New to BDSM? Try these tips to have fun exploring safely.

Add a Blindfold

Although it might not sound that risque to add a blindfold to your sex, it intensifies every movement and sound when you cannot see. Don't underestimate how a blindfold can increase sexual tension.

Try Mental Bondage

You might think that you need expensive and fancy restraints to tie up your partner. While you can purchase restraints made from luxurious leather and handy harnesses, it can be just as fun (and cheaper!) to try mental bondage. Instead of tying someone up, you forbid them to move. If you're bound, you'll have to test your willpower despite what your partner is doing to you and how much you want to!

Get Creative With Household Items

You can commandeer a few items from your house to do the trick. A spatula or wooden spoon from the kitchen works as a makeshift paddle or crop. Some people even grab their leather belts, fold them in half, and use them like a taws.

Use Your Bed, Too

There's an easy way to tie someone up without a lot of money or experience: under-the-bed-restraints, which cost as little as $20. They slide between your box spring and mattress, so you can tuck them away when not in use. The four straps have cuffs for ankles and wrists, and you can bind someone in spread eagle or straight-up-down.

You Don't Have to Be top or Bottom

When you're just dipping a toe into BDSM, you don't need to know if you're a top (dominant) or bottom (submissive). In fact, some people identify as switches and do both. Try everything and see what works for you.

Go Light and Slow

Although the suggestions on this list can be fun, it's important to be careful with them. It might just be a spatula you're using to spank your partner, but it still hurts and can potentially break the skin. Start lighter and go slower than you think you need to as you get a feel for the implement. Add just a blindfold before you add bondage, too.

Communicate

Communication during BDSM ensures you're safe. Talk about what you want before your scene, how you feel during it, and what you liked or would want to change after the fact, too.

Use Safe Words

Using a safe word is a must, even if it seems like you don't need it. The red/yellow/green system is easy to understand and expresses whether you want to continue full steam ahead, slow down, or stop entirely.

Now you've got some ideas to try BDSM and know how to do it safely, so enjoy!