healthmedicinet

Lights on or off? That’s the question we posed to over 8,000 Men’s Health and Women’s Health readers for our recent “What’s Sexy Now” survey. It’s a simple question, sure, but we were surprised by the unanimous results: 74 percent of guys and 72 percent of women said they prefer the lights to be dimmed during sex, rather than completely on or off. 

Our theory? Subdued lighting gives you just enough to see what you’re doing—and where your hands and mouths are exploring—but it also offers a soft, flattering shadow that puts both you and him at ease. No one wants examination-table-style flourescents shining down on them when they’re getting it on (“I can see everything!!”). And in total darkness, you miss out on steamy eye contact and facial cues that signal when both of you are about to reach your sexual highs, which are crucial components of a hot, sweaty, and all-around good time.

Lacking a dimmer switch in your boudoir? Not to worry. Installing one doesn’t require insane handy-woman skills. Here’s the general play-by-play for most versions:

Step 1: Cut the power to your bedroom’s light switch via your home’s fuse box. 
Step 2: Remove the wall plate and mounting screws, and disconnect the wires from the existing light switch. 
Step 3: Attach the new dimmer switch to the same wires—the colors of the wires should match up. 
Step 4: To test that the dimmer is working, head back to your fuse box to turn the power back on. Try turning the dimmer up, then down. 
Step 5: Reinstall the wall plate and mounting screws. You’re all set (and, ahem, can do a different type of screwing now!).

For a dimmer-friendly lightbulb, opt for a  75-watt or 100-watt Equivalent Duracell Procell A19 LED version, available at BatteriesPlus.com. 

More from Women’s Health:
10 Ways to Have Better, Stronger Orgasms
25 Ways to Keep Sex Hot When You Have Kids
7 Surprising Facts About Masturbation