Feng Shui Colours for Bedrooms

Thought good feng shui was all about furniture placement and adhering to the energy map? While these feng shui principles are key to creating balance and a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, colour also plays an important role. When it comes to creating a relaxing sleep space that's free of negative energy, you'll need to have a firm grasp of the best feng shui colours. 

Rather than stick with a single hue for your bedroom decor, it's considered good feng shui to incorporate multiple shades. According to the elements theory, each colour has its own unique importance. Understanding what shades work with what will promote the right energy for your bedroom. 

Unsure where to start with feng shui colours for bedroom makeovers? Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about the five elements theory and which hues to incorporate into your colour scheme. What's more, we'll outline some everyday feng shui tips you can put to use once the decorating has been taken care of. 

Understanding the Basics of Feng Shui Colours

According to feng shui, each colour has its own energy. As with elements, different colours have a male (yang) or female (yin) energy. With feng shui, it's all about striking the right balance, so you'll want to combine just the right amount of both male and female colours. 

However, some practitioners argue it's not as simple as that. Yin energy is typically thought of as more passive than yang energy, making yin colours a better choice for spaces where you want to relax. In other words, they're a dream pairing for bedrooms. 

Top Feng Shui Colours

Still confused about feng shui bedroom colours? We've picked out some of the most popular colours you'll find in feng shui-inspired design.  

Green has always been a go-to choice for bedroom interiors. According to feng shui principles, green shades are tied to the wood element. When used correctly, green is thought to promote renewal and regeneration. 

As green is considered a prosperous feng shui colour, it's typically used in home offices. However, as this colour family is inspired by the great outdoors, it can promote a soothing sensation that's ideal for bedrooms. 

To unlock the full potential of this colour, it's a good idea to use multiple shades of light green when decorating your bedroom. If you want to work in a little variety, you can add things like teal or blue-infused hues into the mix. Even earth tones can be used here. 

When it comes to blue paint colours and feng shui, things get a little more complicated. Feng shui meanings vary depending on the kind of blue you're working with. Medium tones like teal are generally associated with the wood element, while darker ones are tied to the water element. 

In feng shui, water elements are thought to disrupt sleep cycles. Naturally, this doesn't make them a good choice for bedrooms. If you must use blue in your bedroom, avoid those darker shades whenever possible. 

This doesn't mean you can't put blue to good use in your bedroom. Stick with a lighter blue for a soothing bedroom interior, then turn to soft furnishings and decorative pieces to bring colour pops to your space. Teal and aquamarine can both be used in moderation. 

Unsurprisingly, grey is associated with the metal element in feng shui. Thinking about using grey in the bedroom? You're in luck, as grey is generally considered a neutral colour with no significant impact on energy. 

Grey stands as a midpoint between white and black, meaning it's already in balance. As grey is tied to the metal element, it's considered a good colour for spaces where you need to stay focused, like the office. However, it can also be used to create a calming interior. 

A lighter shade is perfect for maintaining low-key chi. However, you need to be careful not to use it too liberally. A darker hue or too much grey can sap your space of energy, disrupting the flow of energy. 

Prefer to keep things simple? There's good news for lovers of white palettes as far as feng shui is concerned. 

Although white is thought to have yang energy, it's heavily tied to the metal element. The right shade can promote clarity, making it an effective choice for the bedroom. 

If you're a fan of neutrals, using white shouldn't cause too many feng shui issues for you. However, you'll need to restrain yourself from introducing countless colour pops and accents to liven up your interior. Instead, experiment with off-whites or subtle neutrals to create subtle depth. 

Brown paint colours are commonly used to anchor decor schemes. In feng shui, they're used for a similar reason. Browns are earthy tones that have a grounding quality that leaves you feeling stable and reassured. 

They're a natural fit for bedrooms. What's more, these neutral colours are easy to build on. You can easily integrate taupes and greiges into a brown-inspired bedroom. In smaller doses, you can even experiment with fire element colours like red and orange. 

It's not just brown that fall into the neutral category. As with browns, neutral hues have a grounding effect. 

Muted takes on orange and yellow can also be classed as neutrals. Although you need to use fire elements sparingly, they can promote passion, making them a welcome addition to any bedroom. 

If you are using more daring neutrals to overhaul your bedroom, don't overdo it. Reserve your favourite shade for an accent wall or think about replacing our existing upholstery and bed linen. 

Top Tips for Introducing Feng Shui into Your Bedroom

Settling on feng shui bedroom colours is only one part of a larger design challenge. If you're serious about unlocking the full potential of feng shui, there are a few other key tips to bear in mind. 

Keep Clutter to a Minimum

Feng shui frowns upon clutter. Even a single overstuffed shelf can block the flow of chi and invite negative energy into your bedroom. 

If you're prone to creating piles of laundry, make an effort to redirect those used items to the laundry basket as soon as possible. 

Do you have a lot of open storage? Keep decorative displays to a minimum or take stock of your accessories and consider what really needs to stay. 

Remember, your bedroom should be reserved for sleep and intimacy. Save those odds and ends that showcase your personality for living spaces and other rooms of the home. 

Bed Position Matters

Furniture placement matters a lot when it comes to feng shui. In particular, you'll need to rethink where your bed is positioned. 

You might have heard of the so-called death position before. Some practitioners argue that your feet should never be pointed toward the door. In many countries, dead bodies are often carried out headfirst.

However, others argue that sleeping with your head pointing north or towards the door can create similar negative effects, essentially cutting you off from chi energy. 

So where should your bed be placed instead? Ideally, you want to position it as far away from the doorway as possible. Try and place it in the centre of the room, offering as wide a view of the door as your space will allow. 

Natural Light is Key

Looking for an easy way to boost your chi? Natural light is your best friend.

You can apply general design principles here to reap the benefits. If your bedroom only has a small window, don't overdress it with heavy drapes or blinds. What's more, you'll want to fling back the curtains as early as possible in the morning, allowing your interiors to be reinvigorated with a natural energy boost.