• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Latest E-Book: Learn to Use the Bagua!

Open Spaces Feng Shui

  • Home
  • About
    • About Ann
    • Client Testimonials
    • Press & Media
    • Feng Shui FAQs
  • Work With Me
    • Home Feng Shui Consultation
    • Office Feng Shui Consultation
    • Feng Shui Space-Clearing & Blessing Ceremonies
    • Long-Distance Feng Shui Consultations (& More)
    • Ann Bingley Gallops, Feng Shui Speaker
  • Feng Shui Tips
    • Feng Shui Tips
    • Feng Shui 101
    • Top-10 Feng Shui Tips
  • E-books
  • Ask Ann
  • Contact

Bedroom Feng Shui: Five Tips For A Perfect Headboard

Filed Under: Bedroom Feng Shui Tagged With: Command Position, Feng Shui for Your Bed, Feng Shui Headboards, Mountain Energy

Want to instantly improve the Feng Shui of your bedroom?

Add a headboard to your bed.

Like the Mountain it resembles, a good headboard provides you with a sense of security and support.

A good headboard also empowers you, strengthening you in the Command position and creating a safer haven if you have no choice but to place your bed out of the Command location.

padded-headboardYou’ll reap greater Chi energy benefits with a good headboard, too.

But for best Feng Shui results, you can’t use just any headboard.

 A headboard with good Feng Shui has a few essential characteristics:

It’s made of solid wood, or it’s padded.

  • Wood has a natural warmth and “give” to it, while padded headboards are super-comfortable and inviting to the touch, adding some sexy sensuality to your bedroom.

It’s solid.

  • A solid headboard gives you a sheltered place where positive Chi can cradle and nourish you all through the night. Bars, slats and openwork are no-no’s because they allow Chi energy to flow right over you and quickly through the open headboard.

It’s attached to the bed.

  • An attached headboard makes you feel secure when you lean up against it.

It’s in proportion with the rest of the bed.

  • Headboards that are either too high or too low feel unnatural and will not cradle you as you sleep.

It has a soft silhouette.

  • No sharp edges or corners, please!

A headboard provides a feeling of sweet sanctuary like few other things can do.

For much, much more about creating good Chi energy in your bedroom, check out my new ebook Feng Shui In The Bedroom: Your Path To Love, Romance & Intimacy.

(Photo by angi231700 on Creative Commons)

Related Posts

  • The Feng Shui Bagua Map: Knowledge & Self-Cultivation

    The inside-left corner of your space is the "Knowledge & Self-Cultivation" area of Feng Shui's…

  • Bedroom Feng Shui: Changing Positions In Bed

    Kristin asks, "Sometimes I must flip my position in bed to fall asleep, putting my…

  • Bedroom Feng Shui on DesignTalkRadio

    Tune in for the latest installment in my Feng Shui radio series, Feng Shui in…

  • Feng Shui Bedroom Interview: beautynewsnyc.com

    Looking for some specific ways to bring good Feng Shui to your bedroom, the most…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sam says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    What about a headboard with builtin shelves and a reading lamp? If it’s a no-no, is there a way I can fix it without replacing?

    • Ann says

      March 24, 2011 at 10:38 am

      Sam — thanks for a great question, which will apply to a lot of people. You’ve inspired me to write a followup blog post about it next week but here’s the short answer: make sure the shelves are clutter-free, and move the lamp as far from your head when you sleep as possible.

  2. Guest says

    June 10, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Hello Ann, Thanks for your wonderfully simply yet informative website. How can I cure the bad feng shui of having an iron headboard of open design (something that I am not fond of, but can not replace)?

    • Ann says

      June 13, 2011 at 4:34 pm

      Hello there, Thanks for your kind words :), I really appreciate them!

      The goal with your headboard is to create the security of The Mountain behind you when you’re in bed. To that end I would suggest hanging a padded textile of some kind over it: a beautiful textured throw, for example. Alternatively you could disguise the headboard with large pillows during the day and to lean on when you’re relaxing in bed.

