Certain household items may look suitable as BDSM toys, leading people to include them in their bondage activities. But making your own sex toys, especially for bondage, can be very dangerous if done without proper knowledge about BDSM safety.
Instead, we recommend purchasing a safe and reasonably priced product, like the Lovehoney All You Need Bondage Kit, which is a great value at $159.99 (even cheaper with discount code MSTG15 for 15% off!). The only reason to make a DIY BDSM toy at home is if you live in an area without online adult retailers or walk-in sex shops. If you’re one of those, you can find some ideas below. But you do it at your own risk!
- BDSM activities can be risky and it’s important to recognize the potential hazards that come with it, especially when using items around the house. To ensure a secure and enjoyable sexual experience, it’s much safer to purchase professionally designed and tested harnesses and other BDSM gear.
- But we understand that not everyone has access to adult retailers or sex shops, which is why we recommend some semi-safe alternatives like sleep masks, feather dusters, and ice cubes (more on them below.) But please be aware that these DIY hacks will not be as effective as professionally designed products.
Table Of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
Tim Larson, an experienced BDSM practitioner and educator with decades of experience, is here to give reliable information for those who want to explore BDSM sensory play and DIY toys. With his knowledge and expertise, he’s in a unique position to offer valuable insights and practical advice to ensure safety during BDSM activities.
We also assembled a team of experts (Sandra Larson and Rachel Sommer) to provide accurate, reliable, and safe information. With the help of our team of experts and guides written by Reddit users Nyymiiii and ElMachoGrande, you can be assured that the information is true and tested.
To submit a question to Tim, call him at +1 307-372-3895 or send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and your phone number or email address.
What Are DIY BDSM Toys?
A DIY BDSM toy is any household item that tries to replicate a BDSM experience. Some common examples include a regular rope, a homemade flogger, candles, and impact toys like feather dusters and rulers. The primary motivation for people to make their own BDSM gear is to save cash and customize them to their unique needs and tastes.
Note: The product above, Lovehoney Kit, is our recommended BDSM toy for beginners. What we liked most was the extensive collection of exciting relics you can use to spice your sex life. Yes! It comes with 20 pieces of kink play. You can read the full review of our favorite BDSM toys right here.
Is Making DIY BDSM Toys Safe?
No, making your own BDSM and bondage toys is not safe. Bondage toys are designed to cause some pain and discomfort and that’s why making them on your own is all the more dangerous because a simple design flaw can cause serious injury. You must use body-safe and non-toxic materials, avoiding those that can easily break or splinter, and any porous materials that can harbor bacteria.
Additionally, cleaning your equipment thoroughly before and after use is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and infection. While using condoms, lube, and mouthwash can help, it is still not entirely safe to make your own equipment. Therefore, it’s recommended to purchase reliable and reasonably priced BDSM gear from reputable sex shops or online retailers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Some Semi-Safe DIY BDSM Toys Ideas
1. Homemade BDSM Furniture
When it comes to kink, having the right furniture in your house can make all the difference. However, buying pre-made BDSM furniture can be expensive. Luckily, many DIY bondage furniture options can be made with basic woodworking skills and a few tools. Here are some decent ideas you can make at home.
Homemade BDSM Bed
A DIY BDSM bed can be a great addition to any dungeon, and making one can be a fun and creative project (if you have the right skills). Here’s what you need to do:
- Start with a sturdy wooden bed frame. Ensure that the bed frame is strong enough to support the weight of those using it and can withstand any strain or pressure.
- Add restraint points to the bed frame. You can attach metal anchor rings or eyelets to the bedposts using screws or bolts. These rings or eyelets will allow you to easily attach restraints using carabiners. Ensure that the attachment points are secure and can withstand the force of any pulling or tugging.
- Add padding and fabric to the bed frame for added comfort. You can use foam padding and cover it with a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear.
- If you have a bed with slats, tie short lengths of rope to the slats with a ring on the other end of the rope. This will allow you to easily attach restraints using carabiners. When not in use, tuck the ropes under the mattress.
