Here’s How To Have Amazing Standing Sex, According To Sexperts

No shade to missionary and cowgirl, but standing sex positions deserve way more hype. Imagine you get home from a date and your partner pins you against the wall to make out before having passionate sex—or, they join you in the shower for some steamy fun. Standing sex is hot and adventurous, and it can help spice up your sex life, especially if you and your partner tend to opt for the same positions over and over. 

“Standing sex positions offer a lot of wonderful benefits, both physically and emotionally,” says Holly Wood, PhD, LMFT, CST, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and clinical sexologist. They often allow for deeper penetration and different angles of stimulation—plus, standing face-to-face promotes more eye contact and kissing, which can increase emotional intimacy, she says. 

From a functional standpoint, standing sex can be ideal for heightening clitoral or G-spot stimulation, says Lilith Foxx, an AASECT-certified sexuality educator and board-certified sexologist. If you tend to experience pain or discomfort in traditional horizontal positions, some standing options may alleviate pressure on the back, hips, or knees, she says. Plus, you can always make standing sex more accessible by using the wall, countertop, or props to feel more stable.

Standing sex also lends itself super well to power play, experts say. “It allows people to explore different dynamics—whether that’s playfulness, power exchange, or even just feeling strong and confident in their bodies,” Wood says. Standing positions are also perfect for partners who enjoy more energetic or Dominant/submissive dynamics, since they naturally introduce elements of balance, control, and support, says Foxx.

One of the most notable benefits, however, is the element of novelty and spontaneity. “Trying something new can help break up routine, boost curiosity, and reignite that spark—especially in long-term relationships where keeping things fresh matters,” Wood says. Additionally, standing sex positions are great for partially-clothed sex and quickies, says DuEwa “Kaya” Spicer, LCSW-S, CST, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and owner of Infinite Zen Therapy. 

When it comes down to it, you know your body and pleasure best—so always do what works for you, communicate clearly, and establish consent before trying a new position. Let your partner know what feels good and what doesn’t, and you’ll be on your way to a sexy romp that’s playful and safe. Ahead, experts share 10 standing sex positions to try with your partner.

10 Best Standing Sex Positions

1. Face-to-Face Standing

If you’re new to standing sex, start with the basics. In this position, both partners stand facing each other. “The penetrating partner may need to slightly bend their knees or lift the receiving partner’s leg for easier access, especially if there’s a height difference,” Foxx says. “The receiving partner can wrap one leg around the other’s waist or rest it on a surface like a low counter or chair.”

If standing face-to-face feels too straightforward, the penetrating partner can also pick up and hold the receiver, says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, PhD, a sex educator at Lovehoney and founder of The Millennial Sexpert. Lifting can require quite a bit of strength, but it can be arousing and it makes a great full-body workout, she says. 

Being face-to-face allows for intimacy through kissing, eye contact, and close body contact, and it’s ideal for grinding and clitoral stimulation, Foxx says. “To make it hotter, add a mirror nearby or whisper in their ear what you’re going to do next to bring in an element of teasing.” 

2. Standing Doggy 

Listen, doggy style is classic for a reason. But if you want to amp it up, try it standing instead.  “One partner stands and bends over a sturdy surface like a bed, table, or countertop while the other enters from behind,” says Foxx. “The standing angle can be adjusted by how much the receiving partner leans forward or spreads their legs.” 

This position is great because it gives the opportunity for deep penetration and is pretty easy to modify, says Foxx. And even without penetration, standing doggy makes for a great position—you can tease your partner from behind using your fingers, or vice versa. “The bending partner has the option of bracing themselves or even playing with a vibrator while the other controls depth and rhythm,” Foxx says. 

Standing doggy is ideal for stimulating the G-spot, A-spot, or prostate—plus, it provides a great visual of one partner’s backside, says Spicer. If you need help with balance, the standing partner can hold the bending partner’s waist and pull their body in for deeper penetration, she says. To avoid strain, make sure your knees are slightly bent, Spicer says. And to make it hotter, try some (consensual) light spanking, hair pulling, or dirty talk, and add a mirror or vibrator for more fun. 

Another pro tip? Use a washing machine for support, with one partner in the front bent over the machine and the other behind them, says Frye-Nekrasova. “For added stimulation, you can throw in a load beforehand and let the spin cycle add some vibration!” she says. 

3. Wall Support 

This classic movie scene position is a hot one. “The receiving partner stands with their back against a wall with one or both legs lifted and wrapped around the penetrating partner, who supports their weight,” says Foxx. “This works best when the penetrating partner is strong enough to stabilize, or when the wall is used for support rather than a full lift.”

If you’re a fan of deep thrusts and being super close to your partner, you’ll love this position. To take it to the next level, pin your partner’s hands against the wall above their head or whisper exactly what you’re imagining while you’re pressed against them, Foxx suggests. You can also playfully restrain them with one hand and tease them down below with your other.

4. Ballet Dancer

Don’t worry, you don’t have to have Black Swan-level talent for the position (although you may need some flexible hips). In “ballet dancer,” partners stand facing each other. Then, one partner lifts one leg around the other’s waist—or on their shoulder for deeper penetration—while they hold each other close, says Wood. (Pro tip: You can use the wall or another sturdy surface to lean on, if doing this in the middle of the room makes you feel shaky or unstable.)