      And then replacing the headboard as soon as you are able!

  3. bedroom feng shui map says

    December 9, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    Thanks for those tips. Sometimes we cannot sleep due to the bad position of our bed. It is really good to apply feng shui in your rooms since it really helps in designing and positioning of your bed.

    • Anonymous says

      December 10, 2011 at 11:40 am

      Thanks for your comment — I think Feng Shui in the bedroom is the MOST important Feng Shui of all!

  4. AnnFengShui says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Kim, yes, you are very much correct. I would be happy to speak to you about all this whenever you are able to do so.

  5. jf1960 says

    May 29, 2013 at 9:51 am

    I have an open headboard. I need advice how to bring good with open headboard. Is there a cure or remedy?

    • AnnFengShui says

      May 29, 2013 at 10:36 am

      I’ve received this question several times recently and will be posting an article about it shortly. Thank you for asking.

  6. Zelia says

    November 20, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Hi Ann

    How are you?… Question please.

    I live in a small, self contained, flat, in other words, one room. It has taken me 3 weeks to change my single way of living and thinking, into, a couple’s flat, as I am now wanting (and ready) for my soulmate 🙂

    Long story short… Do I really need a bedroom headboard? It will look like my room is crowded if I get on or make one. The front of my bed is up against half the wall… So only one person can lean against the wall while the other can’t… It’s the way the room has been built…

    Also… Should I cover the microwave door, since there is a mirror reflection?

    I like my room the way it is now… Just need your advice on the ‘feng shui’ rule…

    Thanks for your answers

    xo Z

    • Ann says

      November 21, 2014 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Zelia,
      Thanks for this great question. It sounds as though you have been doing a lot of good work to shift the energy in your flat!

      Regarding your question, the Feng Shui purpose of a headboard is to create the feeling of having a mountain at your back, protecting you and cradling you while you sleep. It would be best for relationship energy if the second person also had something to lean back on, so that the two people can have a balanced experience while in bed. Even a set of sturdy shelves might do the job. If a headboard is impossible then I suggest two things
      — Symbolically create this same feeling by putting large square pillows behind your regular sleeping pillows. These look like a headboard during the day, but can be removed at night, and don’t add any extra square inches to the footprint of the bed.
      — Paint the wall behind the head of your bed a different color to mimic the look of a headboard without taking up any space at all.

      The reflection off your microwave is probably OK unless it directly faces your bed while you sleep, or reflects light into the room at night. If this is the case I would at least cover it when you go to sleep.

      Good luck and here’s to good relationship Chi!
      Ann

  7. Zelia says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Blessings Ann

    LOL!! While I was reading your reply, my friend came over for a visit, and guess what she brought me as a gift?…

    Two small square pillows! I was in shock & so was she when I told her about me contacting you 🙂

    Feng Shui (& the Universe) was really listening and working…:)

    So now that I believe you have ‘powers’… how about using them for my soulmate to finally enter my life…:) (LOL)…

    Thanks Ann for your help, and it works. As I walk into my (small) flat, my bed now looks like it has a bed-board. I love it.

    xo Zelia

    • Ann says

      November 23, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      Awesome — that’s the power of synchronicity at work in your life! I’m so glad it worked out so easily for you, and thanks again for a great question.
      ps — sending all good energy for your soulmate to appear very soon!

  8. kit says

    June 27, 2015 at 11:26 am

    i was thinking of adding a soft white rounded brick paneling behind my bed is this good or bad Feng shui
    i currently have a padded headboard which will remain
    it is a small bedroom
    the rest of the rooms walls are in soft rose

    • Ann says

      June 29, 2015 at 12:10 pm

      Hello Kit,
      This could be very nice, as brick represents the Earth element in Feng Shui and it is always good to have the Earth element in a bedroom. The padded headboard is excellent and the paint colors also sound good.