- If you want to add a cage to the bed, ensure that the height of the bed is suitable for the cage. The standing height should be at least 230cm to allow for safe movement on the bed without any danger to the head.
- If you want to add a cross to the bed, you can either attach it to the bed frame or have a hidden one in the room. Ensure that it is securely attached and can withstand any pressure or force.
- For added versatility, you can attach straps inside the frame rails using an e-track and reach under and back up. This will allow for more restraint options and positions.
DIY Bondage Bench
A bondage bench is a versatile piece you can use for a variety of BDSM activities. To make one, start with a wooden bench or stool. Then, add restraint points by attaching metal anchor rings or eyelets to the legs. You can also add padding and fabric to the seat for added comfort. Let’s see how Redditor Nyymiiii put his together:
Materials Needed:
- Black tubing and tubing mounts
- Padded benches made with plywood base, 5 cm foam, and red vinyl
- Store-bought restraints (Or DIY bondage restraints)
- 3D-printed mounts for the padded benches
Step-by-step guide:
- Begin by cutting the black tubing to the desired lengths using a tube cutter or hacksaw.
- Attach the tubing mounts to the tubing using screws or bolts. Ensure that they are securely attached.
- Assemble the tubing and mounts into the desired configuration, such as a DIY BDSM spreader bar or bench frame. Ensure that the layout is sturdy and modular for easy disassembly and storage.
- Add the padded benches to the frame using the 3D printed mounts with a clamping system and thumbscrews for easy adjustments.
- Add store-bought restraints to the frame as desired. Ensure that they are securely attached and can withstand any pulling or tugging.
- Finish the padded benches by wrapping them with red vinyl. Use staples or sewing to secure the vinyl to the bench. Ensure that the vinyl is durable and can withstand wear and tear.
The store-bought tubing connectors may cause scratches on the tubes, so consider 3D printing plastic inserts for them or replacing them with 3D-printed plastic parts. Additionally, sewing the corners of the vinyl may be a better option than stapling for a more polished look.
Source: Reddit
DIY Spanking Bench
A spanking bench has a padded surface for the submissive to lay on, and comfy supports for their legs and arms. While you can purchase a spanking bench, building your own can be a fun DIY project and can save you money. The following is a step-by-step guide from Reddit user ElMachoGrande to building a rustic spanking bench, along with a list of materials needed.
Materials Needed:
- Wingnuts, M10: 16
- Large square washers, 10 mm: 18
- Double-ended screws (wood screw and M10): 16
- Coach screw, approx 80×10 mm: 8
- Washers, 10 mm: 8
- Wood screws, approx 80 mm: 64
- Wood screws, approx 24 mm: 38 (approx)
- Wood screws, approx 45 mm: 43 (approx)
- Eyebolts or similar, 10 mm: 2
- Foam rubber
- Fake leather, 1×1 m
- Total wood beam 120×45: 7.62 m
- Total wood beam 45×45: 1.72 m
Tools needed:
- Power drill
- Drill bits (11-12 mm for M10 holes, suitable bits for coach screws and double-ended screws, 25-30 mm for sinking coach screw heads)
- Screw bits fitting wood screws and double-ended screws
- Hex nut wrench fitting coach screws
- Hand saw
- File
- Clamps (2)
- Steel ruler
- Square
- Staple gun and staples
- Pencil
Optional tools:
- Hand router with radius cutting bit
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Band saw
- Angle grinder with a flap disk
Step-by-step guide:
- Place two side supports on the floor.
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- Parts needed: 2 Side outer: Beam 120×45 Length: 650
-
- Place the top and bottom between the side supports. Place the center supports between the top and bottom. Align and glue everything together. Use wood screws and coach screws for stability. Leave room for the cutout for the feet. Below are the parts needed:
-
- 1 Bottom: Beam 120×45 Length: 700
- 1 Top: Beam 120×45 Length: 700
- 2 Side center: Beam 120×45 Length: 410
- 8 Coach screws (approx 80×10 mm)
- 8 Washers (10 mm)
- 20 Wood screws (approx 80 mm)
-
- Check that everything is aligned. Place the final two sides supports on top. Tap them to make a mark for the coach screws. Drill a shallow hole in the side supports. Glue, clamp, and screw the supports in place. Below are the parts needed:
-
- 2 Side outer: Beam 120×45 Length: 650
- 28 Wood screws (approx 80 mm)
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- Carefully saw the cutouts for the feet. The cutout height is 160 mm, depth is 30 mm.
