The 12 Best Standing Sex Positions to Try With Your Partner
Sometimes there's simply no time to find a bed.
WHEN YOU'RE GETTING busy outside the bedroom, you also gotta get creative. Tried and true sex positions like missionary and doggy aren't as comfortable when you don't have a soft surface to lay down on. That’s where standing sex positions come in. They're helpful for when you're in the mood for a quickie or simply want to switch things up.
There’s nothing wrong with having a routine (your steady gym gains are proof), but when it comes to sex… even the best routines can start to feel, well, routine. Of course, sex is supposed to feel good, but a healthy sex life is also legitimately good for you. Research has linked sexual activity to physical, emotional, and relational benefits, like reduced stress, stronger relationship satisfaction, and evenlower heart disease mortality rates.
Of course, sexual satisfaction plays a pivotal role in your health, too. Orgasms, specifically, “trigger a cascade of feel-good chemicals and hormones that promote relaxation, sleep, and overall well-being,” says Laurie Mintz, PhD, sex therapist, psychologist, and author of Becoming Cliterate.
Not to mention, the psychological benefits abound. “Sex can also help shape identity and sense of self, while fostering a deeper sense of embodiment,” says Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, a sex therapist, psychologist, and author of What Happened to My Sex Life?. Standing positions allow for more sexual exploration and offer a different kind of steamy intensity that might change your perspective on pleasure—literally.
Sure, going vertical requires some strength, balance, coordination, and most importantly, communication between partners, but with the right sexpert-approved tips and tricks, it’s easy to adapt each position to suit your needs and preferences.
So, get on up and stand on business—or rather, pleasure—with these 12 sex positions.
At Men’s Health, we aim to describe sexual experiences as inclusively as possible. While many of the positions on this list have traditionally been associated with penis-in-vagina sex, they can be adapted by couples of all genders and sexual orientations and identities. We encourage readers to modify any position to suit their bodies, preferences, and needs. To avoid making assumptions about gender or anatomy, we use non-gendered language throughout this article. The “giving partner” or “giver” refers to the partner doing the penetrating, whether with a penis, a strap-on, or even fingers. The “receiving partner” or “receiver” refers to the partner being penetrated vaginally or anally.
Stand and Deliver
How to: The giver stands at the edge of a bed or desk while the receiver lies back and raises their legs to their chest. The receiver’s knees are bent as if they're doing a "bicycling" exercise. The giver grabs their partner’s ankles and enters them. The giver should thrust slowly, as the deep penetration may be painful for the receiver.
Benefits: This elevated positioning allows for very deep penetration thanks to the direct angle. “If the receiving partner has a clitoris, the giver can grind their pubic bone in small circles,” Balestrieri says. “The [clitoral] contact during penetration adds layers of external pleasure.”
Pro tip: “As this position provides very deep penetration, some receivers (especially those with endometriosis) may find it uncomfortable, and as with any sexual activity, should stop if it hurts,” says Mintz. “If the deep penetration hurts, a collision device like an OhNut can help.”
Yourself on the Shelf
How to: The receiving partner sits on the edge of a bed, counter, or desk while the penetrating partner stands between their legs and enters from the front. The receiver can wrap their legs around their partner’s waist, pulling them in closer, while the standing partner supports their back or hips for stability.
Benefits: This position is great for romantic connection as it allows for face-to-face eye contact, which only intensifies intimacy in all the right ways. If height differences pose a little challenge, change up the location—kitchen counter, anyone?
Pro tip: “Have the receiver sync penetration with their own breath,” says Balestrieri. For example, the receiver might inhale deeply as the giver withdraws, and then exhale as the giver thrusts inward slowly. “This can help the nervous system and pelvic floor muscles to relax,” she explains, “which increases pleasure potential.”
Standing O
How to: The giving partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, who is standing upright (their back can be against a wall if desired). Then, with one of the receiver's legs draped around the giver's shoulder, they orally stimulate their partner.
