20 Sex Positions You Probably Haven't Tried Before
Keep the spark alive in the bedroom is worth the time and attention, so here are a few to try with your partner to maximise pleasure and improve your relationship
Let’s be honest – keeping the spark alive in your relationship takes a little effort, and the bedroom is no exception. Whether you’re newlyweds still riding the honeymoon high or seasoned partners looking to rekindle the magic, mixing things up can do wonders for your connection. That’s where this cheeky guide to sex positions comes in!
Exploring different sex positions isn’t just about spicing things up; it’s also a brilliant way to grow closer as a couple. From playful giggles while you try something new to moments of deep intimacy, these shared experiences can build trust and keep the passion alive. Plus, who doesn’t love a little adventure now and then?
We’ve handpicked 20 of the best sexual positions to suit all kinds of couples. Whether you’re after something slow and sensual, a position to help you get closer emotionally, or a more daring move to unleash your inner thrill-seeker, we’ve got you covered.
And don’t worry - there’s no need to be a gymnast! This isn't like the book of Kama Sutra positions. These sex position names are easy to visualise and range from beginner-friendly to slightly more adventurous, so you can choose what feels right for you. Why not lead up to them with some spicy sexting ideas?
Of course, every couple is unique, and communication is key. Chatting with your partner about what you both enjoy can be a lovely way to learn more about each other’s desires – and makes trying new things even more fun. So, grab a glass of wine, have a laugh, and enjoy the process together.
20 Best Sex Positions for Couples
Ready to turn up the heat? Let’s dive in and explore the 20 best sex positions that are guaranteed to bring you closer – in every way.
1. The Spoon
Perfect for lazy mornings or cozy nights, this intimate position is all about closeness. Lie on your sides with one partner behind the other, curling into a spooning shape. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and allows for whispered sweet nothings or gentle kisses on the neck – pure romantic bliss.
- Great for: Couples who are burnt out - we get it! Life can get exhausting, and this position is relaxing for both.
2. Face-to-Face
Sit facing each other, either on the bed or a sturdy surface, with legs intertwined. This position keeps things slow and deeply connected, with plenty of opportunity for eye contact and lingering kisses. It’s perfect for couples looking to heighten emotional intimacy while enjoying a close physical bond.
- Great for: A gentle twist on the missionary sex position - but made a bit more intimate.
3. Standing Embrace
For a playful and spontaneous vibe, try this one! One partner stands with their back against a wall for support while the other faces them, standing close. It’s ideal for those passionate moments when you can’t wait to get closer – just make sure the wall is sturdy!
- Great for: Couples who find it easier to reach orgasm standing - different angles work for different people.
4. Lotus
Sit cross-legged, and have your partner sit on your lap, wrapping their legs around you. The closeness is unmatched, with bodies pressed together and hands free to explore. This position encourages intimacy and a gentle rhythm, perfect for long, lingering moments together.
- Great for: Couples who want to get closer - this position allows for maximum intimacy.
5. Side-Saddle
Lie side by side, facing each other, with one partner’s leg draped over the other’s hips. This allows for a slower, more sensual pace and keeps things close and tender. It’s especially lovely for whispering sweet nothings and holding each other tight.
- Great for: Couples who want to take their time - this position is best enjoyed nice and slow.
6. Passionate Plank
For a classic twist, one partner lies on their back while the other is on top, supporting themselves with their hands or forearms. It’s versatile, with room for playful experimentation or gentle intimacy – and all the better with lingering kisses.
- Great for: It might sound like your usual missionary sex position, but there is room to experiment here so it's great for couples you are new to switching up positions.
7. Chair Affair
Grab a sturdy chair and let one partner sit while the other straddles their lap. It’s a brilliant way to mix things up while maintaining eye contact and hands-on connection. Bonus points if the chair’s height allows for some creative angles.
- Great for: Those who find maximum pleasure in the cowgirl position - this one allows for a similar angle and often means that whoever is on top can control the speed.
