How To: Bedroom Feng Shui

Feng shui involves more than just moving furniture around. Feng shui is actually an ancient Chinese art whose name literally means "wind and water." When you practice feng shui, you're arranging the objects around you in a way that creates a free flow of positive energy, or chi. Since you probably spend about a third of your time in your bedroom, it's a natural place to begin feng shui. Here some tips to creating balance in your bedroom.

1. When it comes to layout, position your bed as far away from the door as possible, preferably against a solid wall facing the entryway. Doing so creates a feeling of safety and security. Also, sleep in a bed with a headboard. This allows chi to easily enter your body.

2. Stick to calming colors like tan, brown, light blue, green or lavender. Avoid bright reds and oranges, which can be too stimulating. But don't be afraid to sprinkle touches of pink, red, burgundy or purple throughout your room, which can increase romance.

3. Make sure all bedside tables have round, rather than square edges. Sharp 90-degree angles are thought to send negative energy your way while you sleep.

4. If you have a desk or exercise gear in your bedroom, shield it from view with a folding screen or a piece of heavy fabric hung from the ceiling. The key to a balanced chi is to shut out everyday stresses while you sleep.

5. While family gallery add warmth throughout your home, avoid displaying framed pictures of loved ones in your bedroom. Instead, hang your favorite piece of art on the wall directly across from your bed so it's the last thing you see before you fall asleep. Also, don't hang mirrors opposite or next to the bed--they're thought to make your worries or problems seem bigger than they actually are.