Mirror, Mirror... On the Ceiling?

With the sex industry boasting sales of toys, videos and other paraphernalia in the billions of dollars every year, it's becoming mainstream for average couples to indulge in a few of these kinky pleasures from time to time. In fact, by now you and your lover have probably tried incorporating a vibrator, a feather or some flavored lubricant into your bedroom antics. And although these items can definitely enhance both couple sex and solo sex (and believe me I highly endorse all three items), there are some often overlooked bedroom additions that you simple can't buy at an adult toy shop in your city or even online.

This time around we are going to look at how you can incorporate a common household item that hasn't been a respected sexual enhancement since somewhere around the mid 1970's. We all remember or have seen shag carpeting and lava lamps from that era (in fact, both of these have made a comeback) but what was up with those mirrors on the bedroom ceiling?

Now, with our little secret revealed, let's take a moment to get past the images in your head of swinging singles, hairy chests and even worse - naked girls with a bush bigger than Michael Jackson's original hairdo (when he was still black). Now, realize that even Justin Timberlake has been rumored to request a mirror on the ceiling of every hotel bedroom he stays in while on tour in Europe. And, narcissism aside, you can draw your own conclusions to the appeal of a mirror in his bedroom scenarios.

Before you go out and buy that king-sized sheet of silvered glass, try to consider some of the reasons why mirrors were so popular among the sexually liberated swinging crowd of the 70's, and similarily, Justin Timberlake of the 2000's.

But why?
Although men are seen as more likely to be stimulated by sexual imagery, this does not mean women do not enjoy watching as well. A mirror offers a voyeuristic view at your own personal sexual activity that can heighten the sexual experience for both the male and the female. This is much like watching an erotic or pornographic movie together as a couple. It can prove to be an enhancement to the relationship as long as you are both into it. In fact, many women like to watch porn or erotic movies just as much as men. And even if your lover is not into porn, she may be into watching you both get it on. There is something to watching yourselves make love that is less threatening as porn but somehow equally as kinky. Although, if she is any bit self- conscious you may be walking on thin ice. So before setting anything up be sure to talk to her to get her opinion on the situation.

Types of mirrors
Now that you're ready to investigate mirrors in the bedroom, let's take all of information we have and adopt and adapt it to apply to your current lifestyle. We can start by finding an appropriate type of sex mirror that follows two specific criteria. First, it shouldn't hang from the ceiling. Secondly, it should fit within your current household decor and serve some other utility of than for sex. That is, it should be a mirror that can also be used for dressing, shaving or any other forms of primping and preening at home. This time around, we're going to stay away from anything that looks overtly sexual. After all, you don't want her to see you as the "orgy guy" do you? Read on for a couple of types of mirrors and how they can be used...

Cheval Mirror
Cheval is a French word meaning "horse", but don't get your hopes up! This mirror isn't going to make you look like you're hung like one! What it will do is give you and your lover a multiplicity of different viewing angles to play with during your intimate encounters. This is a full-length mirror that is used to look at one's self in clothing but has the added feature of a pivot around the midpoint so that it can be angled either up or down for your convenience. Although this mirror is large it is also highly portable, so it can be moved from the corner of the room to the side of the bed (or wherever else) with ease.

When using this mirror, I've found that placing it facing the edge of the bed tilted slightly down allows the female a good rear view of her partner during the missionary position. She can look around her partner's body for a peek at his thrusting - a view they she would only otherwise see in the movies. This visual will give most women enough added stimulation to bring her to orgasm faster, harder and/or longer.

Alternatively, tilt the mirror up slightly, flip her over and turn her around so that you are in the doggy-style position. Now you both have a great view of each other's facial expressions. This can be a major turn-on for both of you (especially her) because this position does not normally allow for that kind of physical dialogue. The sensation of being penetrated from behind along with this new and interesting view can often highten the women's pleasure, and that is ALWAYS a good thing.

Cheval Mirrors can be found at most department or furniture stores in a variety of styles and range in price from $100 to $200.

Shaving Mirror
Shaving mirrors are a common item in the bathroom's of most men and even some women (for makeup of course). They are typically about 8" in diameter and have two sides to them. One side is a magnifying mirror while the other is a standard mirror. Magnifying you say? I know what you're thinking! And yes it's true, it will make your genitals look bigger, but it will also make them look somewhat distorted. Let's stick with the standard-mirror side for the time being.

As far as application goes, I have found this mirror useful in situations where a view to penis-vagina penetration is desired. Now, be warned, not all girls are into this! But if your lovely lady has the desire to see this type of action up-close and personal, this mirror is definately your best bet.

A position that works well with a shaving mirror is definately girl-on-top, facing. When she straddles the male, he can position the mirror in front of the genitals so that she has an optimum viewing position. She should not have to hold the mirror or fiddle around with it at all. Her job is to move around, controlling the penetration while stimulating herself as well as him from behind, with her hands. The view she gets from the mirror is much like the view that the male always has in this position. And this position is very popular with men for exactly that reason - the view is great! For the woman, this amazing view combined with the amount of control she has over her own pleasure is often enough to send her over the top with her orgasm(s).

Shaving mirrors can be found at most department stores or specialty shops ranging in price from about $10 to $50.

The final word.
Remember, Sex is always a process of discovery - every partner is different and every situation can pan out it different ways. But, whether you are into voyeurism or not, mirrors can be a great, non-threatening way of introducing a new perspective on your love-making techniques. And who knows where it may lead? You may find out something about your lover that drives your relationship to the next level. So get out the windex, always wear a condom and don't be afraid to try something new!