Absolute must-haves in your own dungeon

Written by: Mistress Moriah
Absolute must-haves in your own dungeon, what should definitely not be missing?

Building your own dungeon is a dream for many BDSM enthusiasts. A space where atmosphere, control, experience, and safety come together. However, in practice, I see that when setting up a dungeon, the emphasis is often on aesthetics and play equipment, while the real basis lies in preparation, safety, and emergency provisions. A dungeon is not a stage set. It is a workspace in which physical and mental integrity should always come first.

Whether you have a private space for yourself and your partner or run a professional dungeon, certain basic facilities are not a luxury but an absolute necessity.

Safety as a foundation, not an afterthought

BDSM is all about trust. That trust does not come from beautiful furniture or impressive props, but from the knowledge that everyone is thinking about risks, emergencies, and physical limits. Precisely because BDSM can evoke intense physical and mental stimuli, a dungeon must always be designed with the following question in mind: what if something goes wrong?

A safe dungeon does not spoil the mood. On the contrary. For many subs, knowing that everything has been well prepared is an important condition for being able to truly surrender.

Panic hooks

Panic hooks are undoubtedly part of the basic equipment of every dungeon. With bondage, suspension, fixation to walls or furniture, and even with seemingly simple wrist or ankle restraints, something can suddenly happen that requires quick action.

A panic hook makes it possible to release tension completely in one movement, without having to untie knots or search for fastenings. This is essential, especially when using rope, chains, or leather cuffs. Panic hooks do not belong in a drawer, but should be immediately accessible, preferably in several places in the room. The absence of panic hooks is not a minor detail, but a serious safety risk.

Bandage scissors

In addition to panic hooks, bandage scissors are an absolute must. Unlike ordinary scissors, bandage scissors are designed to cut through material without damaging the skin. This makes them ideal in emergency situations where speed is of the essence, for example when tight rope, tape, or clothing needs to be removed quickly.

Good bandage scissors should be sharp, kept clean, and always stored in a fixed place. Not somewhere at the bottom of a box, but visible and immediately accessible.

Disinfection and hygiene

Every dungeon should be equipped with good disinfectants. This includes skin disinfection before and after a session, but also cleaning surfaces and materials. BDSM materials often come into direct contact with skin, mucous membranes, or small wounds. Inadequate hygiene significantly increases the risk of infection.

Disinfectant spray, alcohol wipes, and gloves are not excessive precautions, but basic equipment. Especially in games where the skin is stressed or where moisture plays a role, hygiene is not a choice but a duty.

Lubricant

Lubricant is often seen as something that only belongs in sexual activities, but in a dungeon it has a much broader function. Lubricant can prevent skin irritation, increase comfort, and limit damage in various types of play. Think of the use of accessories, prolonged contact, or situations in which tension and friction arise.

A good lubricant enhances the experience, but also prevents minor damage that could cause problems later on. Preferably choose a high-quality product that is skin-friendly and does not contain any irritating additives.

First aid supplies

A basic first aid kit should be standard equipment in every dungeon. Not because you expect things to go wrong, but because you know that bodies can react unpredictably. Minor wounds, abrasions, dizziness, or light bleeding can always occur, even with careful play.

Think sterile gauze pads, bandages, antiseptic, and possibly a rescue blanket. It’s not about extensive medical facilities, but about the ability to act immediately and adequately when necessary.

Water and sugar

Hydration is often forgotten, even though it is one of the easiest ways to prevent problems. Intense experiences, tension, and emotion can exhaust the body. Water should always be available, as should something containing sugar in case someone feels light-headed or shows signs of low blood sugar.

This may seem trivial, but in practice I see that it is precisely these simple measures that can prevent a lot of discomfort and risks.

Good lighting

A dungeon may be dark and atmospheric, but it must always offer the possibility of good visibility. In an emergency, you don’t want to have to search for a flashlight. Therefore, make sure you have lighting that can be switched on quickly and provides sufficient visibility of the other person’s body.