8. Lazy Lovers
Lie on the bed with one partner on their back and the other lying across them at a slight angle. This position is all about experimentation, offering the perfect mix of playfulness and relaxation. It’s ideal for those chilled-out evenings when comfort is key.
- Great for: Couples who aren't in a rush. If you have all the time in the world, you can take your time with this one to find the angle that works best for you.
9. Standing Spoon
Similar to traditional spooning but on your feet! One partner stands behind the other, allowing for deep physical and emotional closeness. It’s a brilliant choice for spontaneous moments and works well for couples looking for something a bit different.
- Great for: Couples who want to expand their sex life beyond the bed.
10. Romantic Reverse
One partner lies on their stomach while the other lies on top, facing the same way. This position allows for tender kisses on the neck and shoulders, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere while keeping things simple and relaxed.
- Great for: Couples who want to get to know each other's bodies in a more intimate way.
11. The Crossroads
Lie on your back while your partner kneels between your legs at an angle, forming an “X” shape. This position allows for deep connection and playful experimentation with angles, perfect for finding what feels best for both partners while staying close.
- Great for: Playful couples who aren't afraid to get creative and pull some more daring shapes!
12. The Overlap
One partner sits on the edge of the bed while the other straddles their lap, facing away. This position offers a new perspective and lets you explore different rhythms while keeping things exciting. Add a mirror for an extra adventurous touch!
- Great for: Couples you love the traditional cowgirl position, but reimagined. This new angle could show you a different way to enjoy it.
13. The Butterfly
Lie on your back at the edge of a bed or table, while your partner stands or kneels in front. With legs lifted slightly, this position offers a mix of intimacy and sensation – great for those looking to combine passion with a sense of closeness.
- Great for: Confident couples! Whoever is standing up will have a full view of their partner, so make sure you support them with lots of compliments and reassuring touch.
14. The Bridge
One partner lies on their back with knees bent and hips slightly raised, while the other kneels above. This position creates a lovely sense of support and trust, allowing you to focus on each other completely. Perfect for slow, intimate moments.
- Great for: Women who struggle to find the perfect angle. Raising your hips can help to allow deeper penetration, whilst also increasing friction in the right areas.
15. The Rider’s Embrace
One partner lies flat while the other straddles them, sitting upright. It’s all about control and connection here, with plenty of opportunities for eye contact, shared smiles, and a pace that suits you both perfectly.
- Great for: Romantic couples - you can gaze at each other all night long with this one.
16. The Pretzel Dip
One partner lies on their back with legs to the side, while the other kneels facing them at an angle. This semi-twisted position allows for close, playful interaction and a bit of variety, perfect for mixing up your routine.
- Great for: Flexible couples! Just remember to stretch, guys.
17. The Floating Fan
Sit on a chair or the bed with your legs stretched out, while your partner straddles you and leans back slightly. This position allows for a deep, shared connection and opens the door for physical exploration with your hands.
- Great for: Couples who want to go even *deeper*.
18. The Seated Spoon
Both partners sit side by side, facing the same direction. One leans into the other, creating a snug and intimate vibe. It’s perfect for slow, affectionate moments and allows for plenty of skin-to-skin contact.
- Great for: Coupes who want to feel more connected - this one is a particularly sensual position which can increase emotional connection.
19. The Stairway to Heaven
For the more adventurous, sit on the stairs, with one partner straddling the other a step above or below. It’s fun, different, and creates new angles – just make sure those stairs are comfy and safe first!
- Great for: This one is best suited to couples who really know each other's bodies well, and have taken time to explore what the other one prefers. That will help you find just the right angle in this slightly more complicated move.
20. The Reverse Spoon
Lie side by side but facing opposite directions, with your hips aligned. This playful twist on the classic spooning position lets you experiment with a fresh angle while still keeping things relaxed and cozy.
- Great for: Sex doesn't always require penetration, so if you want to take it slow, this is a great position to explore each other's bodies with your hands before taking it further.
