When you hear “the best sex furniture,” you might automatically picture some dungeon-esque situation that belongs on the set of an A24 flick. You may also wonder why such a thing exists when you could just smash on any ’ole fixture in your space. The reality is that sex furniture offers a more sensible and sanitary spot to have sex than your standard sofa—not to mention it can be hotter too.
What is sex furniture?
“Sex furniture is designed specifically for sexual activity, which means it is less likely to break [during its intended use] compared to other pieces in the home,” Javay-Frye Nekrasova, MEd, a certified sex educator at Lovehoney, tells SELF. It’s also created with the unique contours and curvatures of the human body in mind, she says, which means it actually supports you where you need it to. A wedge pillow, for example, can lift your hips during doggy style positions so your knees and wrists don’t have to bear all of your weight, Gigi Engle, a COSRT-certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app 3Fun, tells SELF.
While these pieces can make certain moves more comfortable (and therefore more pleasurable) for pretty much anyone, Nekrasova says that sex furniture can be particularly useful for people with mobility challenges or physical limits, since it can make certain previously out-of-reach sex positions more doable.
What should you look for when shopping for sex furniture?
“You don’t have to stress about materials for sex furniture as much as you would for sex toys because the furniture is not going inside of any body parts,” Engle explains. The exception: sex machines and thrusters, which are designed for direct genital stimulation or penetration, Nekrasova says. Look for models that come with nonporous attachments made from medical-grade silicone, which is safe for internal and external use, Jennifer Litner, PhD, AASECT-certified sex therapist and founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness, previously told SELF.
You should also consider how easy your furniture is to clean post-play, Engle says, so you won’t have to worry about leaving behind any body fluids while you’re going at it. (Scrubbing regularly can also help lower your risk of getting an STI, especially if you have sex with multiple people on the same device.) When it comes to couches and chairs, look for PVC, vinyl, or polyester, Berkheimer says. “Leather is [another] great choice because it’s easy to wipe clean,” Engle adds. Make sure items like pillows, wedges, and ramps have a washable (and ideally water-resistant) cover that you can throw in the laundry immediately following play, she says—cotton, microfiber, and nylon are all solid options.
Whether you have a dedicated sex room or you’re tight on space, take a peek at a product’s dimensions before adding it to your cart, Berkheimer says. Your next move: Get out your measuring tape and make sure it isn’t too big or too small. Once you’re positive you have plenty of room to safely house (and use) the piece, you’re in the clear.
Above all else, make sure whatever you buy is high-quality. Pillows and couches should have a dual-density foam insert, which will last longer and feel more supportive, Nekrasova notes.
Need more guidance? Rose recommends going to a boutique sex shop to ask the pros in person. Or take some time to scan online reviews for honest feedback from buyers.
Certain types of sex furniture require a little more preplanning. If you’re thinking about buying a sex machine, consider: How thin are your walls? Most mountable options sound way closer to a lawn mower than your go-to wand vibrator. On the other hand, hands-free thrusters tend not to be as loud for apartment living or roommate situations.
If you’re shopping for a sex swing, make sure you can drill into your ceilings without causing any damage, physical, emotional, or financial (as in, your landlord keeping your security deposit). You may be able to avoid all three by ensuring that you have the right anchors, taking note of the swing’s weight capacity, and buying the correct carabiners, according to Rose. But if you don’t want to risk it, opt for a stand-alone swing that won’t require such an invasive setup.
FAQs
What’s the best sex furniture for couples?
Some sex furniture is designed for solo play, while other pieces are meant for couples—and many can be used for both. In general, pieces that adjust your angles (like chaises, swings, and tables) are meant to be used with a partner; they help you shift or hold your weight to make certain positions easier and more comfortable. Pillows, blankets, wedges, and ramps are great for couples as well as solo sessions because they can make it easier to get comfortable with a toy and allow for quicker clean-up. And while sex machines are generally meant for individual use, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them in the presence of someone else.
Is sex furniture really worth it?
Rose and other sex educators we spoke to say Y-E-S. Not only will it make the experience more comfortable for all parties involved, but investing in it will also remind you that pleasure and R-rated play are worth your while. “Most of the time, we only see intimacy happening in the bedroom,” Rose tells SELF. “Sometimes it’s better to have a dedicated space because that’s where you can act out your sexual fantasies and desires.”
Our top picks
Shop the best sex furniture
If you’re ready to add some comfort to your coitus, read on. Below, we’re diving into pillows, swings, benches, and more. As you browse, heed the experts’ advice: “There’s so much pleasure out there to be had. Don’t feel intimidated, don’t be ashamed about it. Talk about it with your partner, and most of all, enjoy it,” Melanie Rose, the host, designer, and consulting producer of the Netflix show How To Build A Sex Room, tells SELF.
Sex pillows
If it’s your first time shopping for sex furniture, start small with underrated, beginner-friendly sex pillows. These sturdy shapes “help you get comfortable in different positions, as well as change the angle and depth of penetration during intercourse or oral play,” psychotherapist Joy Berkheimer, PhD, LMFT, an expert at SXWA, a sexual wellness award platform, tells SELF. You can place one under your hips for better access to the G-spot during missionary or slide it under your knees to reduce the strain on your muscles and joints when you’re on top of a partner, she adds.
Choose from solid foam options that won’t look out of place on your bed or inflatable styles that are easy to store and pack in a suitcase for travel.
Read more: Best Sex Pillows
Sex ramps and wedges
These larger, longer pillows are usually made from the same high-density foam, with a steeper price tag due to their size. “[They] are a great way to change the angle of your hips during sex, which can be challenging for people with preexisting or underlying hip or back issues to do on their own,” Engle says. (It also just feels great, even if you’re not dealing with any pain or stiffness—multiple orgasms, here you come.)