This dance-inspired sex position is elegant and intimate—plus, the face-to-face connection will foster emotional connection, Wood says. To make it hotter, try slow, rhythmic thrusting or sway together to turn it into a more sensual experience, she recommends.

If lifting a leg up high isn’t your thing, try this modified version, recommended by Foxx: One partner stands with a foot raised on a low surface, like a step, ottoman, or even a sturdy box. “The other partner stands between their legs to penetrate, either front or back, depending on the angle and dynamic,” Foxx says. “This creates a more open pelvic angle and offers strong access for penetration or oral.”

Apart from building leg strength, this position is great for teasing each other. You can make it feel more playful or dominant, Foxx adds. “Have the standing partner give soft instructions, or keep your hands on each other’s hips to maintain a slow, controlled rhythm,” she says.

5. Reverse Lift

Beginners, be warned: This standing sex position is expert-level and requires a fair amount of athleticism and strength to achieve. “The penetrating partner stands behind the receiving partner and lifts them from under the thighs, while the receiving partner wraps their arms around the neck, and their legs around the waist,” says Foxx. “This is a more advanced move that requires more strength and trust.” 

That said, if you’re a strength training pro and you feel pretty confident in your abilities, this could be a fun challenge to try. “It creates intense full-body contact and invites a feeling of surrender or control, depending on your dynamic,” Foxx says. If that full lift is too intense (which, TBH, is understandable), try the same move in a pool or against a wall with partial support, she recommends.

6. Chair Assist

Put your furniture to good use in this steamy sex position. First, grab your sturdiest chair and make sure you’re in an environment that’s clear of clutter. Then, pick who will sit and who will stand (or swap as you go). “One partner remains standing while the other sits on a sturdy chair, facing toward or away, depending on the desired angle,” says Foxx. The standing partner will be upright and the seated partner can sit back and enjoy the show.

Because the “chair assist” combines sitting and standing dynamics, it could be ideal for exploring power dynamics. “It’s great for grinding, rhythm control, and making eye contact,” Foxx says. It also works well for teasing or lap dance-style foreplay, especially if the standing partner takes the lead, she says.

To spice it up even more, have the standing partner control the pace by using their hands and guiding the hips, she adds. 

7. Bound Standing Oral

Kink lovers, this one’s for you! Obviously, penetration isn’t the only way to have sex, and oral sex can be equally (if not more) pleasurable. So, if you love giving and/or receiving oral in horizontal sex positions, try standing instead—and add in some playful restraint, if you desire.

“In this position, the receiving partner stands with their hands restrained above their head (using over-the-door restraints) while the giving partner kneels in front for oral sex,” says Wood. “This introduces a playful power dynamic and adds a light BDSM element—it’s perfect for couples who are curious about bondage, but looking for an approachable entry point.” Always use a safe word or signal to keep things consensual and comfortable, Wood adds. 

8. Standing Spooning 

Do you love spooning and cuddling before bed? This time, instead of dozing off, try the stand-and-spoon for an unexpectedly hot sex position. Here’s how it works: “Both partners stand facing the same direction, with the penetrating partner behind,” says Foxx. “The receiving partner can lean forward slightly or spread their legs for better access, while the back partner wraps their arms around the front for support and closeness.”

Similar to other standing sex positions, this angle “allows for full-body contact while still keeping things relatively low-effort,” Foxx says. You can also make sex as soft or rough as you desire in this position. “It’s perfect for more sensual, slow-paced intimacy and also works well in the shower or near a mirror,” she adds. 

To make it hotter, get handsy and feel all over each other’s bodies. You can also reach around to stimulate the clit or chest, or sync your breathing together to deepen the connection, Foxx suggests. 

9. Chair-Supported Standing From Behind

Hope you kept that chair handy! In this position, the receiving partner leans forward with their hands resting on the back of the chair, while the penetrating partner enters from behind, Foxx says. “It’s like a more relaxed version of standing doggy with a bit more balance and control.” 

Using a chair to brace yourself is ideal for anyone with joint or balance concerns, and it can also help you position yourself for angles that allow for deeper penetration, Foxx says. To make it hotter, add a sex toy for external stimulation, or experiment with alternating shallow and deep thrusts to slowly build up the intensity.

10. Yourself On The Shelf

The name of this sex position may sound cute, but don’t let it fool you—the sensations can be delightfully intense. “In this position, one partner perches on the edge of a sturdy surface, like a table or counter, facing their partner. Then, they bend their knees and place their feet into the standing partner’s hands, who enters them,” says Wood. Instead of thrusting, the standing partner gently rocks them back and forth, which creates a unique, rhythmic sensation, she says.

“It focuses on gentle gyration rather than deep thrusting and targets the upper vaginal wall, which can feel especially pleasurable for some,” Wood says. And similar to other standing sex positions, the face-to-face setup encourages intimacy, eye contact, making out, and a deeper emotional connection.  

Pro tip: If your sturdy surface of choice is uncomfortable in any way, make a cushion by folding a towel or blanket and placing it under your bum, Wood says.