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Good and Bad Headboards for Feng Shui

A bedroom with tufted headboards and an antique nightstand

Charlie Ferrer

Your bedroom is one of the most important areas of your home from a feng shui perspective because it represents you. You also spend a lot of time in your bedroom, and it’s where you go to rest and recharge. This means that it’s well worth the effort to make sure that the energy in your bedroom is set up to support you. 

When you are able to get a good night’s sleep, it allows you to bring your well-rested, rejuvenated self to all areas of your life. A well-positioned bed with a good headboard is a simple and powerful way to use feng shui to improve sleep, which will in turn lead to more productivity and focus when you are awake.

Command Position Is Best

One of the most important things to consider in your bedroom is the location of your bed. Ideally, your bed should be in the commanding position, which means that you are able to see the entrance to your bedroom while you’re lying in bed. Being in command allows you to see anyone or anything that may be coming towards you, literally or metaphorically, which helps your subconscious mind to relax. Making sure your bed is in command is a great first step when setting up your bedroom, especially if you tend to experience anxiety or stress. If you can’t put your bed in a position that allows you to see the door to the room, you can adjust this with a mirror. Place the mirror so that you can see the reflection of your door while you're in bed. 

Another aspect of putting your bed in the commanding position is making sure that you are not directly in line with the door while you are sleeping. If you can’t locate your bed in this way because of your bedroom's layout or design details, you can use a feng shui crystal ball to correct this. Hang the crystal ball from the ceiling halfway between the edge of your bed and your bedroom door. If it’s possible to move your bed, though, that is always best. 

Headboard

Caitlin Flemming 

Headboards and Feng Shui

In feng shui, it’s important to have a solid headboard that is securely attached to your bed. A strong headboard adds a sense of security, almost like a mountain that supports and protects you from behind. 

What to Avoid

A broken or unsecured headboard is not only potentially dangerous, it also sends an energetic message of lack and insecurity. It’s also best to avoid metal headboards and beds because metal is not grounding and it can conduct more negative energy. 

Ideally, you don’t want to have a headboard that includes any sharp corners pointing at you while you are sleeping. These will direct negative qi at you, which can be disruptive to your energy and sleep. Overhanging shelves on a headboard are also not recommended, because they can cause worry or a feeling that something is hanging over your head. 

tyler karu design

Tyler Karu Design

Best Feng Shui Headboards

The best feng shui headboards are ones that are securely attached to the bed and sitting against a wall. Beyond that, there are a few other factors you can consider when choosing the best headboard for your space. 

Color

Intentionally choosing a certain color for your headboard is one way to cultivate a specific type of energy in your home. Different colors have different feng shui meanings, so you may want to choose a headboard in a color that represents a quality you would like to invite into your life. 

  • Browns represent earthy energy, which is grounding and nurturing.
  • Whites are clean and clear and can invite strong communication.
  • Blacks are connected to depth and can help you cultivate purpose and quiet energy.
  • Grays welcome joy and simplicity.
  • Of course, you’ll also want to choose a color that you enjoy and one that has positive associations for you. Notice if any colors resonate with you the most, and pay attention to that. 

Material

It’s also a good idea to consider the material of your headboard. Wood is a common material that is a good choice for headboards. Solid wood is preferable to slats, although wooden slats are okay as long as they aren’t sharp and pointy. Upholstered fabric headboards are great because they are soft, solid, and contribute to feelings of security. 

Shape

Like colors, different shapes also have different meanings and symbolism in feng shui. 

  • Square headboards represent the earth element, which is grounding and supportive. If you do choose to go with a square headboard, try to avoid any big, sharp corners.
  • A headboard with rounded edges mimics a hilltop behind you and creates a sense of security. Curved headboards are also great, as they create a smoother and gentler flow of qi.