35+ New Things to Try in the Bedroom With Your Partner

Most couples don’t lack desire; they just don’t always have a roadmap. After months or years together, familiar routines can quietly replace the spontaneity that once made intimacy feel electric.

Keeping a relationship exciting isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the quiet curiosity, the playful “what if…,” and the willingness to explore that bring two people closer.

Routines can feel comforting, sure, but don’t they also leave a little room for something fresh, something unexpected?

When you start considering new things to try in the bedroom, it’s less about changing everything and more about rediscovering each other slowly, gently, and with intention.

There might be a few laughs, a few surprises, and maybe even a blush or two! Still, those shared moments of openness and trust often become the ones you both hold onto the most.

How to introduce new ideas to your partner

When introducing new ideas to your partner, approach the conversation with openness and positivity. 

Choose a relaxed setting, not immediately before or after intimacy. Then express your desires and invite their input. Emphasize that exploring together can enhance intimacy, ensuring both partners feel comfortable discussing boundaries and preferences.

• Promotes open communication: Encourages honest dialogue about desires and boundaries.
• Builds trust: Shows respect for each other’s feelings, strengthening the relationship.
• Enhances intimacy: Creates opportunities for shared experiences and deeper connections.
• Encourages exploration: Inspires both partners to discover new pleasures together.
• Reduces anxiety: Makes discussing potentially sensitive topics feel safe and comfortable.
• Normalizes vulnerability: Allows both partners to express desires and fears without judgment.
• Creates a collaborative atmosphere: Promotes teamwork in exploring new experiences.
• Facilitates compromise: Encourages negotiation and finding common ground.
• Builds anticipation: Discussing new ideas creates excitement for future experiences together.

Conversation starter: “I have been thinking about something I would love to try with you. Can we talk about it sometime this week?” Starting with a low-stakes request for a conversation, rather than the idea itself, takes the pressure off both partners.

What to do if your partner says no (or not yet)

Respect their boundary without making them explain or defend it. A “no” is not a rejection of you. It is information about their comfort level right now. You can revisit the topic in a few months or explore a lighter version of the idea together until both partners feel ready.

35+ new things to try in the bedroom with your partner

Exploring intimacy can help maintain excitement and deepen the bond between partners. Engaging in adventurous activities allows couples to express their fantasies, boost confidence, and reignite passion.

To make it easier to find what resonates with you, we have organized these ideas into sections based on the type of experience they offer.

Whether you are just starting to explore or looking to go further, you can browse by category and pick what feels right for both of you. From sensory play and role-play to romantic rituals and advanced exploration, here is a full guide to new things to try in the bedroom.

• Sensory and physical play

Sensory play works by deliberately engaging, or limiting, one or more of the senses to heighten arousal and focus attention. When one sense is reduced (like sight), the brain compensates by amplifying others, making every touch feel more vivid and intense.

New to sensory play? Start with blindfolds. They are the lowest-barrier entry point, requiring no equipment, no preparation, and are easy to pause at any time.

1. Blindfolds

Using a blindfold taps into sensory deprivation, heightening touch and sound by blocking sight. This adds a thrilling element to intimate experiences, as the mystery of what is coming next builds anticipation.

You can guide your partner’s pleasure while they remain “in the dark,” enhancing their sensitivity to every kiss or stroke. It is a simple tool, but an effective way to experiment with control and trust.

• Safety note: Always establish a clear verbal signal to pause or stop. A safe word works well here, even for activities that are not BDSM-related. Always check your partner’s comfort level and use clear communication throughout.

2. Temperature play

Hot and cold sensations, such as ice cubes or warm oils, bring an exciting twist to touch. Run an ice cube along the skin to create goosebumps, or pour warm massage oil for soothing pleasure. You can alternate between the two for an intensified sensory experience.

Temperature play is easy to try and adds depth to physical connection by awakening new sensations.

• Common mistake: Skipping the temperature test. Always test the temperature of any object or oil on your own inner wrist before using it on your partner’s skin. Avoid burns or numbness by starting gently.

