When your bed is placed underneath a window, it may create challenges for those sleeping in the bed. When there is a window behind the bed, there is less security because a window is more fragile and, often, operable, which makes you feel less safe while you're at rest.
Feng shui warns us against putting a bed in front of a window, but sometimes it's truly the only feasible setup. Rather than rearranging the furniture one last time, accept your bed's fate and employ a few design tricks to make the most of the situation.
Feng Shui Bed Placement
The ideal option for bed placement in a feng shui bedroom is against a wall. In general, feng shui warns against placing your bed in front of a window, as too much energy will flow out of the window, causing restless sleep.
The ideal place to position a bed is usually considered to be right at the centre of the longest wall in the room. As the most important piece of furniture, the bed should be the focal point and this positioning truly puts it in the spotlight. Placing the bed at the centre of a wall gives the room focus.
Always remember, you want the support of a wall behind you. Second, avoid windows behind the head of the bed if possible. This is especially important if you're on the ground floor or have eye issues. Better to have a solid wall behind you.
Start by putting your bed in the center of the most visible wall. (It's usually the wall facing the doorway.) Putting your bed in the center will give your small bedroom layout symmetry so you can make the most of your space. You'll have enough space to jump under the covers from both sides.
Positioning your bed in line with the door is the worst possible position, according to the principles of Feng shui. People who practice Feng shui call it the 'dead man's position' or the 'coffin position' because the feet or head face the door and resemble how we carry the dead through open doors from the house.
However, if your bed happens to be positioned with your feet pointing toward the door (known as the “death position” in feng shui and to be avoided whenever possible), a footboard or substantial piece of furniture at the foot of your bed will help to provide a buffer or protection from the drain of life force.
When we sleep facing North, the magnetic pull of the direction attracts iron, which gets accumulated in the brain. This is the reason why many people complain of getting a headache when they wake up. Sleeping with your head pointing North can also disrupt your blood circulation and lead to disturbed sleep.
Don't Face Your Bed Toward Windows With Direct Sunlight
Having your bed facing a window can hinder sleeping conditions. Windows with direct sunlight, such as a window facing the sunrise, can let in harsh light and heat first thing in the morning, waking you up.
Research from UL's Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FRSI) shows that closing your bedroom door helps prevent a fire from spreading, lessens smoke damage and could even save lives. Just like having the right homeowners insurance, a little preparation can go a long way to help you rest easy.
A feng shui bedroom is a peaceful and balanced environment that promotes a better night's rest. But contrary to popular belief, feng shui is not a Chinese interior design concept or related to any belief system. The words literally translate to “wind water.”
A bed does not have to be centered on a wall. It can be placed off-center or in a corner of the bedroom depending on the rest of the layout. The more common rule of thumb is to have the bed centered on the longest wall but this is not mandatory. Do what works best for your space.
How Far From The Wall Should A Bed Be? Most experts that a bed should be at least 24 inches away from a wall. Following this measurement creates breathing room, makes space for a headboard, and reduces the chances of the bed scuffing or running into the wall.
An overwhelming majority of men (practically 9 in 10) tell us that they all sleep on the right side of the bed. And their reasons for doing so are all very different. Some listeners claim that they choose the right side as a way to "protect" their significant other.
Wearing socks to bed may help you fall asleep faster and snooze better during the night. Research shows that thawing out icy feet can adjust your body's core temperature to put restful ZZZs within reach.
THE VERDICT
Sleeping with the window open could inadvertently trigger allergies, asthma or potentially cause illness in someone with an already-weakened immune system. But for most people, it's relatively risk free. Aim to keep your bedroom around 65 degrees with 65 percent humidity.
If the door is not accurately vertical when it's built, it would swing by itself due to its own weight. In this case, the door frame is slightly tilted to the side it opens on. You can check this by tying a heavy object and seeing how well the frame is aligned with the string. It's the hinges!
Sleeping on your back offers the most health benefits. It protects your spine, and it can also help relieve hip and knee pain. Sleeping on your back uses gravity to keep your body in an even alignment over your spine. This can help reduce any unnecessary pressure on your back or joints.
The east is the direction of the rising sun and is believed to be good for meditation and other spiritual activities. Sleeping with one's head pointing towards the east and the feet towards the west, ensures sound sleep. East is the best direction for sleeping as it improves memory and concentration levels.
According to Vastu Shastra, sleeping in the east direction is good, while you should never sleep with head in the west direction. Sleeping in the east direction is considered good for health.
Does bed height affect sleep? Overall, the height of the bed will not affect the quality of someone's sleep. That being said, the thickness of the mattress will determine the amount of comfort or support someone receives.
When a bed is placed in a corner, you may lose the use of the space behind it and end up with a poorly lit corner. However, you can dress up a dull corner with an upward-facing floor lamp or a chic sconce, accessorizing the room further while adding extra functionality to the space.