Good visibility is essential for assessing skin color, breathing, and body posture. Safe play starts with being able to observe.

Cleaning supplies

A dungeon should be cleaned after every session. Not only out of respect for the space, but also out of concern for everyone who uses it. Cleaning supplies, wipes, and trash bags should be standard equipment.

A clean dungeon contributes to safety, professionalism, and a sense of care. It shows that BDSM is not about carelessness, but about attention and responsibility.

Aftercare kit

A well-equipped dungeon should ideally have a permanent aftercare kit. Aftercare is an essential part of responsible BDSM play, allowing the body and nervous system to calm down again. Think of warm blankets or a bathrobe to help the body recover from cooling down and tension. Water and possibly sports drinks support the loss of fluids and minerals that can occur after an intense experience, while sugary snacks can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

A nourishing lotion or oil supports the skin, especially after play involving touch, impact, or friction. It is important to note that aftercare is not just for the submissive. The Dominant can also be physically and mentally drained after a session. A moment of rest, warmth, drink, and care is just as much a part of the Dominant’s experience. Providing aftercare on both sides not only enhances recovery, but also the mutual connection and sense of security within the dynamic.

Hygiene protocol

A well-equipped dungeon ideally works with a fixed hygiene protocol. This means that there is no improvisation per session, but that there are clear agreements about cleaning, disinfecting, and the use of materials. Materials that come into contact with skin or bodily fluids are cleaned after each use and disinfected where necessary. Textiles such as sheets, covers, or pillows are washed at a sufficiently high temperature. Hands are washed or disinfected before and after a session, especially when there is intensive physical contact.

A hygiene protocol is not a sign of aloofness, but rather of care and respect for the other person’s body. This is self-evident in professional dungeons, but even in private spaces, a fixed hygiene routine significantly increases safety and the feeling of trust.

Safety protocol

In addition to physical aids, every dungeon should also have a safety protocol. This means that possible risks have been considered in advance and that it is clear who does what in the event of an incident. Think of agreements about safewords, non-verbal signals, immediate intervention in case of breathing problems or circulatory disorders, and recognizing physical stress signals.

Anyone who plays in a dungeon should know where emergency equipment is located, how it is used, and when a session should be stopped immediately. Safety is not a theoretical concept, but an active attitude that is constantly present during every experience. It is precisely this preparation that ensures that intense play remains responsible and bearable for everyone involved.

Furnishings: toys and furniture

Toys and furniture: the physical backbone of your dungeon

The choice of furniture and toys largely determines the safety, possibilities, and professional appearance of a dungeon. Furniture forms the basis of every setup and should preferably be sturdy, stable, and equipped with sufficient attachment points such as D-rings, so that different forms of bondage and positioning can be applied safely.

Think of a St. Andrew’s cross that allows for full exposure and standing attachment, a punishment bench or bondage bench that supports the body during impact play, or a bondage bed that offers complete restriction in a variety of positions. Cages or dungeon cages also have their function in confinement, time-out, or pet play and combine practical use with symbolic meaning.

For more advanced forms of play, ceiling- or wall-mounted hooks and suspension constructions are possible, provided they are professionally installed and structurally sound. In addition to furniture, deprivation devices and toys are an extension of the Dominant’s intention. Well-fitting wrist and ankle cuffs with quick release, high-quality rope that matches experience and skin sensitivity, collars and leashes as psychological means of power, and impact toys such as floggers, paddles, crops, and canes that increase in intensity require knowledge of anatomy and structure.

Sensory toys such as blindfolds, clamps, stimulation wheels, and vibrating aids also deepen the experience, provided they are used consciously and carefully. Investing in quality is not a luxury but a safety choice. Well-maintained leather, stainless steel, and hygienically cleaned materials not only extend the life of your dungeon but, above all, protect the body and trust of everyone who plays there.

Print out the handy checklist (pdf).

Mistress Moriah

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