If you’ve ever scrolled through #nightstandgoals on instagram and thought “why is everyone else’s nightstand so beautiful and mine is covered with two weeks worth of empty water glasses and a bottle of melatonin? ” I promise you, you are not alone.
but it might be time to up your #shelfie game, for a bigger reason than social credibility. It turns out that having a nightstand that looks dreamy can literally lead to better dreams. And as busy people looking to maximize the time they spend asleep and minimize the need to count sheep, who can’t be behind it?
Reading: Feng shui nightstand
“A cluttered nightstand is a cluttered mind,” says Priya Sher, a London-based feng shui expert. “If the mind cannot rest, then it stagnates. By keeping your space clear, you can take the pressure off your mind.” So not only will her instant feed thank you for finding a new home for all that excess stuff, but her brain might as well.
Here, feng shui practitioners share their tips on setting up nightstands for sleeping.
choose the right table
The perfect “shelving” literally starts with the shelf, so it’s important to choose a photogenic (and energizing, as it is) nightstand. According to feng shui principles, “the nightstand itself should have rounded corners and should be lower than the level of the top of your mattress,” says Marianne Gordon, a Paris-based feng shui expert and the Angels. “if you have a square or rectangular nightstand that’s fine, just make sure the angles aren’t sharp or pointed at your face, which could create a poison arrow.” or put another way: bad energy.
get rid of clutter
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a cluttered nightstand equals a scattered mind. Your bedside table should be totally free of any “stressors” such as food, electronics, clothing, or any other random objects, which should be hidden away before you go to sleep. “The last thing you see before lights out should be a peaceful and calming image,” Gordon says. “When we settle in for the night, we prepare for our bodies and brains to regenerate.” it could make your calm and collected bedtime routine more effective.
drawers, ftw
Your bedtime necessities like your book and water bottle may be crucial in helping you fall asleep, but they’re not exactly pretty to look at. fastest solution? keep them in a drawer. “You should always have storage on your nightstand, so you can keep less-glamorous necessities (like tissues, socks, or earplugs) close at hand,” Gordon says. starting and ending your day with an instagram scroll.
light a candle
A warm lit candle not only makes the photo look really luxurious, but it can also help you drift off into dreamland seamlessly. “Place a lightly scented candle on each table, preferably with a lavender fragrance to encourage restful sleep,” she says. choose one that is scented with a phthalate-free fragrance such as m.p. candle company no. 25 nightshades.
add a flower
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While vases full of flowers should be kept away from the bed (they’re very heavy and can tip over if accidentally knocked over at night), Sher still suggests keeping at least one plant friend nearby: a rose. or purple orchid. “Orchids are ideal for the bedroom as they produce oxygen at night,” she explains. “These support your health and love energy.” Plus, they typically only need to be watered once a week, making them virtually impossible to kill.
crystallize your vision
Your nightstand is basically your bedside altar, so sher suggests placing a rose quartz crystal to inspire good looks and good vibes. “Rose quartz is a soft crystal that aids in the all-important truth of unconditional love,” says Whitney Bell, art director for the Jacqui Aiche gem-infused jewelry line. having one close by while you sleep can help keep your vision clear, heart full, and your décor up to par.
Looking for more ways to completely transform your bedroom into a stress-free (and totally photogenic) sanctuary? take a look at these 11 products that will help you fall asleep… but don’t forget to put them in the drawer before bed.