The Best Sex Furniture, According to Designers and Sex Therapists
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Where there’s a will there’s a way, and any piece of furniture can be sex furniture if the will is strong enough. But there’s furniture designed explicitly, and obviously, for sex, and there’s furniture that can pass as chic living room decor but also effectively support spontaneous sex. There are superb options out there for both, if one knows where to look.
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Sex furniture can feature luxury leather and bespoke metalwork, foldable components, and even inflatables. With the recent popularity of Netflix’s “How To Build a Sex Room,” people are gravitating to sex consumer products like never before. In fact, the sex toy market has doubled in revenue over the past five years, and the term “sex furniture” peaked in interest on Google in June of 2022 in conjunction with the show.
The term “sex furniture” is broad for a reason. A piece of sex furniture can look like a regular bench that bends at an angle. It can be a wedge kept under the bed and brought out for special occasions. It can also look like a leather-adorned, strap-filled setup delivered in discreet packaging.
Not only is sex furniture a sleek way to hide frisky opportunities in plain sight, but it can also lend a helping hand in the bedroom. It may alleviate pain associated with sex, support certain body parts so more elaborate positions can be held for longer, and make sex with an injury or disability easier.
“Sex furniture can allow people who are not 100% ambulatory to have sex in ways that feel good for them and their partners,” said Dr. Sophie Sutker, a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Sutker also said that beyond accessibility, sex furniture can enable people to experiment with new positions and angles, sexual fantasies, and sexual interests both by themselves and with a partner.
What the Experts Say About Sex Furniture
Using sex furniture, like any other new sexual act, should be approached slowly and with curiosity. There’s no need to dive in head first. “You don’t have to start with a gynecological exam chair, you can start with a pillow wedge,” said clinical social worker and certified sex therapist Sara Rosen. Items like pillow wedges, benches, poufs, and inflatables are great introductions to the world of sex furniture, as they essentially serve as an infrastructure to provide more comfortable sexual experiences. They’re also more discrete and non-intimidating options for those new to the game, as opposed to some more expensive, BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism)-focused pieces.
When it comes to maintaining sex furniture, Dr. Sutker shared an inalienable rule of thumb: “The general rule I talk to my clients about is cleaning any sex objects (furniture, toys, restraints, etc.) before and after every use. Even if you cleaned it after you last used it, it can still become dirty from dust, daily life, and routine handling. Just make sure you know what kinds of cleaning products are compatible with the material of your sex furniture before you start using it.”
To learn more about how sex furniture is made, SPY spoke to Domhnall Nolan, senior interior and furniture designer at Soho House and the erotic furniture designer of the PLAY PIECES collection. For Nolan, the key to marrying the open-ended potential of sex positions with the finite rules of engineering is to keep the user top of mind. “Sex furniture can be extremely complicated at times, so it was important for it to be user-friendly and also easy to set up.”
When asked about the materials and design users should look for when shopping for sex furniture, Nolan emphasized avoiding a harsher aesthetic, and going for something “softer and more approachable.”
“It’s supposed to invite you to use it,” said Nolan. With that in mind, the following is a collection of pieces designed to support sex, whether directly or inadvertently.
BEST OVERALL
Liberator Esse
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For a piece of dedicated sex furniture that’s multipurpose and comfortable to use, the Esse, an ergonomically designed chaise from Liberator, is a top pick. It has gentle curves for bodies to sink into while still being supported with a sturdy construction. It has two supports that can be moved to support the head, pelvis, lower back, or legs depending on the position. The Esse Lounger comes clad in machine-washable slipcovers with a moisture-proof inner liner so it’s easy to clean before and after use.
The chair’s design was inspired by the Kama Sutra — an ancient set of intricate self-help practices and techniques written by Indian Philosopher Mallanaga Vatsyayana, aimed to optimize mindfulness and connection in life, regarding the mind, body, relationships, and sex.
BEST FOR PERMANENT DECOR
Crisma Vegan Leather Chaise Lounge
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Made For: Those looking for stylish furniture and sexual exploration.
Why It’s Great: While this may not have formally been engineered as sex furniture, the Crisma Vegan Leather Chaise Lounge is a sturdy, chic item for the living room, boudoir, guest room — wherever. The back support can be lifted and secured upright at 105 degrees, reclined at 140 degrees, and laid flat at 180 degrees, allowing users to access new angles and positions. The faux leather material is easy to clean, and the weighted base ensures a secure experience, whether it’s watching TV or roleplaying with a partner.
