What is mirror sex and how do you do it?

While there’s nothing wrong with spending a little on pricey vibrators and complicated sex tech to enhance your sex life, there’s one thing that can really raise the bar in the bedroom that costs very little money and requires very little effort, and it’s probably already in your home.

You may already know this. Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2… and (spoiler alert) one titillating scene in episode 5 that begins in front of a mirror.

Did you know that using a mirror, or multiple mirrors, can create new sexual experiences and make sex even better? You may have seen the term “mirror sex” pop up while browsing your favorite porn website. But how can you actually do it at home?

We spoke to two sex experts, as well as some people who’ve added mirrors to their sex lives, to find out more about what mirror sex is, how to do it, and how it affects your sex life, and your brain.

What is mirror sex and why is it so appealing?

Mirror sex, simply put, is when you use a mirror in some way during sex, usually by positioning a mirror (or positioning yourself around a fixed mirror) so that you can see yourself and/or your partner in the mirror while squatting.

Megwyn White, clinical sexologist and education director for a sex toy company satisfactionr says that mirror sex can boost both arousal and self-confidence, as it allows you to see your and your partner’s bodies from new angles, perform intimate movements, and experience pleasure.

“Looking at your own body or your partner’s body increases your attention to tactile details, the parts of your body or your partner’s that you like, and a phenomenon called the erotic mirror – your tendency to touch your partner in relation to the places you want to be touched,” White explains.

Emerson Kirsch has a degree in human sexuality and is known professionally as T.Kink Educator, Mirror sex is also a great opportunity to explore exhibitionism, she says.

“Mirror sex allows us to tap into our inner exhibitionist by watching ourselves having sex. Watching us have sex in the mirror also adds visual stimulation, which can be really hot. Mirror sex allows us to be exhibitionists and get a lot of fun visual stimulation, which can be really hot,” she told Mashable.

The beauty of mirror sex is that anyone can do it. Most people have a mirror somewhere in their home, so it’s easy to get started on, and it’s effective for people who have sex alone. In fact, mirror sex can really help boost people’s self-confidence.

How mirror sex can boost your self-confidence

Masturbating with a mirror has many benefits. It’s a really great tool for figuring out what parts of your body you like to be touched, learning what gives you pleasure, and discovering what works for you sexually. As a result, you’ll feel more confident communicating your desires in the bedroom.

Having sex in front of a mirror can also help boost your body confidence. Having sex in front of a mirror fully clothed can be intimidating for some people, but having sex in front of a mirror can make some people feel less uncomfortable.

Kirsch explains that mirror sex, and mirror masturbation in particular, is an opportunity to get to know your body and how amazing it is. “Mirror masturbation is almost like exposure therapy, and the more you interact with yourself in the mirror, the more attuned you become to your body,” she says.

In general, looking at yourself naked in the mirror alone is a great body confidence exercise and can help you understand your body’s rhythms and preferences when it comes to touch, White says.

“Feeling good about yourself and being kind to your body is an important first step to overcoming body confidence.”

“Feeling happy with yourself and being kind to your body is an important first step to overcoming struggles with body confidence. The more comfortable you are looking at yourself naked in the mirror, the more you will be able to accept yourself and your body as you are,” she says. Goldsmiths University Research Supporting this, they say that simple nude activities like looking at yourself naked, sleeping naked, or looking at other people naked can boost self-esteem.

Mirror sex is a great way to not only boost your own confidence, but your partner’s too. “Seeing yourself pleasing or being pleasing your partner can make you and your partner feel aroused and sexy, which can boost your confidence,” White adds. Plus, seeing how your body responds to new sensations might inspire you to try new positions you’ve never tried before. Not only will mirror sex help you unleash your inner exhibitionist, it can also help you focus on each other.

How to Become Confident About Sex in a Mirror

Some people may feel a little uncomfortable having sex in front of a mirror, and that’s okay if it’s not for you, but if you’re nervous about having sex in front of a mirror and want to avoid that, there are steps you can take to get there.

First off, sex doesn’t always have to take place in the nude. Kirsch points out that trying something new can be a marathon, not a sprint. “If you’re feeling uncomfortable in your body or insecure about the body you see in the mirror, I encourage you to wear underwear that makes you feel sexy,” she says.

“Another option is to have sex in front of a mirror in one position, or just for a few minutes to get away from your reflection in the mirror. You don’t have to have all of your sex in a mirror,” Kirsch adds.

Before you engage in sex in front of a mirror, it can also be helpful to relax alone in front of the mirror. White suggests standing naked in front of a mirror and telling yourself positive affirmations like, “I am beautiful, I am strong, I am confident,” to help you develop love for your body.

Before you start having mirror sex, it can also be helpful to relax alone in front of a mirror.

Additionally, try to change the way you think about yourself in the mirror. What you see as a flaw might be something your partner enjoys. If you find it helpful or it’s something that makes you feel good, you can even ask your partner to describe what they see and enjoy during mirror sex. This can be Praise the perverted playas needed.

How to experience sex in a mirror

To enjoy mirror sex successfully, just like any other form of sex, it’s important to experiment, communicate clearly with your partner, and find what’s most comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Set the mood

White points out that getting the ambiance right is one of the most important aspects of mirror sex, as it adds to the overall experience. “In general, make sure to turn off any strong lights, as areas with a strong contrast between light and dark can be uncomfortable for the eyes and distract you from focusing on the sensual experience,” she explains.

She recommends diffusing the outside light with soft curtains or blinds and incorporating items like candles, which create a soft glow and flickering effect and help draw the eye to the glow of your skin when you look in the mirror. It may take a few tries with different mood styles to find what you and your partner like, but that’s all part of the fun.

Try different positions

Kirsch says mirror sex is fun because it lets you see yourself and your partner in positions you wouldn’t normally see them in. “For example, in doggy style, the receiver tends to look at the floor or a pillow or something and can’t see their partner behind them, their face, or the act. But mirror sex lets you see the act, your face, and your partner’s face in a position you wouldn’t normally see them in,” she says.

If you want a quick look in the mirror at your convenience, you can try missionary position next to a mirror (this is easy if you have a mirrored closet next to your bed). Spooning position, with the receiver facing the mirror, is great if you want to be the star of the show and see yourself.

For those who enjoy solo sex, sitting with their legs spread and masturbating while looking at a handheld mirror is a great way to discover their own body and see their body and face in the same reflection. Sitting on the floor and masturbating in front of a mirror is ideal for full-on exhibitionists.

As with anything in sex, it’s important to experiment to find what turns you on.

Reposition the mirror

Try different positions, leaning it against the headboard, next to the bed, standing, etc. You can also use a handheld mirror to check penetration in unusual positions.

Almost every bathroom has a mirror, so you can have shower sex without a curtain and see yourself in the mirror.

Use adult toys

As with most sexual activities, sex toys can liven up your mirror sex party. Just use them the same way you normally would.Here’s a beginner’s guide) Either you or you and your partner stand in front of a mirror of your choice and watch the toy in action.

Just like adding sex toys to your sex life, adding a mirror can spice up your pleasure. Pick up a mirror, grab a toy and have fun.

This article was first published in 2023 and republished in 2024.