Benefits: For starters, it’s pure pleasure for the receiver. “Many people with vulvas say oral sex is one of their most reliable routes to orgasm,” says Mintz. And for those with a penis, this position sets the scene for a mind-blowing blowjob.
Plus, this position introduces an exciting power dynamic with the giver is in a submissive position and the receiver in a dominant position. If you want to play around with those power dynamics, the receiver can have their hands tied and hold them above their head. (Just make sure you both consent and agree on a safe word before engaging in any bondage play!)
Pro tip: “This position can be visually erotic for both partners but can present some sustainability challenges for both the giver and receiver,” says Balestrieri. “To help ease pain or discomfort, partners can place a non-slip mat or yoga mat under the giver’s knees and the receiver’s standing foot, creating more comfort and traction for stability.”
The Butter Churner
How to: The receiver lies on their back with their legs raised over their head. Then, the giver squats over their partner, slowly dipping their penis or dildo in and out of them.
Benefits: While it may seem like a game of Twister, this position allows for super deep penetration, says Balestrieri, thanks to the angled position. (And gravity.)
Pro tip: Ever done plow pose in yoga? This might be sexier and more fun, but it can create similar strain on the receiver’s neck, says Balestrieri. “Putting a cushion under the receiver’s neck can create more comfort and signify care to the receiver, enhancing a sense of safety.”
The Ballet Dancer
How to: Partners stand facing each other (one partner can be against a wall for increased stability). The receiver raises one of their legs, wraps it around the giver’s buttocks or thigh, and pulls the giver into them.
Benefits: If spontaneous sex and quickies in tight spaces are up your alley, add this position to your repertoire. It’s also a great position for making out.
Pro tip: To increase clitoral stimulation (and stability), the giver can stop thrusting and instead grind or move their pelvis in a circular motion on the receiver’s body, says Balestrieri.
Or, if thrusting feels too good to stop (understandable) but you still want to enhance this position for your partner (sensible), “use a small clitoral vibrator that fits between two bodies,” says Mintz, who recommends the Lelo Mia 2.
The Iron Chef
How to: A variation of The Ballet Dancer in which the receiver raises their legs up and wraps them around the giver’s butt or thighs. Your kitchen counter is the perfect height for this standing-to-seated appetizer.
Benefits: If making out during sex is a must for you, this is a prime position, says Mintz. Not to mention, “having a sexual encounter someplace other than the bedroom adds novelty, which is exciting,” she adds.
Pro tip: This position works best on a surface that is roughly crotch height, but if you only have access to a lower table or the giver is really tall, the receiver can sit on a pillow or folded blanket so partners’ genitals are aligned.
Standing Wheelbarrow
How to: The giver enters their partner as they would in a standing, rear entry position, but instead, the giver lifts the receiver up by the pelvis. The receiver then grips the giver’s waist with their legs.
Benefits: Positions where the receiver’s legs are spread wide and wrapped around the giver are great for deep penetration, Carol Queen, PhD, sex educator, staff sexologist at Good Vibes, and author of The Sex & Pleasure Book previously told Men’s Health.
Pro tip: The receiver isn’t the only one who should spread their legs. “This position can feel unsteady for the giver to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart,” says Balestrieri. You’ll be more focused on not falling than pleasure, and no one wants that. For better balance, “the giver can widen their stance and place one foot slightly in front of the other,” she says, “creating more of a triangle base and more stability for both partners.”
Standing Doggy Style
How to: The giver stands and enters the receiver from behind as they pose on all fours on the edge of the bed.
Benefits: This position offers the same benefits of classic doggy style—deep penetration, manual clitoral stimulation, sexy visualization—but some people find this position to be even more comfortable.
Pro tip: If the receiver experiences discomfort from arching their back, they should tilt their pelvis forward. “This relieves pressure on the spine and still paves the way for deeper penetration,” says Balestrieri.
Restroom Attendant
How to: After slipping into a bathroom, the receiver looks into the mirror while the giver enters them from behind. Both partners can adjust their stance for added balance and comfort.
