspicious. Just make sure your footboard isn’t higher than the headboard or the positive chi won’t reach you.

And remember, no matter what bed you choose, avoid storing things underneath, because clutter under your bed can interfere with romance and sound sleep. However, if your closet space is so limited that you must store things under your bed, make sure you only keep soft things like linens or seasonal clothes, rather than hard things like exercise equipment.

Next, choose the location for your bed. The ideal placement is where you can see the doorway into the room without having to turn your head more than 90 degrees, and not located directly in front of the doorway. Place the head of your bed against a solid wall for protection and to assure a good night’s sleep. Choose a substantial headboard, or hang a rug or fiber art piece on the wall behind you.

Avoid placing your bed in front of a window because there is nothing solid behind you for support. If this is the only possible location for your bed, be sure you hang window treatments and close them each night before you go to sleep. It’s also best to avoid placing your bed in the corner on the diagonal. If the only location for your bed is in the corner, fill up the space behind you with a floor screen or tall plant to help ground you and make you sleep better. If you can see the toilet from your bed, keep the bathroom door closed at night.

Finally, avoid placing a bed for two people in the corner, against two walls, because the person who sleeps next to the wall could feel symbolically “trapped” in the relationship because he or she has to climb over the other person to get out of bed. Make sure you place matching night tables on both sides of the bed to symbolize equality in the relationship.

Also avoid placing your bed with your feet pointed directly out the door, because you will just feel exposed and vulnerable if you sleep in this position. If this is the only location for your bed, be sure to use a footboard or place a small chest or piece of furniture at the end of the bed for protection.

Start making Feng Shui changes today with the tip-a-day calendar in the new e-book from Feng Shui Master Practitioner Carol M. Olmstead. Click here to order your copy of "365 Feng Shui Secrets" from the e-book store at BellaOnline.com.


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