One more thing: Before you buy, check each ramp’s maximum weight capacity to make sure it’ll hold up, Berkheimer says. Wedges can generally support bodies of all sizes, but some aren’t designed to accommodate multiple people at once. And note that a washable cover is always a plus.
Sex blankets
If you or your partner(s) are into squirting or golden showers—or if you’re looking for easier cleanup—a sex blanket is a must. “They go over your bedding and absorb fluids so that they don’t seep into the mattress or sheets below,” Nekrasova says. They can also be helpful for experimenting with food or massage candles (or even just using oil-based lubes), since they’re often stain-proof, she adds.
Texture is key during intimacy, so implementing a soft blanket can add another layer of sensuality. Want a larger surface area? Opt for a mattress protector or sex-specific sheets so your favorite set won’t get messy.
Read more: Best Sex Blankets
Sex swings
“Sex swings allow people to explore a wide variety of positions without requiring that the other partner be strong enough to hold up their partner’s entire body weight,” Nekrasova says. This makes them great assistants for duos with a huge height difference, as well as anyone who likes standing sex in theory (but not in practice), she adds. Plus, many options come with restraints and attachments, in case bondage is your thing.
Berkheimer encourages playing with sex swings, but drives home the importance of safety. If you’re using one with a ceiling mount, “don’t forget to check the weight capacity and invest in suitable carabiners to securely hang [it],” she says. Not a fan of putting holes in your ceiling? Try a door-mounted option instead.
Sex couches and chaises
If you have the space for one, Nekrasova recommends a sex couch or chaise over other types of furniture. “They have more potential because they don’t need to be installed—you just put it wherever you want it, and then can use it when the mood strikes,” she says. Shop for something with smooth lines, like Liberator’s Esse Chair, which not only looks sexy but is also ergonomic. “It’s got those beautiful curves, which mimic the form of the body,” Rose says. “And if you put it in your living room or bedroom, nobody would know what it’s used for because it just looks pretty.”
The Tantra Chair is also backed by experts: “I sometimes recommend this to clients who want a chair that feels a bit like a cozy retreat. It’s got that curvy, ergonomic design that cradles you just right,” Emily May, PhD, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and writer at Private Sugar Club, tells SELF. “I’ve had clients rave about how it takes the pressure off, making them feel both supported and free to get into those more adventurous positions. It also has no exposed, uncomfortable edges or nailheads, so it’s a smooth ride all the way.”
Ultimately, your budget, space constraints, and preferred aesthetic will determine which couch or chaise you buy. Below, shop Rose’s faux leather-clad pick or more subtle options like The Nugget, a kids’ couch that went viral in 2020 after Redditors discovered the kinds of fun adults could have on it. (Hey, as long as you’re keeping it clean, bang away.)
Sex benches and tables
If you’re dabbling in the world of BDSM, might we introduce you to a sex bench or table? In short, it’s “a piece of furniture that allows you to comfortably get and stay in the all fours position,” Nekrasova explains. Most styles have restraints attached at either end for wrists and ankles, she says, which makes them great for kink and bondage play, as well as orgasm denial. Cuffs aside, tables are also great for giving sensual massages or making penetration easier, she adds.
The Obedience Extreme bench is beloved by celebs (Ashley Benson and Cara Delevigne, to be specific) and comes souped up with restraints too. Not sold on its less-than-subtle “sex furniture” look? Consider buying an actual massage table, which is a fraction of the price and features a headrest, sturdy legs, and easy-to-clean padding.
Sex chairs
Not to be confused with chaises, sex chairs have an opening in the seat that allows for penetration from below. You can place one over your partner and ride on top with a little assistance, or your partner can slide their head underneath while you sit for more comfortable oral.
These seats can even make group situations easier. “Sex chairs are there to make things more comfortable, yes, but they also help you explore new positions without feeling like you’re prepping for a gymnastic competition,” says May. “I often joke that they’re like ‘training wheels’ for adult playtime. It’s all about trying something new while keeping the experience fun and accessible.”
Sex machines
These are exactly what they sound like: Machines that mimic sex. “They allow for hands-free stimulation, usually via penetration and/or vibration,” Nekrasova says. “[They] are a great choice if you enjoy toys with more power and want to enjoy thrusting penetration without a partner,” she explains.
Most popular models—like The Cowgirl, MotorBunny, and Sybian—look like saddles and are designed to be straddled. They can be outfitted with different attachments that deliver high-intensity vibrations for grinding or similar stimulation, Nekrasova says. Other options are more suited for people who love penetration, like Lovehoney’s Love Motion Machine, she adds.
For the shower
“Without the right equipment, shower sex can be a bit of a slippery mess,” says May. “I always recommend investing in a shower bench that gives you a stable seat, allowing you to try different heights and positions without sliding around like a bar of soap.” We’d recommend making your setup even more comfortable by adding a shower seat cushion and bath pillow (find our favorites below).
Other must-haves are hand grips or suction bars, so you can steady yourself during the action. A non-slip bath mat can also be a lifesaver (literally and figuratively). “I tell clients all the time, sexy is one thing, but safe and sexy is the sweet spot,” says May. “Opt for a mat made of a material that’s easy to clean. I’d look for something that’s not too porous and doesn’t have too many ridges, as this can cause a build-up of bacteria, which is definitely a mood killer.” And a padded mat can save your or your partner’s knees, if anyone happens to be getting down on them regularly (we hope so).
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