In Asian culture, especially in Eastern feng shui, the bed is not just a place of rest but is also considered the “second heart” of a house – a place where qi, or energy, converges, directly influencing the health, spirit, and fortune of the family. An ancient saying goes, “A clean bed brings good fortune; a messy bed brings decline,” especially referring to the area under the bed – a discreet yet influential spot in terms of feng shui.
According to folk beliefs, having the following three things under your bed can lead to family disharmony, marital strife, children’s lack of success, and difficulty in accumulating wealth.
1. Old and Broken Items
A common mistake many families make is using the space under the bed to store old, broken items, especially electronics and other useless items. In feng shui, these items carry negative energy (yin qi) and hinder the flow of positive energy. Placing them under the bed – an area that needs tranquility and cleanliness – will lead to conflicting energy fields, affecting the sleep and health of the person sleeping there.

Additionally, broken items symbolize stagnation, backwardness, and hindrance to development. Within the family, this may manifest as unstable careers, stagnant businesses, children struggling in their studies, and difficulty in developing their talents. To maintain positive energy in the home, never turn the space under your bed into a dumping ground for old, broken items.
2. Garbage and Dirty Items
Due to its hidden location, many people tend to neglect cleaning under the bed, resulting in dust, cobwebs, and even long-term accumulation of garbage. This is one of the biggest taboos in bedroom feng shui. A dirty bed area not only affects hygiene and respiratory health but also creates an environment conducive to bacteria and insect breeding.
In folk belief, garbage under the bed represents negative energy, causing “chaos in the energy field” and mental confusion. As a result, couples may argue frequently, conflicts may escalate, and affection may fade, directly impacting family harmony. For children, this environment can affect their psychology, causing academic decline and a lack of luck in life.

3. Sharp Objects, Weapons, or Objects with Killing Qi
In some families, especially those with young people or collectors, sharp objects such as knives, swords, scissors, and mechanical tools are often placed under the bed. Even if they are purely decorative or for convenient storage, this is strictly forbidden in feng shui. Sharp objects symbolize “killing qi” and carry energy that harms the peace of the room.
Killing qi under the bed can cause mental instability, leading to frequent nightmares, restless sleep, and anxiety for the sleeper. Over time, this can result in irritability and anger, affecting relationships within the family, from spouses to parents and children. Moreover, killing qi also diminishes fortune, making it difficult to accumulate wealth.
Suggestions for Arranging the Bed Area According to Feng Shui
To avoid bad luck due to improper arrangement under the bed, our ancestors passed down some simple yet effective principles:
- Keep the bed area well-ventilated and clean: Regularly clean at least once a month to ensure a healthy environment and prevent the accumulation of negative energy.
- Avoid storing unnecessary items: If you must utilize the space, only keep soft items that do not carry killing qi, such as extra bedding and seasonal clothing.
- Absolutely avoid sharp objects, broken items, and garbage: These three elements easily create negative energy and should be removed from under the bed immediately.
The space under the bed, which may seem insignificant, actually has a significant impact on family feng shui. Our ancestors were not superstitious but relied on their life experiences to conclude these taboos to maintain family harmony, luck, and prosperity. Therefore, don’t underestimate their advice: Keep the area under your bed clean and free of the three taboos for a smooth life, family happiness, and successful children.
Reference for Divination