3. Sensation play

Experiment with textures like feathers, silk, or fur to stimulate your partner’s skin. Sensation play focuses on awakening nerve endings through light touches or contrasting materials, which can enhance arousal and build anticipation.

It is one of those new things to try in the bedroom that requires no complex preparation, just a willingness to explore touch in new ways.

• First-time tip: Build a simple “sensation kit” from items you already own. A silk scarf, a soft makeup brush, and an ice cube are all you need to start. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so start slow and check what feels good.

4. Scent play

Incorporate scented oils, candles, or perfumes to create an aromatic experience. Scents like vanilla, lavender, or musk can trigger feelings of relaxation and arousal.

You can also give your partner an oil massage, using the fragrance to relax them while increasing intimacy. This type of sensory exploration adds depth to your connection and is perfect for couples looking for new experiences that are both stimulating and relaxing.

• Safety note: Choose skin-safe, hypoallergenic scents to avoid irritation. Always patch-test a new oil on a small area before full use.

5. Candle wax play

If you enjoy the sensation of heat, dripping warm candle wax onto your partner’s skin can create an intense and pleasurable experience. Use specially made candles designed for skin contact, as they melt at lower temperatures to avoid burns.

Candle wax play is a classic example of adventurous exploration that is exciting but also requires careful communication and safety precautions.

• • Common mistake: Using regular household candles. Always use massage candles or soy candles specifically made for skin contact, as they burn at a much lower temperature. Test on your own arm first, hold the candle at least 12 to 18 inches away initially, and keep a towel nearby.

• Role-play and fantasy exploration

Fantasy is a natural and healthy part of sexual desire. Research consistently shows that mental arousal, including imagination, anticipation, and narrative, is as important as physical stimulation for most people. Role-play is simply imagination made physical.

6. Roleplay

Role-playing is a fun way to engage in new stuff to do in bed. It involves stepping into different personas, such as a teacher and student or a boss and employee, to bring fantasies to life.

Dressing up and using props adds authenticity, helping both partners immerse themselves in the experience.

• First-time tip: Start with a low-stakes scenario like “strangers meeting at a bar.” No costumes, no props, and easy to laugh off if it feels awkward. The goal is playful exploration, so stay open and relaxed throughout.

7. Costumes

Costumes transform simple role-playing into immersive experiences. Whether it is dressing as a seductive nurse or a daring police officer, costumes help you escape everyday roles and explore fantasies more vividly.

Incorporating outfits or accessories that align with your fantasy is a fun way to dive deeper into the world of role play. Confidence is key. Choose outfits that make you feel sexy and empowered.

• Conversation starter: “Is there a character or scenario you have always been curious about? I would love to explore something with you.” Choose characters or outfits that make both of you feel confident and comfortable.

8. Pet play

This involves adopting playful, animalistic personas, such as pretending to be a kitten or a wolf, and engaging in affectionate, teasing behavior. It is a way to explore submission and dominance, or simply add a bit of lighthearted role-playing.

Pet play can serve as a gateway to more adventurous new things to try in the bedroom if both partners are comfortable exploring different dynamics.

• Safety note: Always use safewords and have a relaxed, out-of-character conversation about boundaries before starting, not during. This is one activity where the pre-talk matters as much as the activity itself.

9. Fantasy sharing

Sharing fantasies is a great way to strengthen intimacy and generate new ideas to explore together. It creates a safe space for both partners to express desires without judgment. Whether it is acting out a scenario or simply discussing it, fantasies allow for emotional closeness.

• First-time tip: Start by sharing a fantasy you would be comfortable never acting on, something purely imaginative. This removes the pressure of expectation and makes the conversation feel safer. Gradually explore deeper fantasies as trust builds.

10. Fantasy jar

Write down fantasies or sexual activities on pieces of paper, place them in a jar, and take turns pulling one out. This game adds spontaneity to your intimacy and makes it easier to introduce new ideas that might feel intimidating to suggest verbally.