Sex Positions & Sexual Style: Expert Advice
Finding your unique sexual style is an essential step toward building deeper intimacy and confidence as a couple.
Just like every relationship is different, so are the ways you connect in the bedroom. Understanding what works for both of you – whether it’s playful, passionate, or exploratory – can make your experiences more fulfilling.
Sometimes, expert advice can help you discover what truly resonates. From understanding desire to navigating boundaries, a professional perspective can guide you toward better communication and connection.
With the right insights, you’ll feel more attuned to each other and ready to embrace your shared journey. That's why we've done our homework, and gathered expert-approved tips to help improve your sex life.
What is Sex Positivity?
This is a pretty big question, so we spoke to Melissa Shields, influencer and coach in confidence and wellness for women who want to better understand their sexual needs and desires.
Melissa has built an impressive online community thanks to her open and frank approach to talking about sex, setting boundaries, and improving communication in relationships, so let's see what she had to say about sex positivity.
"Sex positivity can look different to everyone", explains Melissa. "To me, sex positivity is an attitude and a lifestyle that shows openness, acceptance, understanding that sexual expression is natural, beautiful and most importantly, healthy.
"Being sex positive challenges shame and stigma we may have been taught through society or our parents."
How to Boost Sex Positivity in your Relationship
"This is extremely personal to you and where you experience pleasure", Melissa says, "but positions that encourage closeness and intimacy will be positions where you’re able to fully embrace one another, where you’re able to kiss and touch and enjoy the sensuality of each others skin and smell.
"Intimate, close sex isn’t always about the big O, remember this and it helps you have a more relaxed approach, for women this approach can help you get out of your head and be more present in the moment."
Melissa's favourite positions to boost sex positivity include...
The Seated Hug / Wraparound (also known as Lotus)
"This is where the giver will sit up with legs crossed, or open which ever is more comfortable and the receiver will sit on top and wrap their legs around. You will be hugging whilst having sex, for me this is the epitome of intimate positions.
"This position can be great for vulva owners as the grinding can stimulate the clitoris as well.
"You have the opportunity to wrap your arms around one another, gaze into each others eyes and to kiss, which I think is a simple key people forget when having sex, kissing can boost arousal and heighten your connection, so don't forget that!"
Sideways 69
"This is focused on oral play, with the closeness of spooning.
"Lay down on a soft surface, facing each other in opposite directions and aligning your bodies so you both can reach each others genitals.
"This one is great to build tension and excitement during foreplay, sometimes sex can feel rushed so slow it down, incorporate more foreplay with the sideways 69.
"Or like I said, if your end goal is not sex in this case, you can stop here."
Speedbump
"This is for those who love doggy, but want it to be more intimate. The receiver lays down on their front and the giver lays on top, penetrating from the back.
"Even though you’re not facing each other, this gives the giver an opportunity to kiss the back and the neck, and hold hands, which can feel incredibly sensual. It can also make the receiver feel protected with a full body embrace."
How Many Sex Positions Are There?
"There is no definitive number of sex positions", Melissa explains, "but creativity and personal preferences play a significant role in determining what works for each individual.
"While ancient texts like the Kama Sutra positions outline hundreds of positions, countless variations exist, making the possibilities virtually endless.
"The beauty of exploring intimacy lies in adapting and discovering what feels best for both partners. Whether it’s classic positions or creative adaptations, the emphasis should always be on mutual enjoyment, comfort, and consent."
What Apps Are Great for Helping Sex Positivity?
"Things like Dipsea & Quinn are great if you’re someone who likes to use audio to stimulate yourself or your partner, this could also be something new to explore.
"They are audio porn sites that encourage exploration and erotism and they also have guided exercises and how to guides! Or you can visit my page @milliegshields across Instagram and TikTok and get some candid advice and ideas via my videos!
Ready to spice things up in the bedroom? We did some investigating and discovered the top 20 sex toys for couples.