  9. kate a says

    July 22, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    I was clicking on various links and ended up on this article – it struck me as so funny because I’ve never really liked my master bedroom bed (iron bed open head and foot board). My guest bedroom bed has a solid headboard and is solid wood. I have always liked it more than the master – and now I understand a bit more of the “why” — I may have to finally switch them out.

    • Ann says

      July 22, 2015 at 3:06 pm

      Hi Kate — So glad this post resonated with you. Let me know what happens when you make the switch!

  10. Victoria says

    September 29, 2015 at 12:54 am

    Ok I am making a upholstered headboard, and I need suggestions for material. I LOVE Dark Blue …Big Bold Bird print? What is best for good sleep/sex/solid partnership… in printed material headboards

    • Ann says

      October 26, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      Hello Victoria,
      Great question! I would suggest a smaller print that blends with the rest of your decor and doesn’t dominate the room. You also want to avoid any sense of overwhelm when you’re in bed with your partner. Be sure also to use sexy, skin-toned colors in your bedroom decor. Good luck!

  11. Gee says

    October 11, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Hi there!
    Pls tell me the best place where i can put the headboard. East south west or north. Thank u

    • Ann says

      October 14, 2015 at 10:13 am

      The best place for your headboard is in the Command Position of your bedroom, whichever direction that faces. Please take a look at my blog posts about it! Thanks 🙂

  12. ann says

    October 20, 2015 at 10:31 am

    Does color and style of headboard matter? Mine is wood painted white and shutters style at head and foot boards… Is this good or bad feng shui? What does white mean? Please advise. Thank you!

    • Ann says

      October 26, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      Hello Ann,
      If your headboard is solid and you can lean comfortably on it when you’re sitting in bed, then it has good basic Feng Shui properties.

      White is the color for the Metal element (you can find out more about this if you search for White, Metal or Five Elements in the search box). I suggest that you read up on it to find out what kinds of things you can do to balance the Five Elements in your bedroom. Here’s to good Chi!

  13. Michelle Crawford says

    July 7, 2016 at 12:32 am

    Hello Ann,

    Thank you for your lovely advice… An enjoyable read
    My question please, what about a metal headboard? What’s your thoughts on this? I’ve recently obtained my late grandmother’s headboard and there is so much sentimental attachment and love to it, however, is metal suitable for headboard?

    Kindest regards
    Michelle

    • Ann says

      July 7, 2016 at 9:55 am

      Hello Michelle,
      Thank you for your kind comment and good question. While metal headboards are not ideal in terms of Feng Shui, it all depends on how you are sleeping in the bed, your health, the happiness and health of your relationships, and so on. If all seems to be well, then no change is necessary. Meanwhile to blunt and soften any negative energy that may be coming from the cold metal material, you may wish to drape a quilt or other textile over the headboard.

  14. Susan de Lama says

    July 28, 2016 at 6:02 pm

    I have a wooden headboard with shelves. So in trying to take your advise I rolled up one of those egg crate mattress pads and put it down the leg of a silk pajama bottom (that’s a bit small for me.) I fed the other leg inside the roll. I don’t know how to email that picture to my computer to add it but the pajama bottom is so beautiful I couldn’t get rid of it and it fits perfectly into the middle slot of the shelf of the headboard. It has kind of small paisley print with colors of purples, blue, red, pink, grey, black, tan…a very sensual look. But on the top shelf I have had an Elephant statue with 2 babies in front of her (all trunks are up.) I also have 2 candles-one on each side-are the elephants ok or I have a very nice plate with stand of Mona Lisa I could put there. I have a beautiful picture I was going to put above the bed to make it a kind of headboard. Wish I could add a picture…but wouldn’t know how if I could.

    Thank you,
    Susan

    • Ann says

      July 29, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Susan, this all sounds good to me. Whatever you put on the top of your headboard, make sure it is absolutely stable with no danger of falling on you during the night. The best object(s) for your headboard depend on your life goals & challenges right now. If you’d like to send a picture, please use my Ask Ann page. Thank you.

