If you thought your sex toys were merely utilitarian, not beautiful, think again.

The Museum of Sex recently launched a new exhibition of the best and most elaborately designed sex toys, which should inspire you to be more discerning at your local erotic boutique (or else make you wonder who in their right mind would really buy a chain-mail condom).

If you can't get to New York for the show, flip through a few examples of "Sex in Design."


Sex in Design

  • Sex in Design

    Unisex Toy -- This handy sex toy can be used by both partners at once. Didn't there used to be a more traditional way to do this? Like actual sex? Or perhaps you're supposed to both use it separately... In which case, just wash it when you're done. (Photo Credit: Ben Durrell, Museum of Sex Collection)

  • Sex in Design

    Cruel Condom -- Nothing says sexy quite like a penis wrapped in chain mail. It's how King Arthur would have done it. (Photo Credit: Scott Paul Modern Erotic Designs, Museum of Sex Collection)

  • Sex in Design

    Lap Juicer -- Ever had a glass of orange juice, only to wish it had been squeezed by somebody's crotch? Wish no longer, my friend, you're dreams are now reality. (Photo Credit: 3eyes, Museum of Sex Collection)

  • Sex in Design

    Copulator Stool -- We're not quite sure what's going on here. This is either a humorous way to stack your stools, or the most uncomfortable sex toy ever invented. (Photo Credit: Agustin Otegui)

  • Sex in Design

    Copulator Stool -- If you leave these stools alone for long enough will you have lots of tiny new stools running around in nine months time? (Photo Credit: Agustin Otegui)

  • Sex in Design

    Dilators -- Just because you have a gynecological condition doesn't mean you have to compromise on design. (Photo Credit: Rhett Butler for Kiki de Montparnasee)

  • Sex in Design

    Nipple Clamps -- These thoughtful nipple clamps are shaped like Band-Aids, just to make the painful, painful irony that little bit more intense. (Photo Credit: Montse Palacios, Museum of Sex Collection)

  • Sex in Design

    Hug Shirt -- When you "hug" this shirt it connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and sends the hug pressure, skin temperature, heartbeat rate, and time you are hugging for to a friend somewhere else on the globe. And yes, before you ask, that's the only kind of physical contact you can send over the air... For now.(Photo Credit: Cute Circuit)

  • Sex in Design

    Clitoris Ring -- This ring is either an elaborate stainless steel sex aid, or a very basic finger puppet.(Photo Credit: Montse Palacios, Museum of Sex collection)

  • Sex in Design

    Sex Chairs -- These helpful chairs are designed to subliminally remind you what else you have to do tonight, once the dishes are washed and you've finished watching 'LOST'. (Photo Credit: Eduardo De Falchi)