Distorted Design Decisions in Multi-Bedroom Layouts Leading to Subpar Rest
Navigating a restless night after a poor sleep can be quite a challenge. Although fresh linens, the suitable room temperature, and a soothing color palette can enhance your bedtime routine, there's an overlooked factor that could be impacting your sleep quality significantly. The design of your bedroom layout can substantially affect your sleep. Fortunately, even with a suboptimal bedroom, you can make some simple alterations to promote better sleep.
To guide you in finding the most suitable bedroom layout, Laura Cerrano, the CEO and Founder of Feng Shui Manhattan, shares her expert insights. Below, she reveals some common bedroom layout errors and practical solutions to rectify them.
1. Inappropriately Placed Bed
If your bed is incorrectly positioned (depending on your chosen Feng Shui tradition), you might be interrupting your sleep without even realizing it. "Generally speaking, a modern-day Feng Shui recommendation is to position your bed in a commanding position—offering a clear view of your bedroom entrance while having a solid wall behind your bed for support, both literally and metaphorically," explains Cerrano. She emphasizes the connection between this concept and the concept of refuge in biophilic design. If this idea resonates with you, examine your bed placement and make adjustments for improved Feng Shui.
Bonus tips: Always apply at least two feet of clearance on each side of your bed for easy access. Avoid placing your bed directly beneath a window (to prevent drafts and glare at night), and ensure it does not block any doorways.
2. Utilization of Mirrors
After you've repositioned your bed, inspect any mirrors in your space. Since Feng Shui often advises against using mirrors in the bedroom, Cerrano suggests relocating them to another room. "Mirrors are deemed to amplify the energy of a space," which can disrupt the tranquil bedroom theme that promotes rest and rejuvenation, she explains.
If a mirror is essential in your space, Cerrano offers some tips. Firstly, avoid placing your mirror(s) directly across from your bed, bathroom, or bedroom entrance. Instead, strategically position your mirror to face another peaceful wall with art or inside a closet, especially if it's a full-length mirror. However, "if you place a mirror inside your closet, ensure it's organized," she warns, as this can also detract from the zen factor.
3. Insufficient Investment in Curtains
While it's advantageous to let natural light enter your bedroom during the day, Cerrano recommends investing in blackout curtains at night to help maintain your circadian rhythm and create an optimal sleep environment. Optimizing your artificial lighting is also important, so consider using low-light bulbs with a soothing, relaxed feel. Bulbs with a temperature between 2,700-3,000K usually provide adequate brightness and warmth. Furthermore, check your shades or blinds; Cerrano encourages designs that direct light downward. "This subtle approach signals your brain that it's time to unwind," she says.
If you prefer smart, bluetooth-enabled lighting, like Philips Hue White bulbs, you can customize the shades of color from warm-to-cool white light and even simulate a candle's flicker.
4. Disturbing Artwork or Photos
By employing another Feng Shui method, Cerrano suggests selecting artwork that symbolizes the type of relationship you aspire for yourself. So steer clear of visuals that promote anger or other disruptive feelings. Additionally, images of family, children, or deceased loved ones can have a similar impact, shifting the focus away from the quiet and romantic atmosphere a bedroom should foster. "It's crucial to prioritize yourself and your partner (if in a relationship), and purposefully create a sanctuary where your conscious and subconscious minds can rest," Cerrano insists.
5. Persistence of Clutter
Clutter has the potential to drain the life out of a space, and Feng Shui shares this belief. According to Cerrano, "eliminate what you don't need, use, or love—let it go." This action not only refreshes your living space and yourself but also serves as a symbolic commencement.
6. Misuse of Colors
For a rejuvenating space, adhere to a moderate color palette in your bedroom. "Avoid using overly powerful colors within your bedroom," advises Cerrano. Given that the bedroom is a place for rest, choose your color scheme thoughtfully. Vibrant hues can create a disorderly environment for sleep, while earth tones or muted, soft tones will naturally relax you. "Your bedroom is intended to support romance, relaxation, and peaceful repose," Cerrano emphasizes, stressing that careful color selection is crucial for your space to fulfill its intended purpose.
7. Excessive Incorporation of Technology
Meta: This article offers seven Feng Shui-inspired bedroom layout solutions distributed across seven subheadings, each focused on a common bedroom layout issue. The guide encourages readers to optimize their living spaces for better sleep by relocating furniture, adjusting lighting, and choosing colors wisely. The article further contains tips on using mirrors and artwork, minimizing clutter, and incorporating technology judiciously.
When putting together your bedroom design, it's crucial to distinguish between work and rest areas. With the rise of hybrid and remote work, your bedroom might transform into a makeshift office, but to maintain a healthy separation, Cerrano suggests establishing a clear visual divide between the two areas.
During work hours, unless space is an issue, incorporate a barrier between your bedroom and your workspace. This separation can help create a mental distinction between work and rest, which is essential when managing your work-life balance.
As for the use of technology, particularly screens, Cerrano suggests disconnecting at least an hour before going to bed. The blue light emitted by digital devices can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which in turn can negatively impact your sleep quality. Keep electric devices as far away from your bed as possible if you must use them in your bedroom.
Regarding balance in room arrangements, aim for a harmonious layout. The use of two side tables can symbolize balance in modern Feng Shui. However, if space is limited, focus on creating a visually pleasing and cozy atmosphere.
In Feng Shui, balancing the principles of Yin and Yang is important. Soft textures like your bed comforter and plush area rug can bring a sense of comfort and relaxation. On the other hand, hard textures such as bedroom walls and floors provide structure and stability. Surrounding yourself with softer materials as you prepare for bed can help promote sleep.
In terms of storage, be selective about what you keep under your bed. Certain objects can trigger emotional memories, so it's best to assess and eliminate any unwanted or distracting items. Linens and clothing are typically neutral emotional items and can be stored beneath your bed without causing negative repercussions.
Transforming your bedroom decor according to Feng Shui principles can significantly improve your sleep quality. For instance, if you've been struggling with sleep due to an inappropriately placed bed, consider adjusting its position to a commanding one, offering a clear view of your bedroom entrance with a solid wall behind it. This positioning can be beneficial as it provides a sense of safety and refuge, fundamental for a good night's rest.
Furthermore, the presence of mirrors in your bedroom can disrupt your sleep. If possible, move mirrors out of your bedroom and into another space, as they are believed to amplify energy and may not contribute positively to the tranquil atmosphere required for a restful sleep. If a mirror is necessary, position it facing another peaceful wall, preferably with art or inside a closet, to avoid any negative impact on your sleep.
