Everyone loves a push-me-up-against-the-wall sex scene in a movie—why not bring that energy to your own sex life? We’ve got plenty of fresh, expert-recommended standing sex positions to help you spice up your repertoire, and if getting it on upright isn’t your thing, check out the best car sex positions and the best shower sex positions instead.
Best Standing Sex Positions
Sometimes you don’t need the bed. Standing sex positions are an easy way to switch up your sex routine and scene—from the kitchen to the living room and beyond.
1. Barstool
Why It Works
Standing sex positions like this—where one partner is supported on a barstool—allows for deep penetration and comfort. Neither partner needs “to hold themself in a challenging position,” says Mike Johnson, co-host of “Your Mileage May Vary” sex and relationship podcast.
How to Do It
As the name suggests, this position requires a barstool or an equivalent piece of furniture. The receiving partner sits on the back edge of the stool and leans forward toward a counter or table so they can grip the edges for support. The penetrative partner stands directly behind so they can penetrate with easy access to the vulva or anus.
Pro Tip
Place a folded towel on the barstool to create a cushion for greater comfort and easy cleanup.
2. Standing Oral Sex
Why It Works
Typically this standing sex position has been depicted in films where the male receives and the female gives. But when a male partner performs oral sex on a female while standing, “it bends typical gender roles, offers a great view, and gives access to new angles to stimulate,” says Rossana Sida, LMFT, Psy.D, CST, sex and relationship therapist. Of course this is a great standing position for same-sex couples as well.
How to Do It
The giver kneels down before the receiving partner and has them stand with their legs wide or with one leg propped up on a step, elevated surface, or even up and over the kneeling partner’s shoulder.
Pro Tip
Do this against a wall for greater support and balance.
3. Leg Up
Why It Works
This standing sex position permits both partners to “take advantage of full-body skin contact, gazing, and four free hands to wander across one another’s bodies,” says Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., sexologist and host of “Sex With Dr. Jess” podcast.
How to Do It
Stand facing one another next to a bed, chair, or ottoman, suggests O’Reilly. The receiving partner bends a leg and places their foot on the elevated surface while the penetrative partner slides inside.
Pro Tip
To heighten this standing sex position and help create greater clitoral stimulation for vulva-owners, use a vibrating cock ring like Romp Juke.
4. Standing 69
Why It Works
This 69 sex position is all about novelty and theatrics.
How to Do It
- In this deeply athletic position, the standing partner holds their partner upside-down, with the inverted partner’s hips directly in front of their face.
- Both partners wrap their arms around each other’s torsos for support.
- The inverted partner can rest their knees on the standing partner’s shoulders for balance and support.
Pro Tip
“Only do this position if the standing partner is strong enough to hold the inverted partner safely,” says Gigi Engle, COSRT-registered, certified sex and relationship psychotherapist, who specializes in Gender Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD). “This is a difficult oral sex position to pull off, so consider standing against a wall to support the standing partner and place pillows on the ground for a soft, safe dismount.”
5. Eiffel Tower
Why It Works
This standing sex position allows rear entry, which is stimulating for both anal and vaginal penetration.
How to Do It
The penetrating partner stands directly behind the receiving partner who’s bent over at the waist with their hands on the ground, explains Megwyn White, certified sexologist and director of education at Satisfyer. You’re replicating the iconic shape of France’s Eiffel Tower monument in all its shining glory.
Related: This Kink Deliberately Interrupts the Best Part of Sex
