What if your bed is under a ceiling beam?
Lying under a beam can feel like something is pressing down on you. Moving the bed out from under it is best; if you can't, painting the beam the same color as the ceiling makes a big difference.
Indirect evidenceWhy it feels uncomfortable
Research has found that high ceilings make people think of freedom and low ones of confinement, and even change how they think (Meyers-Levy & Zhu 2007). A beam suddenly lowers the ceiling right where you look when lying down, which can feel oppressive. That study wasn't about bedrooms, so we rate the evidence as indirect.
What tradition says
Feng shui calls this a "beam pressing on the head," one of the most often mentioned bedroom taboos. The feeling it describes is simple: with something heavy overhead, it's hard to relax.
Three ways to fix it
- Do it nowPaint the beam the same color as the ceiling, or a light color, so it stands out less.
- Move some furnitureShift the bed so your head and chest aren't directly under it; a beam over the foot of the bed matters much less.
- If you can't change itIf nothing can move, a flat drop ceiling can box it in, or a light canopy over the bed can take it out of view.
FAQ
Does a beam over the foot of the bed matter?
Much less. Lying down, you mostly see what's above your head; a beam over your feet is easy to ignore.
I rent and can't paint. Now what?
Try a canopy or shifting the bed. If neither works, don't worry: this is about how the room feels, not a safety issue.
Related questions
Sources
This page draws on traditional ideas about the home and on environmental psychology research. It is for everyday reference, makes no predictions, and is not medical advice. If you sleep badly for a long time, please talk to a doctor.