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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter.

Whether you’re getting ready for your sexual debut, a one-night stand or a night in with your other half, creating a more intimate space for you and your partner(s) is one of the easiest ways to develop a deeper and more comfortable sexual experience!

mood Lighting

First and foremost, lighting is the perfect way to help get you in the mood! It might take some adjusting to find the right lighting for you, but there are so many ways to experiment with the lighting. If harsh lighting can make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, then don’t worry. There are lots of ways around this. For example, getting some fairy lights will create soft lighting, which is very romantic. If you want to be a bit bolder with the lighting, then you can always get a colour-changing LED lamp and change the colour depending on the mood you want to create. Candles are also another way to create a lovely atmosphere, but most student halls don’t allow them, so double-check before setting the fire alarm off!

create a nice aesthetic

Now that you have the lighting sorted, you’re halfway there to creating a sexy aesthetic! Having some posters which make you feel confident and brighten your room will make all the difference. This could be anything from affirmations to abstract body figures – think about what you’d like to see when you’re having sex as you don’t want anything to distract you from the moment. Next, make sure your room is tidied – there’s no bigger turn-off than a dirty sock lying on the floor. It’s time to get the hoover out and do a quick dusting (bonus points if you use the duster later). However, remember that you are only human and just do the best you can!

Have everything nearby

Sex is so often filled with moments of passion that it’s very easy to get caught up in it and find that you’ve forgotten something important! Preparing your space before you get started is vital and, again, a brilliant way to get into the mindset of sex. It also means there’s nothing to kill the mood during foreplay or dashing to the bathroom when you’ve finished. Here are some things to double-check you have on hand:

  • Lube 
  • Condoms 
  • Sex toys 
  • Towel 
  • Tissue 

clothing

Your wardrobe is an underrated way to spice up your sex life. Whether you want a silky robe or something made of latex, there are infinite options for you! I would say that confidence is one of the sexiest characteristics someone can have in the bedroom, and getting dressed in a way that makes you feel sexy is the perfect way to do it. Another way to utilise clothing is by dressing up! Costumes are also a way of helping bring out confidence in the bedroom as pretending to be someone else can elivitate some of the pressures that come with confidence issues.

Pillows

A perfect way to heighten your senses is to have a variety of different textures around the room and pillows are perfect for this! They come in all shapes and sizes too so no matter how much space you have in your room; they will always fit. Also, they can be used for so many things actually in your sex life! For example, you can place a pillow at the bottom of your back (below your pelivis) and the positioning will create an easier angle for your partner to penetrate and help to stimulate the anterior part of the vaginal canal. Pillows are also a very common masturbation aid and can be used via dry humping.

nice smells

Smell is one of your five senses and heightening any of the five is a surefire way to help create a sexy atmosphere. If you are allowed candles, then getting a scented one is a brilliant way to set both the lighting and aroma for your room. If you aren’t, then reed diffusers and air fresheners will become your new best friend! Try and pick a scent which makes you feel comfortable – I find that floral scents such as rose and jasmine are very relaxing. Another way to set the mood is to make sure you smell lovely; have a bath/shower and put on your favourite perfume. This way, you can decompress and prepare for an evening of fun!

Hi! My name's India and I'm this year's Sex and Relationships editor! I'm in my third-year of Film and Television studies at the University of Exeter. I'm a plus-sized and sex-positive feminist who loves listening to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift (Taylor's version ofc) :)