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How to Style a Bed In Front of a Window

bed placed under a window

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

According to feng shui principles, the bedroom is considered the space in your home that represents you. This is why the bed placement is one of the first things to consider when adjusting your home’s feng shui.

The principles of feng shui prefer placing a bed against a solid wall for support and security and to allow natural light to flow. But in a small bedroom, this isn't always an option.

Instead, focus on the most comfortable layout. If that means that the only option is placing the bed under or in front of a window, be sure to make it look intentional and stylish by following these design ideas and feng shui tips.

  • 01 of 10

    Drape the Wall in Curtains

    Bed with drapery covering the wall and windows behind it

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    Whether a bed has one window behind it or an entire wall of windows, draping the whole wall will give the look of a uniform appearance when the curtains are closed. In this space, the luxe drapery even gives the space a soft, high-end hotel look.

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  • 02 of 10

    Keep the Bed Low

    Bed in front of window with black frame

    House Nine Design Studio

    Choose a headboard that meets the window at the bottom of its frame and you'll have a vertical, cohesive look that appears intentional rather than looks like a last resort. This look is even better with a minimalist bed frame that fades into the background.

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  • 03 of 10

    Contrast Window and Wall

    White bed with palm headboard in front of black wall and window

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Most styling tips for putting a bed in front of a window involve hiding the window or trying to make it blend in with the wall and bed. But what if you contrasted it instead?

    Paint the window trim a color that's exactly the opposite of the walls and make it stand out, then throw in a vibrant colored headboard. Let each piece become part of the design, rather than trying to hide elements.

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  • 04 of 10

    Add a Solid Headboard

    bed under a window with a roller shade

    Polly Alexandra / Unsplash

    If you have to have a bed in front of the window, and that’s the only place for it, be sure that you have a strong and sturdy headboard that is attached to the bed. This will provide the necessary support, which is not provided by the window wall. The best feng shui headboards are solid, without perforations or bars, which are less supportive.

    In feng shui, windows represent the eyes of the adults and the mouths (or voices) of the children in the home. Be sure to keep your windows clean and in good repair so that you can see your environment clearly.

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  • 05 of 10

    Install Window Treatments

    bed under window shade ideas

    Studio Peake

    Visually, window coverings can provide a layer of reinforcement for you while you are sleeping in bed. You can install window treatments like drapes or roller shades to create energetic support.

    Choosing treatments that are easy to keep clean is important—you don't want to have dust and debris collecting behind and above your bed.

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  • 06 of 10

    Create a Focal Point

    Bed in front of window with light fixtures leading the way

    Ashley Webb Interiors

    Use the bed and other furnishings and accessories to lead your eye past the bed and right to the window to make the view outside a focal point.

    In this room, a line of light fixtures and a wide doorway create a visual journey straight to the window, making the bed feel as if it's in a place of honor, rather than the last place you wanted to put it.

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  • 07 of 10

    Hang Drapes Up High

    Bed in front of window with sheer drapery

    Calimia Home

    By hanging drapery almost to the ceiling, you can create the illusion of the headboard extending beyond its upper limits. Sheer drapery will give a solid look behind the bed, while still letting light in to maintain a bright and airy look.

    In this room, the black drapery rods echo the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, perfectly framing the bed.

    Adding an alarm system, locks, or other devices to limit the operability of the window will give you more support and improve feng shui to allow you to achieve a restful sleep state.

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  • 08 of 10

    Embrace Multiple Windows

    Bed surrounded by windows and airy drapery

    Blanco Bungalow

    If you can't avoid windows, embrace them. Use multiple windows to surround the bed, and create a light and airy sleeping-in-the-clouds feeling. Try dreamy, billowy drapery and a minimalist frame on the bed to drive home the sense of being one with the outdoors.

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  • 09 of 10

    Work Around High Windows

    Bed in front of high window

    Ashley Webb Interiors

    If the bed is situated below a window that's high above the floor, then you can easily place the bed underneath and have the window function as a source of light rather than a distraction.

    Think about it like a skylight above the bed—just make sure you can get custom window treatments made for it to block early morning sun or bright street lights.

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  • 10 of 10

    Try a Parallel Placement

    Bed in front of window with blue wallpaper

    Erin Williamson Design

    If a bed has to go in front of a window, that doesn't mean it has to back up to the window. You can also run the side of the bed parallel to the window, which can give you the feeling of sleeping next to the sky. Since that likely rules out a nightstand on that side, this look works best with twin- or full-size beds.

FAQ
  • Is it bad feng shui to put a bed in front of a window?

    Feng shui warns against putting your bed in front of a window because of the lack of safety and support. It states that it is not relaxing or comfortable because you're not grounded by a wall, and you're more vulnerable to danger through the window. However, putting a bed in front of a window can be a practical decision.

  • Which direction should your bed face?

    Feng shui indicates that your bed should face towards the south, however, your bed should face whatever direction makes sense spatially in the room.

  • Should your bed be against the wall?

    A bed placed against a wall, with room on both sides, is typically considered the best place to position a bed.