  15. Janice crawford says

    August 9, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    I have been given some little fairy lights that can be added to my bed headboard, they are worked from two small batteries, could you tell me if you think this would this be bad?

    • Ann says

      August 10, 2016 at 11:09 am

      Janice, this sounds fine (cozy :), as long as you keep the batteries as far away from your head as possible.

  16. Mel says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Hi, I’m thinking to get a bed for the new house from http://www.comfortfurniture.com.sg/products/bedroom/pipe-bedframe/ . Is this consider as a bad fengshui bed? And also a metal or wooden bunk bed is more advisable for my gals?
    Thank you.

    • Ann says

      October 30, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      Hello Mel,
      Please use my Ask Ann page to re-send your question, and I will be happy to take a look at the link and give you advice about your bed. Please also include more information about your “gals” -> I’m not sure who you are referring to. Thanks.

  17. Marti says

    November 27, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Dear Ann!

    I think you have excellent content which is quite enjoyable to read; and I appreciate your knowledge! Thank you.
    I have two questions that might also be of interest to your other readers:
    What are your thoughts on a wing-back button-tufted head board with a slightly rounded mountain shape, and nail heads down each side? Remedies? Color of Natural Olive Green or Deep Violet.

    And I’d love to know your thoughts on a pink faux leather upholstered trundle bed set for a little girl’s room. The top is a full size, and the trundle is twin. I will add a pink kid’s bed tent over the one she sleeps in.

    Many thanks and best wishes for the upcoming holiday season and New Year!

    • Ann says

      November 29, 2016 at 4:17 pm

      Hello Marti,
      As you know, your bed (and your daughter’s bed) are the most important pieces of furniture in your life. In order to answer your questions in the best possible way I would need much more information about you and your daughter, your life goals and challenges and more. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a mini-consultation during which I can advise you best.

  18. Christa says

    December 19, 2016 at 2:52 am

    Dear Ann
    I have been searching madly for a solution to my problem for months and am hoping you can help.
    I have no wall behind my bed, there is a gap of about half a meter then there is the wardrobe housing my clothes with sliding doors (the doors are made up of angle draws in which store my shoes) LOVE what I have designed but my bed a low modern design (which has a low wooden bed head covered in off white leather) has no supporting wall. Since the beginning I do believe it has changed everything about my life, sleep, bad relationship, no real support, health issues etc (that before this change was actually really great and now non existent) everything I have researched says I need a wall behind my bed but I can no longer do that, I am wondering can I do a solid half wall just higher than the bed? Would this help? I am also going to down size back to a queen bed, as I have read going to a king was also a bad move? Please help lol

    • Ann says

      January 9, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      Hello Christa,
      Yes, a half-wall will definitely help in your situation, it is much better than no wall at all. You want to create a sense of The Mountain providing you with support and protection as you sleep. Good luck, I am sure this will make a big difference in your life.

  19. Jalyn says

    January 6, 2017 at 4:03 am

    Hi Ann,

    Thank you for your thoughtful approach to feng shui! I enjoy reading your articles. And I am curious about your thoughts on a headboard I got yesterday. My question is:

    What are the properties of different kinds of wood for a headboard? Particularly, I am wondering about fir, as I believe that is what my headboard is made of. It is smooth and unfinished, with some weathering, used, but well loved, and has a good, wholesome energy to it, even though it has a crack near the attachment to the bed. I asked a guy who knew about woodworking and he said the crack was not a problem unless it got a lot bigger or made the piece structurally unsound (which it does not do). Interestingly, I have long wanted a headboard made of pine, but that hasn’t worked out for me, and instead, I got a prompting a few days ago that there was a headboard for me coming soon. And it is this one made out of fir. I believe this is the one the Universe wants me to have (and not pine), and I feel there is some significance about why, that relates to what they are made of – and I am curious for further insight. What are your thoughts?

    Thanks,
    Jalyn

    • Ann says

      January 9, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Hello Jalyn,
      To be honest I do not know a lot about properties of different types of wood. I do know that pine is not always a particularly strong type of wood, so I suggest that you keep an eye on the crack in this bed!

