Your bedroom is where you rest and recharge, so in feng shui it's one of the most important rooms in the home. The wall above your bed gets a lot of attention, because it's the space you sleep beneath every night.
So what should go there? Here's what feng shui traditionally suggests, what to avoid and how to style the wall above your bed for a calm, restful room.
Feng shui has several schools and not every practitioner agrees on every rule. Treat these as guidelines, and keep what feels right for you.
The feng shui basics for a restful bedroom
Put your bed in the commanding position
The commanding position is one of feng shui's best-known ideas. Place your bed so you can see the bedroom door while lying down, without being directly in line with it. It's said to help you feel secure and settled.
Choose a solid headboard against a solid wall
A sturdy headboard, backed by a wall rather than a window, is thought to give a sense of support. Timber and upholstered headboards both work well.
Keep it calm and uncluttered
Clutter is believed to block the flow of chi, and in a bedroom it can make it harder to switch off. Clear surfaces and store what you don't need every day. Under-bed storage is best kept to soft items like linen.
Choose soft, restful colours
Earthy neutrals, soft greens and muted skin tones are popular bedroom choices. Save strong, fiery colours for small accents.
What to hang above your bed
The wall above the bed should feel light, gentle and secure. Good choices tend to share a few qualities:
- Lightweight. Feng shui generally advises against heavy objects above the bed, like large framed mirrors, shelves or heavy art.
- Soft in shape. Curved and rounded forms are usually preferred to sharp, pointed ones.
- Securely fixed. Nothing should look loose or crooked. A piece that's firmly hung feels far more restful.
- Meaningful to you. Artwork or objects with a calm, positive feeling are preferred to busy or unsettling images.
A lightweight wall fan ticks many of these boxes. It has a soft, curved outline and a natural bamboo frame, and it fills a wide wall with a single piece instead of several frames. In feng shui, a fan is also traditionally seen as a symbol of protection. You can read more in wall fans in feng shui.
That said, some practitioners prefer to keep the wall above the bed completely clear. If that feels right to you, hang the fan on the wall opposite the bed instead, where you'll see it as you wake up.
What to avoid above your bed
- Mirrors. Mirrors facing or hanging above the bed are commonly discouraged in feng shui, as they're thought to bounce energy around and disturb rest.
- Heavy shelves or art. Anything that feels like it's looming overhead can create a subtle sense of unease.
- Sharp or pointed shapes. Angular art or décor pointing at the bed is said to create "cutting" energy.
- Busy gallery walls. Lots of small frames can feel restless. One focal piece is calmer.
- Water imagery. Some practitioners suggest keeping images of rushing water out of the bedroom, as Water energy is thought to be too active for rest.
How to hang a wall fan above your bed
- Choose the size. Aim for a fan around two-thirds the width of your bed or headboard. For many queen and king beds, that's the 110 cm or 150 cm fan. Our size guide has examples.
- Centre it. Line up the centre of the fan with the centre of the headboard. Symmetry feels settled and balanced.
- Leave a gap. Leave about 20–30 cm between the top of the headboard and the lowest point of the fan.
- Fix it securely. Use a hook or picture hanger that suits your wall type and is rated for the fan's weight. See how to hang a wall fan securely.
- Balance the bedside. Matching bedside lamps or tables on each side are often recommended in feng shui, especially for couples.
Which fan colour suits a feng shui bedroom?
- Natural Bamboo: the most restful choice. Soft, neutral and grounding.
- Moss Green: linked with the Wood element and with growth and renewal. Calm and fresh, and lovely with green or oatmeal linen.
- Magenta: linked with the Fire element, which is associated with passion. Some people choose red and pink tones in the bedroom for romance. Balance it with plenty of soft neutrals so the room still feels restful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to hang above a bed in feng shui?
Something light, softly shaped, securely fixed and calming to look at, such as a lightweight fan, a soft textile or a peaceful piece of art.
Is it bad feng shui to have nothing above your bed?
No. Some practitioners prefer a clear wall above the bed. What matters most is that the space feels calm and secure to you.
Can I hang a fan above my bed if I'm renting?
Yes, as long as it's hung securely. Check what your lease allows and choose a hanging method that suits your wall. Our hanging guide includes renter-friendly tips.
Find your fan
Explore our hanging wall fans in Magenta, Natural Bamboo and Moss Green, or read more feng shui decor ideas.
