Bedroom feng shui layout: the bed and the headboard

The headboard is better against a solid wall, for the sense of being supported. The bed should be positioned so that you can see the door without facing it straight on, which is what the “door clash”（门冲） refers to. Nor should the bed hug a large window or sit under a beam.

Traditionally these placements were thought to disturb sleep, and in practice they bring pressure, a draught and a sense of insecurity. When you cannot change the layout, heavy curtains, a bed canopy or simply moving the bed back a little reduces the effect.

A mirror should not face the bed, and especially not the headboard — waking suddenly at night and seeing a reflection there can startle the mind. You can keep a mirror, but try to put it inside a wardrobe, to the side, or close it before you sleep.

Doors and windows should not create a straight-through draught from one side of the flat to the other, and the air conditioner and vents should not blow on your head or body day after day. A television, too many appliances and piles of clutter all make a bedroom less quiet.

A bedroom should not be piled with clutter, especially at the head and side of the bed and underneath it, where unused things are stuffed away for long periods; it makes the space feel heavy. If you have to store under the bed, keep it light, clean and sorted.

Avoid sharp objects, damp, old clutter and boxes that are never sorted out. Keeping the sleeping area a little lighter makes it easier for a person to relax.

A bedroom suits soft, slightly warm light — it is for rest, not for brightness and stimulation. Warm tones, clean bedding and fresh air all make it easier to unwind. Use dimmable lamps at night and avoid a bare ceiling light shining into your eyes.

Scent affects rest as well: fewer strong fragrances, fewer piles of dirty laundry, regular ventilation and fresh bedding. These everyday habits affect sleep quality far more directly than a crystal or a gourd.

On a double bed it is best if both sides can be got on and off easily. One side flat against a wall while the other is boxed in by furniture can make the person on that side feel pressed in. If only one side can be against a wall, leave a clear walkway and space at the head on the other.

A child's room, an elderly relative's room and a guest room follow the same order: first check that the bed is settled and safe, then talk about colours and decoration. A child's bed should not be too high and should not face the door; an elderly room needs a non-slip floor, a night light and no draughts, which matter far more than elaborate furnishings.

Sleeping soundly and waking up comfortable is itself the best feng shui there is. If a traditional rule leaves you more tense — if you lie awake worrying that the bed faces the wrong way — then go back to how your body feels and decide from there.

Tidying the bedroom regularly, cutting back on devices and keeping a fixed bedtime improve rest more than replacing the ornaments every year. For more detail, use the flying stars to check whether the palace your bedroom sits in should be quiet this year.