BEST FOR LUMBAR SUPPORT
Dame Pillo
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Made For: Those with back pain or who need extra pelvic support.
Why It’s Great: This is another great option for beginners. Unlike standard down pillows made for sleep, Pillo is a cushion designed explicitly with sex in mind. It offers firmer support, has a water-resistant inner liner, and an ergonomic wedge shape for placing under the back or pelvis.
BEST SEX SWING
Lovehoney Purple Reins Sex Sling
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Made For: Zero-gravity lovemaking.
Why It’s Great: A sex swing is a very handy item to have in the house for making sex easier, but doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture and can be stored between uses. The Purple Reins Sex Sling is a worthwhile investment, as it provides a hammock-like back support for the swinger and is good for longer sessions and taking pressure off the limbs. In addition to the hammocked back, the straps are made from padded nylon for a comfortable experience with an easy-to-clean material. While some in the BDSM community use sex swings for their bondage-like attributes, don’t be intimidated. Sex swings can be a fun purchase for the furniture newbies out there, and this sling in particular has a beginner-friendly design that’s easy to install.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Liberator Zeppelin Cocoon
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Made For: First-time buyers, bean bag fans.
Why It’s Great: The Zeppelin Cocoon is essentially a massive pillow that creates a cloud-like platform and doubles as a loveseat. It’s a fairly benign piece that can easily double as a regular bean bag with a six-foot diameter and foam inner body. It also has a soft, machine-washable slipcover that makes a quick refresh easy. Please wash it between uses if it’s stationed in the living room.
BEST FOR SMALL APARTMENTS
Lovehoney Inflatable Sex Position Enhancer Sofa Set (6 Piece)
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Made For: Limited square footage.
Why It’s Great: Lovehoney’s inflatable Sexual Position Enhancer Set is kind of like the Esse Lounger’s naughty, air-filled cousin. With a similar shape, users can unlock new positions without adding a new piece of furniture to their apartment. It also comes with a blindfold and detachable, adjustable handcuffs for kink exploration. The best part is it’s very easy to inflate and deflate, so it can be discreetly stored between uses.
According to one user review, the inflatable sofa does “still wobble a little, so delicate enactments aren’t quite suited to this, but bolder sensations and positioning work well.” It’s also worth noting that the polyester fabric is not waterproof, so plan accordingly.
BEST FOR VARIETY
Liberator Flip Stage
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Made For: Grounded individuals, yogis, camping enthusiasts
Why It’s Great: Liberator’s Flip Stage can be used as a platform to support the Esse Lounger or be used on its own. It can be folded in half for more of a lift or laid flat to keep things close to the ground. The surface is non-slip for better traction, and it has a poly/nylon moisture-proof inner liner and a machine-washable cover.
BEST FOR BDSM
Extreme Restraints: Lover's Bondage Bench
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Made For: BDSM beginners and experts
Why It’s Great: No matter the level of experience within the BDSM community, the Lover’s Bondage Bench is a multifunctional platform ready to help lead the way to more supported, erotic experiences. The slip cover is layered with a water-resistant inner liner and a soft outer cover, both of which are machine washable.
BEST BED ACCESSORY
RNPFOR Inflatable Sex Pillow
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Made For: Low-stress shtupping
Why It’s Great: The RNPFOR Inflatable Sex Cushion provides a soft, supported base for couples looking for gentle decor with pelvic support. The inflatable cushion is made with a soft material that provides just the right amount of friction for a steady experience. It’s a low-cost option for assisting with penetrative and oral sex and can be deflated and stored flat between uses.
MOST FUN
The Cowgirl Premium Sex Machine
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Made For: High-tech penetration.
Why It’s Great: This is like the mechanical bull at the bar’s frisky cousin. The Cowgirl mimics the shape of a saddle and is made of vegan leather for easy cleanup. It can be controlled via remote or smartphone, allowing users to access one of the six available vibration patterns and 360-degree swivel capabilities.
BEST FOR LIMITED MOBILITY COUPLES
Intimate Rider Romance Set
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Made For: Those with mobility limitations, spine injuries, and more.
Why It’s Great: The IntimateRider Romance Set features an IntimateRider sex chair and RiderMate sexual positioning device, essentially creating the infrastructure to allow supported, comfortable partnered sex in a range of positions. Both pieces have non-slip legs for secured safety on hard or carpeted flooring. The nylon fabric is easy to clean, and both the chair and positioning device fold neatly and easily for discrete storage and easy transportation.
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