Have you heard of Feng Shui? It is the Chinese art of positioning various objects. It is founded on the belief that the flow of chi (energy) and the sequence of the yin and yang (balance) create both positive and negative impacts. In fact, the way that you arrange the furniture in your child’s bedroom, will influence how your child uses it. After choosing safe and functional furniture, the next step is to properly position the furniture throughout the room, to maximize its attractiveness and functionality. Here are some tips to guide you in the process.
1. Make a plan
Draw a floor plan for the bedroom. Make sure to include where doors, windows, electrical outlets and vents are located. Measure the largest pieces of furniture, such as a bunkbed, and sketch out on a drawing where you intend to position them.
2. Reason for the room
Think about the purpose of the room. Is it a bedroom or a playroom? Also, consider how many children will be using it.
3. Begin with biggies
First, position the biggest pieces of furniture in the room, such as a safe and fun bunkbed. Usually, these pieces should face the focal point of the room.
4. Avoid furniture wallflowers
Do not push all of the furniture so that the pieces are flush with the walls.
5. Small and tall
Mix up the arrangement of the furniture, based on height and size. Avoid placing two small or two tall items beside each other. Instead, position the pair of furniture pieces across from each other.
6. Linear and angular
Create a balance of furniture with straight and curved lines. For example, use a table with curvy legs, and a chair with straight edges.
7. Seats with reach
Tables should always be within easy reach of every seat in the bedroom. Both pieces should also have a comparable scale.
8. Avoid traffic jams
Consider the flow of human traffic in the room, when arranging the furniture. Usually, this flow is located between doorways in the room. Place furniture to allow for a width of 30-48 inches for traffic routes that are major. Likewise, there should be a width of at least 24 inches for minor traffic routes.
9. All clear
Make sure that there is always enough clearance for furniture. There should be at least two feet between the side of the bed, and a wall. Also, there should be a minimum of three feet between the bed and a door that swings.
10. Formal or casual?
If your child is serious, it is advisable to use miniature versions of grownup furniture, and to place them in a balanced manner. However, most furniture and themes in a children’s bedroom will be lighter, which requires a more casual arrangements of the furniture.
Whether or not you use Feng Shui in designing your child’s bedroom, energy and balance are important considerations when positioning furniture, such as bunkbeds. By considering several factors before moving the first piece of furniture, your child will consider you as the furniture Master.