It is an excellent way to find out which ideas both partners are genuinely interested in, creating room for adventure.

• Safety note: Add a “pass” rule. Either partner can return any paper to the jar, no explanation needed. The jar works best when it feels like a playful invitation, not an obligation. Respect a “no” if either of you is not in the mood for a certain fantasy.

• Sensual and romantic ideas

Not every new experience needs to be intense or adventurous. Some of the most powerful intimacy-builders are also the gentlest. From sensual massage to intimate picnics, these romantic bedroom ideas help you slow down and rediscover each other.

They are ideal for couples who want to reconnect without pressure, and for anyone looking for a slower, more emotionally attuned starting point.

11. Sensual massage

A sensual massage offers both relaxation and intimacy. Use scented oils to explore erogenous zones such as the neck, inner thighs, and lower back. Take your time with slow, deliberate strokes that heighten arousal.

Massages can transition into more intimate activities or serve as foreplay. Exploring touch without rushing toward a goal helps build deeper physical and emotional connections.

• First-time tip: Set a timer for 15 minutes and commit to not rushing past the massage itself. The deliberate slowness is the point. It trains both partners to be fully present. Keep the focus on pleasure and comfort, not performance.

12. Dancing together

Incorporate sensual dancing into your routine by slow dancing or giving each other a lap dance. This activity helps you connect through movement, build anticipation, and explore each other’s bodies in a playful way.

Dancing seductively for your partner blends fun and seduction in one of the more accessible ideas on this list.

• Conversation starter: “Can I have this dance?” Sometimes the simplest invitations are the most disarming. It is not about skill. It is about chemistry and connection.

13. Intimate picnics

Set up a cozy indoor picnic with blankets, pillows, and your favorite snacks. Enjoying food together in a relaxed setting can enhance intimacy, and it is a perfect way to blend romance with comfort.

You can even feed each other as a form of playful foreplay, making it one of the more romantic new things to try in bed.

• First-time tip: Put your phones in another room. The intimacy of this idea comes entirely from undivided attention. Keep distractions away and focus on touch, laughter, and closeness.

14. Reading erotica together

Take turns reading erotic stories aloud to each other. This stimulates both the mind and body by painting vivid mental images. It is a subtle way to introduce fantasies and desires, opening the door for deeper conversations about what excites you both.

• Conversation starter: After reading, ask: “Was there anything in that story you found particularly interesting?” This opens dialogue without putting either partner on the spot. Pause to talk about what turns you on, as communication deepens the experience.

15. Shower play

Taking your intimacy to the shower offers a mix of warmth, steam, and sensual touch. Use soapy lathers to glide your hands over each other’s bodies or explore standing positions for a new experience.

The water creates a slippery, exciting environment, adding a touch of novelty to your routine.

• • Common mistake: Underestimating how slippery wet surfaces are. Always use a non-slip mat, move slowly, and avoid trying unfamiliar positions for the first time in a wet environment.

• Communication and mental intimacy

Mental and emotional arousal is the foundation of physical desire, especially in long-term relationships. The ideas in this section build intimacy before you even enter the bedroom, creating anticipation and connection that make everything else more meaningful.

16. Dirty talk

Talk dirty by sharing fantasies, teasing, or describing what you want to do to your partner. It adds a mental layer of arousal, enhancing both emotional and physical connection. You can start with subtle phrases like “I love the way you touch me” and gradually build up to more explicit talk.

• First-time tip: Start with appreciative language before escalating. “I love when you…” is an easy, low-risk entry point that feels natural rather than performative. Dirty talk is about enjoyment and mutual consent. Always observe your partner’s comfort level as you proceed.

17. Naughty messages

Send teasing texts or explicit messages throughout the day to build sexual tension. These messages can hint at what you would like to do later or reference past intimate moments, creating anticipation and excitement for when you finally meet.

• Safety note: Keep it private and ensure both of you are comfortable with sexting before you start. An explicit message sent without prior agreement can feel jarring rather than exciting.

