What if a sharp corner points at your bed?
A corner aimed at the bed can feel unpleasant to look at, and it's easy to bump at night. Angle the furniture a little or add a rounded corner guard and you solve both.
Some researchWhy it feels uncomfortable
In one experiment, people looking at pictures liked objects with sharp outlines less than the same objects with curved ones, and the researchers suggest sharp angles carry a subtle sense of threat (Bar & Neta 2006). That was done with pictures, not in bedrooms, but many people do find a corner pointed at them a little jarring. In the dark, sharp corners are also a real bumping hazard.
What tradition says
Traditional feng shui calls this a "piercing corner" and says sharp corners shouldn't point at the bed or at people.
Three ways to fix it
- Do it nowStick on rounded corner guards. They're cheap and also prevent bumps.
- Move some furnitureTurn the cabinet or desk so a flat side, not a corner, faces the bed.
- If you can't change itIf it can't move, put a plant or floor lamp in front of the corner to soften the view and keep you clear of it at night.
FAQ
Does a protruding wall corner count?
It's a similar situation. A plant or floor lamp in front of it works the same way.
Should I buy furniture with rounded corners?
Next time you buy, rounded corners are a good choice, especially with children or older people at home. There's no need to replace what you have.
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.