- Drill holes for the double-ended screws that will hold the feet. Screw in the screws. The screws should be dead center in the vertical beams, with the two bottom ones 17.5 mm from the bottom and the top one 22.5 mm from the top of the cutout. Leave 60 mm of the screw sticking out.
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- Parts needed: 6 Double-ended screws (wood screw and M10)
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Source: Reddit
DIY Good Girl/ Bad Girl Chair
A good girl/bad girl chair is a homemade piece you can use for role-playing and punishment. To make one, start with a wooden chair then add restraint hooks by attaching metal anchor rings or eyelets to the front legs. You can also add padding and fabric to the seat and back for added comfort.
Bonus points: To take things up a notch, you can also add restraints at the back of the sex chair and add a hole for a dildo or vibrator.
DIY BDSM Queening Stool
A queening stool is a piece of furniture commonly used for facesitting and rim jobs. To make one, you can start by doing these:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden chair
- Pieces of 2×8 or similar thick wood
- Foam
- Fabric (thick canvas recommended)
- Staples
- Gaff tape
Step-by-step guide:
- Get a wooden chair and remove everything that isn’t on the seat.
- Replace the legs with pieces of 2×8 or similar thick wood. These can be purchased at your hardware store, and they can cut them for you.
- Purchase foam at the hardware store to make the chair cushy.
- Jig saw out the area you would like gone for queening from the seat.
- Attach the chair seat (now a loop) to the ‘legs’ made out of 2×8, leaving a lip on the outside.
- Cut foam to the correct size for the seat.
- Use fabric, preferably thick canvas, to cover the seat and foam. Staple it to the underside of the lip.
- The queening stool is done.
Neckpiece:
- Put pieces of foam together in the shape you want.
- Wrap it in gaff tape.
Note: There are many ways to make a DIY queening chair, and this is just one example. Make a design that works with your skill level and the tools you have available, and go for it. Remember, DIY is all about bravery and willingness to make mistakes.
2. DIY BDSM Accessories
Ropes
Making a bondage rope at home can be a thrilling and intimate experience if done correctly. Begin by choosing a soft and smooth rope made of materials such as cotton or silk, and practice basic bondage knots and ties, such as the single or double-column tie, to restrain the wrists or ankles.
When doing rope bondage with your partner, avoid knots that are too tight or placed directly over joints or sensitive areas. Always have safety scissors or shears on hand in case of an emergency, and never leave your partner alone while being tied up.
Note: If you prefer a real BDSM rope, get the Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope (product above). It’s made from non-abrasive cotton and specially woven to flatten against a restrained person’s skin, plus it only costs $16.99.
Hood & Masks
BDSM Hoods and masks can add an extra level of sensory deprivation and anonymity to a BDSM scene. You can use a variety of materials such as old t-shirts, bandanas, or even pantyhose to make your own hood, DIY blindfold, or mask.
Household objects like sleep masks (SFW version of BDSM masks) are especially popular DIY bondage gear for sensory deprivation, as they block out the wearer’s vision and heighten their other senses, making touch or sound feel more intense.
Leash & Collars
Similar to rope for bondage, a leash and collar can be a powerful symbol of dominance and submission in BDSM. You can use a dog leash and collar from a pet store or even make your own out of rope or ribbon. More on making a homemade BDSM collar in this article.
Pro tip: Bondage Boutique Faux Leather (product above) only costs $22.99. Buying a separate leash and collar will actually cost even more so in this instance it’s best to just get the actual toy. More on BDSM collars right here.
Candles
Candles can be used for wax play, which involves dripping hot wax onto a partner’s body. You can use regular candles or make your own using beeswax or soy wax but please test the wax temperature before using it on your partner!