18. Secret codes

Develop secret signals to discreetly communicate your desires. For example, a playful wink or a specific word could signal that you are in the mood. This adds an element of thrill and creates excitement throughout the day.

These little signals extend intimacy into everyday moments, keeping the passion alive even when you are apart.

• First-time tip: Keep the codes fun, respectful, and just between the two of you. Make sure “I am not in the mood right now” has its own signal too.

19. Fantasy apps

There are apps specifically designed to provide sexy challenges, prompts, and role-playing ideas to enhance intimacy. These apps help you discover shared fantasies and make it easier to communicate desires.

Some worth exploring: Coral, Paired, or the We-Vibe app, each offering a different approach to couples’ intimacy prompts and exploration. Whether you are new to exploration or experienced, these apps can provide ideas that align with your comfort level.

• Safety note: Treat the app as a menu, not a to-do list. Only try prompts that feel right for both of you.

20. Kissing games

Kissing games are a playful way to explore intimacy. You can challenge each other to kiss different parts of the body, switch techniques, or time each kiss for added suspense.

These games build connection and can quickly transition into more intense activities. They are ideal for couples who want to rediscover each other’s preferences in a fun, pressure-free way.

• • First-time tip: Keep it lighthearted and focus on connection, not competition. A little laughter here is a feature, not a flaw.

• Physical exploration and pleasure

This section focuses on the physical dimension of intimacy, not just what you do but how you explore each other’s responses, rhythms, and pleasure together. These bedroom ideas for couples range from beginner-friendly to more advanced, with clear guidance on where to start.

21. Use enhancements

Incorporating toys offers endless variety and adds new dimensions to your intimate experiences. Vibrators, dildos, or couples’ toys can heighten pleasure and intensify sensations. Trying enhancements is a great way to learn more about what you both enjoy.

• Safety note: Communication is essential. Talk through boundaries and preferences before introducing any new item. Choose body-safe materials such as silicone, stainless steel, or glass from reputable brands, and ensure both of you feel comfortable and excited to explore.

22. Explore different positions

Experimenting with new positions is essential when looking for new things to try in the bedroom. Trying positions like cowgirl, spooning, or reverse missionary offers fresh angles of stimulation and keeps things exciting.

Exploring different positions helps you discover what feels best for both of you. You can switch positions throughout the session to maintain energy and create an adventurous, dynamic rhythm.

• Common mistake: Moving too quickly into an unfamiliar position. Move slowly, communicate as you go, and treat any awkwardness as part of the adventure. Discomfort is always a reason to pause and adjust.

23. Creative foreplay

Go beyond traditional kissing by incorporating body worship or sensual teasing. Explore sensitive areas such as the neck, inner thighs, or earlobes with gentle touches, kisses, or nibbles.

Creative foreplay helps build desire and creates a deeper emotional connection, encouraging you to get imaginative and heighten the anticipation before moving forward.

• First-time tip: Spend at least 10 minutes on foreplay alone before escalating. A slow build-up consistently leads to stronger physical and emotional intensity for both partners.

24. Mutual pleasure

Mutual masturbation involves pleasuring yourselves in front of each other, creating a visual and sensory experience. It is an excellent way to learn about each other’s preferences and discover new ways to pleasure one another.

Watching your partner’s reactions and rhythms can deepen understanding, building trust and intimacy. It also removes any pressure of performing for each other.

• First-time tip: Be fully present and open. Frame it as show-and-tell, not a performance. “I want to show you what feels good to me” is a generous and vulnerable invitation. It is about learning, not impressing.

25. Edging

Edging, which involves delaying climax by bringing your partner close to orgasm and then stopping, is an advanced form of control and pleasure. This technique intensifies the eventual release and helps partners better understand each other’s arousal rhythms.

Edging adds an element of challenge and anticipation for those seeking to elevate their intimate experience.

• Safety note: Communication is essential throughout. Check in regularly and do not push past your partner’s expressed limits. This technique requires attentiveness and ongoing consent, not assumption.

