Talk about a magic carpet ride.
It’s always good to switch up your routines in the bedroom—giving role-playing a go, trying a new position, or just turning on a new playlist can make for a particularly exciting romp. But sometimes, above all else, a change in setting can do the most good—and you don’t even have to leave your room to do so. Just move on down to the floor.
Of course, if you’re having sex beyond your bed, you’ll want to make sure you have proper padding—so a rug is a necessity. But not all rugs are made equally, and some are far better primed for intimacy than others. Just follow this ranking (we listed them from least to most ideal) and you’ll have a fine time—with minimal injuries and mess.
Jute
This woven rug is known for being pretty easy to clean, but it’s not exactly the softest option. You might be able to fantasize that you’re on a tropical vacation in a cool island bungalow thanks to its earthy bohemian vibes, but expect to get some serious rug burn if you get caught up in the heat of the moment.
Sheepskin
Unless you’re trying to fulfill some Game of Thrones or Outlander-inspired fantasy, this is a hard pass. Sure, having sex on a sheepskin will probably feel pretty great in the moment, but figuring out how to dry clean your expensive rug (and potentially having to explain why your sheep’s not looking its best anymore) just isn’t worth it.
Shag
For a room fixture that has such serious, sexy ’70s vibes, the shag rug isn’t without its downsides. It’s soft and lush, but it’s very easy for it to get messy. So, strike a balance: Start with foreplay on the ground, and bring things back up to the bed when the time is right. Just make sure you keep the shag vacuumed to begin with.
Flatweave
More comfortable than a jute rug but less so than a shag, the flatweave is the missionary of rugs: it gets the job done, but it’s not exactly exciting. Without extra padding, it does have a small risk, but as a whole, it’s basically the same as laying down a towel. There are more exciting methods to try.
Low-pile
Compromise is important in any relationship, and that’s a concept best demonstrated by a simple low-pile rug, whether you opt for a vintage Oushak one or a cool, contemporary Scandinavian design. Its fibers aren’t so long that they make for messy clean-up, but they’re not so short that they’ll leave your skin rough and dry. Try to stick with ones made from natural fibers like wool and cotton if you can—not only will they last longer than synthetic options, they’ll also make the perfect platform when you want to take things beyond the sheets.