Clothespins
Clothespins can be used as nipple clamps alternative. You can use wooden clothespins from a dollar store or even make your own out of chopsticks or popsicle sticks. Just be careful when you try to pull the clothespins when attached to your partner’s nipples as it can tear the skin. You can read more about DIY nipple clamps in this article.
Feather Duster
A feather duster is a versatile BDSM toy that you can use for tickling and teasing to stimulate sensitive areas of the body. It can be used alone or with other gear like blindfolds or restraints to enhance the overall BDSM experience. Feather dusters are one of the better options on this list because they are easy-to-acquire cleaning supplies and low-risk toys, making them suitable for beginners.
Note: Lovehoney’s Oh! Feather Tickler (product above) looks highly similar to a feather duster so it’s easy to disguise it as a household object to any visitor. For only $9.99, this BDSM tickler is a must-buy and a great addition to your collection for BDSM activity.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are excellent for temperature play, which involves using hot and cold sensations to arouse a partner’s erogenous zones like the vagina and nipples. They can also work as homemade butt plugs, simply use regular ice cubes, insert them in a condom and tie them using rubber bands.
Not Safe at All Ideas
Not all household items can be used in bondage activities. In this section, we will discuss some of the most dangerous DIY BDSM toy ideas that you should avoid at all costs.
Sandpapers
Using sandpaper as an abrasive material for BDSM is a terrible idea as it can cause serious harm to your or your partner’s erogenous zones. The rough texture of sandpaper can scratch and tear the skin, causing bleeding and infections. Even the finest grit sandpaper can cause damage to the skin. Stay away!
Ice Dildos
Using ice dildos may sound like a “cool” idea for temperature play, but it is not safe at all, whether external play or masturbation. Unlike ice cubes, using ice dildos for vaginal or anal play (you can find better alternatives for homemade anal dildos here) can cause damage to delicate tissues. The extreme cold can cause frostbite, and the sharp edges of the ice can cause cuts and tears. Additionally, the ice can break off inside the body, leading to serious health complications. We recommend avoiding ice dildos altogether.
Sharp Objects
Using sharp objects like knives and needles in bondage activities is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. These objects can cause serious injuries and infections. Even if you think you know what you are doing, accidents can happen, and the consequences can be severe.
How to Use Homemade BDSM Toys?
Using homemade BDSM playthings can be an exciting and creative way to explore your sexuality, but safety and communication are crucial. Before engaging in any BDSM activity, please establish clear boundaries and safe words with your partner(s). It’s also essential to understand the potential risks involved and to have a plan in place in case something goes wrong.
Once you’ve established a safe and consensual environment, you can start exploring different homemade bondage gear. Some popular options include:
- Rope Bondage: Start with simple ties and gradually work your way up to more complex knots. Always ensure that your partner can breathe and move freely, and never leave them unattended while tied up.
- Spanking: You can use wooden spoons, spatulas, and rulers for naughty impact play. Begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity, checking in with your partner throughout the scene.
- Sensation Play: Ice cubes, feathers, and even food can be used for sensation play and tease. Always test the temperature of any objects before using them on your partner’s skin, and avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and genitals.
Read more on how to use different sex toys here.
Why Is it Better To Use Commercial Products?
BDSM activities can be an exciting and adventurous way to explore your sexuality especially if you use the real deal. Here are some benefits you’d enjoy:
Safety
Household items are not meant for sexual pleasure and using materials not specifically designed for BDSM play can be dangerous. For example, using clothing as gags can be harder to untie, any delay in removing toys that hinder breathing should scare you. More on making a DIY ball gag in this article.
It’s best to use products like the Fetish Fantasy (image above) so you can be sure that the equipment is foolproof and professionally tested.
Build Quality
Another risk of homemade alternatives is the lack of testing and quality control. Buying professional BDSM kits that are designed and tested to ensure safety and effectiveness is your best course of action. Getting real products from a trusted source secures your safety and the safety of your partner. It’s not smart to risk yourselves when there are cheaper alternatives.
Tim
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