26. Multiple orgasms

Experiment with techniques like edging or continuous stimulation to work toward multiple orgasms. This can be a learning experience as you explore what your bodies can do, helping you and your partner reach new levels of pleasure and satisfaction.

• • Common mistake: Treating this as a performance goal. Patience and communication matter far more than achievement here. Go with your body’s natural rhythm, as pressure is the enemy of pleasure.

• Fun and playful ideas

Sometimes the best intimacy is the kind that makes you laugh. These ideas prioritize playfulness, lightheartedness, and the simple joy of enjoying each other with no complexity and no pressure.

27. Stripping

A seductive striptease combines self-confidence with sensual movement, making it one of the simplest new things to try in the bedroom. Put on a slow song, make eye contact, and undress piece by piece, creating suspense.

Even without professional dance skills, your effort and presence will excite your partner. This playful act allows both partners to appreciate each other’s bodies while building anticipation.

• First-time tip: Pick a song you genuinely love. That comfort and confidence will come through. Confidence and eye contact make it more sensual than perfection ever could.

28. Whipped cream or chocolate

Food play adds a playful and sensual dimension to intimacy. Spread whipped cream or drizzle chocolate on your partner’s body and use your tongue to lick it off slowly, combining taste and touch to heighten arousal while building anticipation.

• Common mistake: Overcomplicating the setup. Start simple with one food item and one area of the body. Keep wipes or towels nearby for easy cleanup, and always avoid food near sensitive areas to prevent irritation.

29. Sexual board games

These games are designed to spark intimacy, with activities like kissing challenges, strip poker, or sensual dares. They introduce fun and randomness, helping couples explore new dynamics without the pressure of coming up with ideas on your own.

Some games come with action cards that suggest new positions or tasks, encouraging partners to get creative.

• First-time tip: The goal is fun. Laugh, relax, and do not take it too seriously. If a dare does not appeal to either of you, skip it and draw again.

30. Staying quiet

Challenge yourselves to be as silent as possible while being intimate. This adds an element of control and restraint, making each sensation feel more intense through the challenge of stillness. It can also be fun in settings where you need to be discreet.

• First-time tip: Focus on subtle body language and slow movements to keep it enjoyable. The silence amplifies every sensation.

31. Under the bed

Playfully switch things up by bringing intimacy under the bed or using the bed as a prop. Crawling or sneaking around the bed adds a playful and adventurous element to your routine, transforming familiar surroundings into new opportunities for fun.

• Safety note: Ensure there is enough space to move comfortably and that the floor is clear beforehand.

32. New locations

Instead of confining intimacy to the bed, explore other areas of your home, such as the couch, kitchen counter, or balcony (where privacy allows). Trying new locations adds variety and a sense of novelty to your experience.

• • Safety note: Ensure privacy and comfort before switching up your setting, and check that any surface you choose is stable and comfortable for both partners.

• Advanced and adventurous play

The ideas in this section require more preparation, trust, and communication than the rest of this guide. Before exploring any of them, make sure you and your partner have:

• An established safe word (something easy to say clearly in any state)
• Had a sober, relaxed conversation about boundaries and expectations before the experience
• A plan for aftercare (see the next section)

33. Role reversal

Switch up who takes the lead or initiates intimacy. If one partner is usually dominant, try reversing roles to explore a different dynamic. This can open the door to new forms of pleasure and allow both partners to understand each other’s needs more deeply.

Role reversal offers an opportunity to engage in subtle power play or even light bondage if both partners are comfortable exploring these dynamics.

• Conversation starter: “I would love to try switching things up. Would you be open to me taking the lead tonight?” Frame it as an invitation, not a challenge. Mutual respect and communication are key. Do not assume control without consent.

34. Public play

Public play offers a thrilling sense of risk, adding excitement to your connection. It can be as subtle as a playful touch under the table or a whispered fantasy in public.

