Top 9 Feng Shui Mistakes You Could Be Making in the Bedroom

Have you ever walked into your bedroom and felt something was just… off? Maybe you wake up feeling tired, or find your mind racing at night with restless thoughts. The culprit could be how your bedroom is arranged. Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, promises more restful sleep and harmony—but only if you avoid some surprisingly common mistakes. Let’s take a look at the nine biggest Feng Shui blunders people make in their bedrooms, and why fixing them could transform your space and your life.

Bed Placement Against a Window

Many people put their beds against a window simply because of room layout or style preferences, but this can create a subtle sense of unease. In Feng Shui, a solid wall behind the bed gives you support and protection, like having a trusted friend always at your back. When your head is right under a window, you might find yourself feeling exposed, vulnerable, or even unsettled in your sleep. The movement of air and changes in light from the window can disrupt your rest, and you might wake up more often during the night. If it’s impossible to move your bed, try using thick curtains or a sturdy headboard to simulate the security of a wall. This small shift can help you feel more anchored and comfortable, so you can truly relax.

Mirror Facing the Bed

Mirrors are both fascinating and tricky in Feng Shui. While they can bring in light and a sense of space, a mirror facing your bed is often seen as a recipe for restless nights. Some traditions say it’s like inviting someone else into the room, which might sound dramatic, but it can lead to an uneasy feeling or even stir up relationship tensions. People often report poorer sleep or more frequent nightmares when sleeping opposite a mirror. If you can’t move a mirror, simply cover it at night with a blanket or a beautiful cloth. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer your room feels when you wake up.

Electronics Near the Bed

It’s tempting to charge your phone on the nightstand or fall asleep to your favorite show, but electronics can quietly sabotage your sleep and your bedroom’s energy. The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) they emit are believed to interfere with your body’s natural rhythms, making it harder to fully rest. Even the soft glow of a screen or standby light can keep your brain alert, preventing deep relaxation. Try leaving your phone in another room or, at the very least, put devices on airplane mode and move them several feet away from the bed. You’ll likely notice you drift off faster and wake up more refreshed, as if your mind finally got the break it needed.

Bed Directly in Line with the Door (“Coffin Position”)

Sleeping with your feet pointing straight at the door is referred to in Feng Shui as the “coffin position.” Even the name gives you a chill! This layout is said to leave you feeling exposed and unsafe, as if you’re vulnerable to whatever comes through the door. Many people find they sleep lightly or wake frequently when their bed is in this position. Ideally, arrange your bed so that you can see the door but aren’t directly in line with it—think of it like sitting in the “power seat” at a restaurant, where you feel in control and can see who’s coming and going. A simple diagonal move can make your bedroom feel more private and secure.

Clutter Under the Bed

Stuffing things under the bed might be a quick fix for storage, but in Feng Shui, it’s like blocking a river and expecting the water to stay fresh. Clutter here can trap energy, leading to restless sleep and even feelings of anxiety. Some people notice they wake up more tired or have trouble relaxing in a cluttered room, and often don’t realize the problem lurks just beneath them. If you must use the space under your bed, store only soft items such as extra bedding, and keep everything organized in closed containers. The more open and clear the space, the more freely positive energy can flow—helping you sleep more soundly.

Sharp Corners or Pointed Objects (“Poison Arrows”)

You might not notice it at first, but sharp edges from furniture, nightstands, or even picture frames can send out what Feng Shui calls “poison arrows.” These are thought to create tiny, invisible darts of negative energy that can make you feel uncomfortable or agitated, even if you can’t pinpoint why. Think of it like sitting too close to a thorn bush—you’re always just a little on edge. To soften the atmosphere, choose rounded furniture, add cushions, or drape fabric over sharp corners. Even small changes like adding a rounded lamp or a soft rug can make the space feel warmer and more inviting.

Too Much Water Energy (Blues, Wavy Patterns)

Water is essential for life, but too much in your bedroom—represented by lots of blue colors, mirrors, or wavy patterns—can make the emotional “waters” in your life feel turbulent. People sometimes report feeling unsettled, moody, or overly emotional in rooms dominated by water energy. While a blue accent is calming, an ocean of blue can leave you adrift. Balance water with earth tones like beige, warm browns, or soft reds to create a sense of stability. A well-balanced palette can help anchor your emotions and make your bedroom a haven of peace.

Overhead Beams or Slanted Ceilings

An overhead beam or a sloping ceiling might look dramatic, but it can also create a sense of pressure or heaviness above you. Some people say they feel “weighed down” or even get headaches when sleeping under exposed beams. In Feng Shui, these features can split or press down on your energy, affecting your mood and your rest. Try draping fabric across the ceiling or using soft lighting to break up the hard lines. Even a canopy or a tall headboard can help create a cozier, more protected feeling, so you wake up feeling lighter and more refreshed.

Dead or Dying Plants

Bringing plants into the bedroom can boost energy and purify the air, but neglected, dying plants do just the opposite. In Feng Shui, they represent stagnation, decay, and even sadness. You might notice a subtle dip in your mood or overall energy if you’re sharing your space with drooping leaves and dry soil. Regularly check on your plants and swap out any that aren’t thriving. If you’re not a green thumb, realistic artificial plants can still bring a touch of nature and energy without any risk of wilt or decay.