We all have a soft spot for blanket forts and here's why: there's truly nothing better than cozying up in a perfectly assembled pillow palace. Children of all ages love having an escape to call their very own. And when it is decked out with all the home's best blankets and pillows, it's even better! Here we will lay out the basics of creating all types of blanket forts—from super simple to very complex. Plus we will share some secrets that will make the forts entertaining for hours. Whether you're building one to make a sick day a bit less boring, your family is stuck inside due to rainy weather, or you simply want to make a weekend more special, read on!
What's the best location for a pillow fort?
Really, anything goes, but it's best to find an open spot without a lot of clutter. So if the playroom or kid's bedroom is the ideal location, keep in mind that a clean-up might be in order before you get started (that means clear the Legos out of the way!). It's a good idea to have some higher surfaces like chairs or tables accessible, but you can also make a pillow fort without chairs.
If the weather is nice, you can take the pillow fort outside, but you'll want to make sure you're using washable blankets and other materials you don't mind getting dirty.
What you need to make a pillow fort
Now, don't forget the beauty of pillow forts is that no two are exactly alike. Here are some building materials that have worked for my family, but don't be afraid to experiment.
- Sofa pillows
- King-sized flat sheets and blankets
- Clothespins and chip clips
- Tall tables
- High-back chairs
- Nugget Comfort Modular Sofa + New Chunk Play Ottoman
Step-by-step guide to making a pillow fort
There is no right way to make a pillow fort. Let the kids take the lead. It's the perfect chance to encourage pretend play and let them express their creativity.
Step 1: Clear out a large area. Usually the coffee table has to get the boot.
Step 2: Assemble the "walls" of the fort with sofa cushions. If you have a Nugget modular sofa, put the base and cushion to use. The back of the sofa also makes for a handy wall. Use dining chairs and other furniture to reinforce the walls' strength is never a bad idea.
For an option without chairs, create an extra-sturdy fort under a table. Simply drape a blanket or sheet over the top, and add pillows for a comfy base.
Step 3: Create a roof by draping a large flat sheet or lightweight blanket over the structure. Create a peak with clothespins or chip clips.
Step 4: Get creative! Once you have the main part of the fort assembled, you will find that it is easy to make add ons. We love to create little nooks and crannies to hide in. Simply add more furniture and drape more blankets to make the fort more spacious. To hold the blankets in place use clips or stacks of books.
Best Fort Supplies
So many things at once! The famous company that dreamed up everyone's favorite foam play sofa has done it again. Chunk is a storage ottoman that has even more play pillows nestled inside for a wide array of fort builds and enhancements. It comes in ten different colors to compliment your Nugget!
Lovevery The Organic Cotton Play Tunnel
Siblings will love connecting two forts together with a secret tunnel.
Bolster pillows like these ones can come in very handy. Use it inside the fort to seal up any cracks.
It will become apparent very quickly whether or not your family is the pillow fort type. Superspace is for the fort-building enthusiasts. The felt tiles are magnetic and can be built into countless different configurations.
These play clips are great for holding blankets still. They are also easy for small hands to use.
Pillow forts require firm pillows to hold up the blankets. This genius 4-piece modular sofa will take your fort-building skills to new heights.
Big Blanket Co® Original Stretch™
There's nothing more frustrating than trying to make magic happen with a blanket that is simply too small. