My Traditional Bedroom in Japan Featured One Clever Hidden Feng Shui Feature That Experts Recommend for Better Sleep
It's an easy, affordable change to make
One of the fundamental rules of Feng Shui, when it comes to the bedroom space, is a distinct lack of mirrors. The reasoning is simple – a mirror reflecting your bedspace can drain your energy, and invite unwanted energy into your bedroom.
That's why, when recently staying in a ryokan, or traditional inn, in Japan, I was intrigued to see a particularly clever Feng Shui feature: The full-length mirror was hidden behind a dedicated door, easily opened when needed, and closed away ahead of bedtime.
Article continues belowThis Clever Mirror Feng Shui Feature Promotes Better Rest
As Suzanne Butler, Feng Shui Consultant and founder at Harmonising Energies, explains, 'In Feng Shui, mirrors are considered powerful tools that direct and double the energy, or Qi, of what is reflected. While they are useful for making a room look larger during the day, they can become "active" disruptors at night.'
That's not the only reason that it's important to consider where mirrors should be placed in a bedroom for Feng Shui, either. Suzanne Roynon, Feng Shui Expert, Interiors Therapist, and Founder of Interiors Therapy, adds, 'Mirrors amplify the energy in a room, which can lead to restlessness and poor quality sleep.'
Additionally, she warns, a mirror is said to invite infidelity in a relationship – 'bringing in the energy of a third or fourth person in the reflection' – and can also encourage ghosts and spirits into the room, all of which interfere with restful sleep.
So, after recently researching and talking to experts about bedroom Feng Shui earlier this year, I was particularly interested (and impressed) to see the cleverly hidden mirror at our hotel in Japan.
It's an easy way to avoid any negative effects of the mirror, but it made getting ready for dinner and in the morning easy, as I didn't have to leave the room entirely to see my reflection. And, throughout the night, I didn't encounter any energy shifts or disruption as I slept, either.
'By closing the door on a wall-mounted mirror, you effectively "pause" that active energy, allowing the room to become a true Yin sanctuary,' advises Suzanne Butler.
Alternative, Easy Ways to Cover Mirrors In Your Bedroom Space
Where possible, always avoid mirrors facing your bed.
Of course, not every bedroom space includes a mirror with a dedicated door. But, to enjoy all the beauty and benefits of Japanese-inspired interiors, it doesn't have to.
'You can still achieve the same results with methods to mask the reflection,' says Suzanne Butler.
- Decorative textiles: Drape a high-quality silk scarf or a linen throw over a floor-length mirror. 'This adds a soft, tactile element to the room that absorbs rather than reflects,' she explains, though it can make a space look cluttered and messy,
- Pivot: If you have a freestanding mirror, simply rotate it to face the wall or a corner before getting into bed.
- Folding screens: Placing a decorative folding screen in front of a fixed mirror to hide the glass and add a touch of flair to your space. I recommend the Japanese-inspired RISÖR Room Divider, available at IKEA, for this.
- Frosted window film: 'If you already have mirror wardrobes and changing the doors simply isn’t practical, frosting the mirror is one option, self-adhesive decals are another,' says Suzanne Roynon. 'I’ve also seen a client place a curtain track above sliding mirror doors with a beautiful full-length curtain, which is closed across them each night. It’s a simple and very effective solution.' For example, the Ringlet Adjustable Single Curtain Rod, available at Wayfair, will work perfectly for this purpose.
Alternatively, you may be rethinking whether you should have a mirror in your bedroom altogether. In this case, you may choose to relocate your mirror to another room, or to another part of your bedroom so it doesn't reflect the bed.
'Do the same with a very reflective TV screen, which has the same impact as a mirror,' adds Suzanne Roynon.
What to Shop
Perfect your bedroom mirror Feng Shui with my curated selection below. Whether you choose to cover yours with a curtain, screen, or door, I've included options for every space and taste.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This room divider reminds me of the translucent Shoji sliding doors I saw everywhere in Japan. It's made of solid wood for a durable finish, and is tall enough to cover any full-length mirror.
This curtain rod is easy to install, as it doesn’t require a curtain rod bracket. The box includes a steel curtain rod, metal screws, plastic screw anchors, and easy-to-follow assembly instructions.
This is a miniversion of my mirror in Japan, complete with a vintage-look, shabby chic finish. Simply close the door before bed and open it up in the morning while you're getting ready.
This shuttered mirror is suitable for wall-mounting and features two foldable doors. The subtle beige color will effortlessly work with any interiors and all bedroom spaces.
Even a sheer curtain can make a world of difference when pulled over a mirror. These from IKEA are impressively budget-friendly, and can be simply and easily cut to the correct length you need.
Adding a curtain to your mirror really doesn't need to be expensive. This subtle rod from IKEA comes ready to mount and can be easily cut to the desired length for convenience.
Meet the Experts
Suzanne Butler is a Strategic Feng Shui Consultant and began studying Feng Shui in 2017. In her work, she works with high-performing women to stabilize their home environments after realizing how profoundly their environment shapes behaviour and results.
Suzanne Roynon is an Interiors Therapist, Feng Shui Consultant, and Public Speaker, who works to help people understand the way they respond to their homes and possessions. As a trained Feng Shui Flying Star Practitioner, she serves her clients with a bespoke service.
The covered mirror wasn't the only bedroom feature I loved – the traditional futon in Japan also gave me a comfortable night's sleep.
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