Is a smaller bed the secret to a long-lasting marriage? Matthew McConaughey thinks so – Feng Shui experts unpack his theory, and why he might be onto something

'The best thing you can / do for your / marriage / one way to surely / get ahead, / is get rid of that / king-­size mattress, / and sleep in a / queen-­size bed,' Matthew McConaughey writes in his new book, Poetry & Prayers. Okay, we're listening.

He expanded on his fascinating theory on how to choose the right-sized bed in an interview with Fox News Digital, stating: 'I wake up one morning … I'm looking over there and Camila's like a football field away, man. Then you go to bed at night, like you want to snuggle up and … "Come about 12 feet and I'll come 12 feet." You're like, man, this king-size bed is not good for the marriage, man. Get rid of that... So we got a queen size where we're shoulder to shoulder. I'm telling you, it's good for your marriage.'

Though it seems novel, Matthew's theory that the furnishings we select can affect our wellness is rooted in Feng Shui principles dating back more than 6,000 years. According to experts in the practice, attention to the design of a bedroom can have benefits far beyond aesthetics.

'Mathew McConaughey is very energy savvy,' explains Feng Shui practitioner Lois Kramer-Perez. 'The reason he found sleeping in a queen bed vs king mattress enhanced his relationship is because he felt closer and more connected with his partner.'

She continues: 'Feng Shui principles remind us how sacred our bedrooms are. Bedrooms are meant for restful sleeping and intimate connections. A bed that separates the couple is a metaphor for creating a separation in the relationship.'

As Matthew explained, a king-sized bed may plainly be too large for some couples. Apparently, it's a common Feng Shui bedroom mistake. Lois states: 'A king-size bed is so spacious, you may feel as if you’re sleeping alone, even when you partner is right there next to you. Some king beds as well as adjustable beds have split mattresses (which are actually two mattresses side by side), this can create a physical separation. That split down the middle may not feel as cozy or comfortable when you want to snuggle close.'

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So, how do you bring these positive effects to your Feng Shui bedroom layout? More than a one-size-fits-all approach, it's about inviting the best energetic fit into your home.

Abby Magill Henry, certified house therapist and Feng Shui expert at Holistic Homes, states: 'As far as the size of the bed, both partners must fit comfortably in the bed. If either person is taking up too much real estate, this can translate to the relationship feeling uneven. The same goes with space in the room, so it’s important to have equal space around the bed and similar-sized night stands if possible.'

She advises: 'For downsizing a bed, you can look at it in terms of we only need the correct amount of space. If a smaller bed (or home) feels more cozy versus more cramped, that may be the right size for you. Each relationship is unique, and some people may find sleeping right next to a partner comfortable while others may find it overwhelming.'

Furthermore, bed placement is just as important as bed size. Abby explains: 'In Feng Shui, the position of your bed relative to the room, its door, and any windows is the number one consideration. Being “in command” in Feng Shui means having a clear line of sight to the door so you can notice anyone coming or going - this puts our subconscious mind at ease and is the best choice for bed placement. Having a solid wall behind your bed is important, and a headboard adds even more grounding energy.'

Though these considerations are certainly not the be-all end-all when it comes to the health of our relationships, as Matthew points to, they certainly can't hurt.

Lois concludes: 'Feng Shui rules reminds us how important connections are when it comes to our relationships. Being physically close matters. Sleeping close to each other, strengthens your bond, while too much separation, even in the bed itself, can subtly impact your connection over time. How you create your bedroom for sleeping is more than just for comfort, most importantly it’s about the energy of togetherness that creates the best comfort of all.'

As design experts, it sounds pretty good to us. When we heal the home, we heal ourselves.