Ever wanted to build your own BDSM dungeon? Perhaps you've visited a professional dungeon or club, and fallen in love with the aesthetic. Or you may be obsessed with the idea of your perfect 'sex room' – a getaway from the everyday world where your partner and yourself can indulge.
Putting together a kink play room isn't straightforward, so here's a practical guide to building your dungeon.
What is a dungeon?
A dungeon is a space designed specifically for kink play. Most famously, dungeons are something you'll see if you visit a professional BDSM establishment. Some kink nightclubs and community play spaces are also fitted out with BDSM equipment. Private dungeons, such as those you'll find in people's homes, are often set up in basements or spare rooms.
BDSM dungeon equipment: common items
What might you find in a well-equipped dungeon or play space? Honestly, the only limit is your imagination (and, okay, your budget too). Here are some items you might commonly see in a dungeon, whether it's a professional space or an at-home situation.
BDSM toys
The most obvious stuff you'll see in a kink dungeon is, of course, BDSM equipment. Whips and floggers, restraints, spreader bars, blindfolds, canes, ropes, and clamps… The type of equipment you'll need will depend on what sort of kinks you're into, and what kinds of BDSM toys you and your partners enjoy playing with.
Safety equipment
A good dungeon will always have a lot of safety equipment. This may include items, such as a first aid kit, panic snaps, and bandage scissors for removing bondage in an emergency.
Sex toys
What dungeon is complete without a good collection of toys? Vibrators, dildos, cock rings and other fun items are great to have close to hand during a kinky sex session.
Dungeon furniture
There are many kinds of specialized furniture that can enhance your scene. You could try an A-frame, St Andrew's Cross, a bed with built-in restraints, padded spanking bench, cage, stocks, or a medical table. You'll generally see all these, and more, in a professional dungeon or public play space.
Tie-down points and suspension points
D-rings and other tie-down points are useful for fastening unruly submissives. Many dungeons also feature suspension points for rope bondage scenes. These should always be installed safely by trained professionals, especially if they're load-bearing.
Sexy décor
Let's not forget the small details! Dungeon décor - paint, carpet, curtains, and other furnishings all help set the mood. You might want to browse professional and private dungeon images to get some inspiration for your kinky interior design.
Soundproofing
An often-overlooked detail in home dungeons is soundproofing! It may be essential to avoid complaints from the neighbours. If you have kids, or live in a share house, it becomes even more important to think of the acoustics. It’s just good manners to avoid subjecting those around you to noises that might raise awkward questions.
How to build your dungeon
Let's get down to it and begin building your dream BDSM dungeon! There are a number of steps you'll want to follow to make sure everything turns out well.
Step 1: Draw up a plan - and a budget!
'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' Sketching out your space is a good first step. Measure the room you have available and think about what might fit in that space. Then fill in your plan with the big stuff: bed, BDSM furniture, storage racks, and shelves for your equipment. You don't need to know exact details of every item, but it's important to figure out a general layout and some basic measurements.
Step 2: Research dungeon equipment and furniture
Now that you have a rough idea of what you need, it's time to get specific. What kind of furnishings do you want? Make a list then research online to get an idea of how much each item might cost, and whether it will fit your space. If you have a local kink store, you might want to visit in person and chat to the staff about your needs.
Doing your research early on in the process means you'll have a good idea of how much all this will cost. All these items can really add up!
Step 3: Paint, carpet, and soundproof your space
It might not be as exciting as buying equipment, but preparing your space is a vital step. Before anything goes into your dungeon, you'll need to paint the walls, add carpet or tiles if necessary, and install soundproofing.
The right colours and textures will add ambience to your play space, so choose something that makes you feel sexy. By preparing your canvas first, you'll have a beautiful base to work from.
Step 4: Add one item at a time
It might seem tempting to rush out and buy everything, but we recommend adding one item at a time. For example, you could install a bed with tie-down points for bondage or an A-frame for impact play scenes. Once those are in position, consider where other equipment needs to be placed. Do you need a set of shelves in a particular spot? Do you need more space to swing a flogger? Doing things this way can save you a lot of wasted money.
BDSM dungeon mistakes to watch out for
It's not all fun and games – mistakes are often made when building a BDSM dungeon! To ensure your space is safe and fun to play in, there are a few things you need to watch out for.
Eliminate sharp edges and and trip hazards
Before you can use your play space for kink sessions, you need to make sure there are no hazards that might injure your partner or yourself. Are there any trip hazards? It's also helpful to check whether your furniture has sharp edges that could hurt someone and make sure anything with a hard edge is placed carefully.
Make sure it's the right temperature
Home dungeons are sometimes constructed in sheds or basements, but these locations often aren't well insulated. A submissive who is bound might start to feel cold, especially if they have their limbs constricted with rope bondage or are required to hold still for long periods of time. On the other hand, a dungeon in a hot climate could lead to heat exhaustion. If your home dungeon becomes hot during summer, you may need to install air conditioning.
Consider access in case of emergency
BDSM is a risky activity and it's important to plan for emergencies. How easily can emergency services access the space? If there's a fire, how quickly can you get out? Consider if having a lock on the door to your dungeon is necessary, and how you might call for help if it's needed.
Beware DIY and cheap kink equipment
Building your own BDSM space takes a lot of time and can also cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. You may be tempted to save money by purchasing cheap equipment, but if you do this, you generally pay in other ways. After all, ending up in the emergency room can be expensive! When purchasing items that are load bearing, such as BDSM furniture, we always recommend a reputable kink retailer.
Creating a BDSM dungeon can be a lot of fun!
...but it also requires planning and forethought. By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and beautiful space to indulge your kinky desires. If you plan ahead and avoid the pitfalls, building your own BDSM dungeon can be very satisfying.
Are you a kink worker, BDSM or fetish provider with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share about kink, fetish or BDSM? We'd love to hear from you!
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