  20. Tracy says

    January 18, 2017 at 7:52 am

    Hi Ann,

    I enjoy reading your feng shui articles. I have a master bedroom in SW direction. My husband is kua 9 and I am kua 6. Our head will face SW since we don’t have much option positioning the bed. We have a king bed (based on your artitcle it isnt as favorable as queen size). Which headboard would be best for us? Black wood with wavy (concave) design headboard or creamish white upholstered headboard? Could you tell me the meaning of these colors?

    Thanks!

    • Ann says

      January 18, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      Hello Tracy,
      I would need to see your floor plan in order to give you a good answer. Please re-submit your question at my Ask Ann page, and attach a plan of your home/bedroom. Thank you.

  21. Tara says

    February 14, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    Is it bad to have a mirror as a headboard.

    I really like the depth it gives to my apartment.

    When I’m in my lounge room the mirror view shows a reflection of across my loggia. Which is long green hanging plants and my outdoor pond.
    The mirror headboard also isn’t that large. 70cm x 160cm
    I also have large European pillows against it for sitting up etc

    It is framed in white wood. My bed linen is all white. And I have some Beautiful photography on the wall in black and white by Helmut Newton.

    Two bedside tables & matching lamps.

    I’m hoping a mirror isn’t too bad! Or that other things in my room counteract it!

    • Ann says

      March 6, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Hello Tara,
      The answer to this question can be found in your own life: are you sleeping well? Is your life going well, with good relationships etc? If the answer is yes, then no changes are necessary. We only make adjustments to try to rectify or course-correct things that are not going well in our lives.

  22. Charlene says

    May 17, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    I have two nightstands for each side of my bed with lamps on them each, But the nightstands and lamps do not match; is this terribly bad for bedroom ?

    • Ann says

      June 8, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      Hello Charlene,
      This is fine – in fact it’s exactly what I have in my own bedroom. The point is to make sure that the room feels balanced, and that each side of the bed has equal light and access to a table/nightstand.

Feng Shui Tips Categories

Bedroom Feng Shui Children's Feng Shui Featured Feng Shui & Clutter Feng Shui's Bagua Map Feng Shui Basics & Essentials Feng Shui Classes & Webinars Feng Shui for Relationships Feng Shui for Your Home Feng Shui No-No's Fun & Fascinating Feng Shui Garden & Outdoor Feng Shui Living Feng Shui Office Feng Shui People We Like Press & Media Urban Feng Shui

Clients Say…

I always brag about you and how you are fantastic in being able to work around the “reality” of a space and also let the individual keep their personal style.
Christina B., Harrison, NY
The thinking person’s Feng Shui expert — working with Ann is a delight!
Jezra Kaye, Brooklyn NY
Thanks again for all your help, Ann. My apartment feels sooo different already! Plus, it seems much bigger!! Honestly, I almost feel like I’ve moved, it’s so different (and better).
Nicole P.ExecutiveBrooklyn, NY
I am THRILLED with a place that was barely tolerable 24 hours ago.
Lori B., NYC
Everyone in the office feels the abundance of new exciting projects that have come our way after your Blessing Ceremony. And I am grateful every day for the positive flow.
Trisha Reger, Reger Design, NYC
Ann came to my house and completely changed how I look at and work out of my home…she’s fabulous!
Margaret P., New Jersey

Learn More About Feng Shui

Feng Shui bagua

Looking At Your Home With The Bagua Map

Spiral staircase

Feng Shui Solutions for A Spiral Staircase

Safety First Road Sign

How Feng Shui Helps You Stay Safe & Secure

Bathroom with good Feng Shui

Top Tips for Good Feng Shui In Your Bathroom

Footer

  • Home
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Feng Shui Tips
  • Ebooks
  • Ask Ann

Contact Ann Bingley Gallops at ann@openspacesfengshui.com

Copyright © 2021 Open Spaces Feng Shui. All rights reserved. Website by B. Martin Studio