Benefits: Many people get turned on by looking at themselves in the mirror, says Mintz. It adds a visual element that can heighten awareness and connection, while tapping into your voyeuristic side. It's also a fantastic position for anal sex.
Pro tip: Don’t want it all on display? It doesn’t have to be. “For some folks, seeing themselves in the mirror during sex can be hot but also anxiety-inducing,” says Balestrieri. Her flirty fix? “Run a hot shower to steam up the mirror, and use your hands or a towel to wipe away the steam in select places,” she says. “[This will] highlight the elements you’d like to see.”
Couch Surfer
How to: The receiving partner bends their body over the arm of a couch as the giver enters them from behind.
Benefits: Both partners can easily enjoy deep penetration in this position, and “the receiver can grind their entire pubic area, including the sensitive mons pubis, on the couch arm, thus stimulating the internal clitoris,” says Mintz.
Pro tip: “Depending on the fabric of the couch, partners may want to lay down a towel or soft blanket to create more sensory comfort or protect the couch’s upholstery,” says Balestrieri. Might we suggest a sex blanket?
The Quickie Fix
How to: The receiver bends at the waist and rests their hands on a piece of furniture, their knees, or the floor for support. The giver enters them from behind and holds their hips for support while thrusting.
Benefits: True to its name, this position is great for hot, spontaneous, quickies. “Instead of removing the receiver’s clothes entirely, partners might consider leaving their underwear on, and moving it down or to the side,” says Balestrieri. “This creates more tension and sensation, and gives the thrill of being partially exposed and maybe doing something a little taboo.”
Pro tip: For more stability and stimulation, the receiver can rest one hand on a piece of furniture and use the other to touch themselves, says Mintz. “This is also a great position for the giving partner to use a vibrator on the receiver.” If your partner has a vulva, try the Magic Wand. The long arm can help you reach around, and the large head ensures you’ll hit their hot spot. And if they have a penis, they can wear a vibrating cock ring, like We-Vibe’s Pivot.
The Elevator
How to: This oral sex position really needs no explanation, but here’s one anyway: The giving partner drops to their knees and goes down on the receiving partner, who stands over them with their legs spread.
Benefits: The height difference creates a hot dynamic, while making eye contact adds an extra layer of intensity. “It can also be a turn-on being able to look down and see your partner doing this to you,” says Mintz.
Pro tip: “For partners with a big height difference or for those who want a little more support, the receiver can widen their stance and lean up against a wall to lower their body to the giver’s height,” says Balestrieri. “Alternatively, the giver can kneel on a support pillow or folded blanket for additional height or to protect their knees.”
What to Consider When Having Standing Sex
Not every position works for everyone.
As with anything in life, there’s different strokes for different folks—and that’s okay. Some standing positions can be super awkward and even uncomfortable for people who are vastly different heights, Mintz says. “If you try a position out and it doesn't work for you, don’t feel pressure to make it work,” she adds. “Try something else that better suits you.”
External stimulation matters–especially if your partner has a vulva.
“Only up to 18 percent of women and people with vaginas can orgasm from penetration alone,” says Mintz. “They require clitoral stimulation either alone or coupled with penetration to climax.”
So, don’t be shy about using your hands, incorporating sex toys, or changing body positioning to stimulate the clit. It can make a significant difference in overall satisfaction for both partners.
Communication makes everything better.
Checking in, giving feedback, and being open to quick adjustments can make any position more comfortable and allow for more connection with your partner. It can also create a safe space for honest conversation. “Sex can lead to creativity and confident expression and expansion,” says Balestrieri, which can help partners learn how to ask for what they want or set a boundary.
So, the next time you want your partner to switch things up or try something new, say it and then stand on business.
Annita Katee is a writer and editor covering health, wellness, travel, beauty, and the occasional DIY mishap. She has bylines in Well + Good, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Domino, and Apartment Therapy, among others. Born in Sydney and now based in Los Angeles, she’s happiest by the ocean, doing a DIY, or binge-watching reality TV with a crochet hook in hand. She's also the author and illustrator of two children’s books. Find her at @annitakatee.
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