18 Underrated & Unusual Sex Positions for Couples

If you’re feeling like your sex life is a bit bland these days, mixing things up with unusual sex positions may be the change you’re looking for. Even if we love our partners, when we add kids, limited time, and low energy into the mix, it can feel impossible to ever get creative in the bedroom again. But does that mean all hope is lost?

The answer is no! You are not doomed to boring sex for the rest of your life. There are some unusual sex positions that you might be overlooking. The classics are classics for a reason, especially for those of us who have been getting busy with the same partner for a long time, but it never hurts to try something new.

Looking for a little inspiration to make things more exciting between the sheets? Read on for these underrated and unusual sex positions you might be missing out on.

Get Your Spoon On

Harmony and luxury at beauty salon
iStock

Sure, spooning is mostly something we think about when we’re cuddling, but it can be an unusual sex position that works for some couples in a new way.

If you’re looking for an intimate sexual experience, give this one a try. It can be super romantic, especially if it’s not something you’re used to.

Woman on Top

sex positions
iStock

This might sound like an obvious position, but sometimes, we get so stuck in our regular sex routines that this one ends up falling by the wayside. If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten on top, the time has come to give it a try once again.

Being in control this way can definitely feel good (for more reasons than one).

Reverse Cowgirl

Black couple hands pulling white sheets in ecstasy
iStock

This position is another variation of being on top. It might take a little coordination and possibly even a little bit of practice to get it right. But once you and your partner figure out this position, the logistics are worth the reward.

One note: If you enjoy visual stimulation, this position does prevent you and your partner from seeing each other’s faces as you move together.

Standing Up

Bedroom with Single Rose and Petals on Bed, Copy Space
iStock

This one sounds so basic, but how long has it been since you’ve attempted to have sex standing up? Whether you’re using a wall to help keep your balance or decide to go at it in the shower, standing up produces a different sensation.

Plus, holding onto your partner this way takes things to a brand-new level of fun. Sometimes, an unusual sex position means bringing some of your old moves back to life.

On the Edge

Affectionate young couple in the bedroom
iStock

Want to mix things up with an unusual sex position that doesn’t require you actually leaving your bed? Lay down on the edge of your bed with your partner standing on the floor right in front of you, and let your partner feel free to go to work exploring your body.

Of course, this means your partner might have a bit more control than you do, but that can also become part of the fun.

Sitting Up

Austria-bathhouse Millst√§tter Lake
iStock

Ready to venture away from the bed? It’s time to put the rest of the furniture in the house to work – including the couch or a comfy chair.

Have your partner sit down, and then sit on their lap, facing them. This can be a super intimate position as you look each other directly in the eyes.

On the Side

Nothing enriches life like love
iStock

This is similar to spooning, but this time, you’ll both lay on your sides facing each other to do the deed.

Like the sitting position, it’s more intimate because you can look each other in the eye, and you’ll get all that closeness you’ve been craving.

Missionary

A simple touch can mean so much
iStock

Although this one definitely doesn’t qualify as an unusual sex position, we find no shame in embracing the traditional missionary position. This is one of the most common sex positions because of exactly how good it can be.

Plus, it offers plenty of room for adding your own twists (literally or figuratively) to get busy with your partner.

Knees to Chest

Messy bed. White pillow with blanket on bed unmade. Concept of relaxing after morning
iStock

Looking for something a little different while in that missionary position? You can get some seriously amazing results just by changing up what your legs are doing.

For penetrative sex, have your partner push your knees into your chest while penetrating you. A new angle can change everything, y’all.

Doggy Style

Morning Valentine's romance
iStock

It’s pretty crazy how swapping positions like this can change the way sex feels entirely, but that’s one of the reasons why doggy style definitely doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

You might feel like you lose out on a little bit of the intimacy with your partner, which is valid, but the pleasure you receive might just make up for it.

Throw It Back

asian chinese couple hugging and bonding time
iStock

Sometimes, the best sex position doesn’t actually involve sex at all! Think back to what was fun at the beginning of your relationship or even when you were younger.

Stuff like making out and grinding on each other was pretty exciting back then, right? Spoiler alert: It’s still fun now. Give it a try!

Face Down

Close up of male and female feet on a bed
Alessandro Biascioli/iStock

Here’s another unusual sex position that means you won’t be looking at each other – and another position where that sacrifice is totally worth it.

Lay face down on the bed (or whatever surface you happen to be using) while your partner gets on top of you as an alternative to more traditional missionary sex.

Seated Spoons

Two glasses of rose champagne in the upscale hotel room. Dating, romance, honeymoon, valentine, getaway concepts
iStock

You might think of spooning as something you do when you lay down, but you can also take this position to the closest chair or couch! This position is similar to having sex while sitting on each other’s laps.

Instead of facing each other, however, you’ll be facing outward while your partner enters or explores you from behind.

Kneel Down

We're growing closer by the day
iStock

Kneeling on the ground or the bed is yet another underrated option. Have your partner kneel, and then join them, with your legs straddling their body.

This one might take some finagling to get it right, but it can be a lot of fun – especially if you’re getting bored of your regular sex positions.

Legs on Shoulders

Couple cuddling in the bed
iStock

This is a variation of the knees-to-chest position, and fortunately, it can be a little easier on your legs. Assume the missionary position, but instead of laying flat on the bed, put your legs up on your partner’s shoulders. This new angle allows them full access to you and a brand-new sensation for you both.

The Wheelbarrow

Close up of female feet.
iStock

This one’s going to take a little bit of coordination (and some upper arm strength). Have your partner stand before grabbing your legs to wrap them around their body.

It’s just like those relay races we did when we were kids, except it’s a lot different. And a lot more naked.

Up On Pillows

She loves it when he nuzzles her neck
iStock

If you’ve never tried this easy trick before, you might be surprised at just how much an elevation change can bring! Use a pillow or two to prop up your body (try under your hips first) in any position you choose.

As a bonus, you might find that it’s easier to orgasm this way if you’ve struggled to orgasm before.

The Lotus

She has her own way of saying good morning
iStock

This position is another way to make use of your partner’s lap. Have them sit down cross-legged, and then settle down into their lap, face to face. Finally, wrap your legs around their back to kick off the fun.

If you enjoy having sex sitting down, this is also an easy way to mix it up and still keep things exciting.