The excitement of a shared secret adds to the allure. However, ensure both partners are comfortable and always follow legal and ethical guidelines. The goal is private excitement in a public space, never involving or exposing non-consenting bystanders.

• Safety note: Public play must stay within legal boundaries at all times. Any activity that could involve or expose non-consenting people around you is not acceptable. Keep it subtle, discreet, and known only to the two of you.

35. Video recording

Recording your intimate moments allows you to capture and relive experiences. This is one of the more adventurous options on this list and requires explicit, enthusiastic consent from both partners before anything is filmed.

If done thoughtfully, recording can offer a new perspective on your intimate connection.

• Safety note: Before filming, discuss and agree on where the footage will be stored, who will have access, and when or whether it will be deleted. Store only on encrypted, private devices, never on cloud services with auto-sync enabled.

36. Group play

If both partners are open and comfortable, consensual group play, such as threesomes or partner swaps, can be an exciting experience. This requires careful communication, clear boundaries, and a deep foundation of trust to ensure everyone involved feels safe and respected.

• • Before you try this: Have at least two separate conversations about this, not just one. Cover jealousy triggers, specific boundaries, what happens if one partner wants to stop mid-experience, and how you will check in with each other afterward.

• Mindfulness and aftercare

Aftercare and presence are not just finishing touches. They are what separates an experience that brings you genuinely closer from one that leaves a partner feeling unseen or disconnected. This section deserves as much attention as any other on this list.

37. Mindfulness techniques

Focus on being fully present during your intimate moments by practicing mindfulness. Pay close attention to your partner’s reactions, breathing, and movements.

This level of presence transforms routine encounters into experiences that feel meaningful and deeply satisfying. Research suggests it significantly improves sexual satisfaction for both partners.

• First-time tip: Before you begin, take three slow, synchronized breaths together. This simple act signals a shift from everyday mode to intentional presence, and it takes less than 30 seconds.

38. Cuddle aftercare

After any intense or adventurous intimate experience, spend time cuddling, talking, or simply holding each other. Aftercare is not just for BDSM or advanced play. It is valuable after any experience where emotional or physical vulnerability was involved.

Aftercare helps both partners feel emotionally connected and cared for, reinforcing the bond between you. It is an essential part of exploring intimacy responsibly, ensuring both partners feel safe and loved after pushing any kind of boundary.

• Conversation starter: “What do you need right now?” These four words can make the difference between an experience that draws you closer and one that leaves a partner feeling unseen. Emotional connection after intimacy is just as important as physical pleasure.

Watch this TED Talk by Jonathan Ljungqvist, a relationship coach, who shares practical ways to strengthen love, connection, and emotional intimacy in relationships:

Why is it important to try new things in the bedroom?

Exploring intimacy in new ways can open up exciting possibilities for couples. Adding variety to your experiences is one of the most effective ways to spice up your sex life and encourage a deeper connection.

Whether you are looking for new things to try in the bedroom to rekindle passion or simply enjoy new adventures together, being playful and open can meaningfully strengthen your bond:

• Enhances connection: Strengthens emotional and physical intimacy
• Prevents boredom: Keeps the relationship fresh and exciting
• Increases satisfaction: Leads to more fulfilling sexual experiences
• Boosts confidence: Encourages self-expression and empowerment
• Improves communication: Fosters openness about desires and boundaries
• Builds trust: Creates a safe space for mutual exploration

FAQs

Curiosity and communication are key when it comes to keeping intimacy exciting and healthy. Below are answers to some of the most common questions couples have about exploring new experiences together.

Keeping intimacy fresh

Exploring intimacy together can feel exciting… and a little vulnerable too.

The beauty of new things to try in the bedroom is that it’s less about perfection and more about connection, curiosity, and trust. Go at your own pace, communicate openly, laugh when things feel awkward, and celebrate what brings you closer.

Some ideas will click instantly, others may not, and that’s okay! What matters is that you’re showing up for each other with openness and care.

After all, isn’t that what keeps the spark alive and meaningful?

Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less

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Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

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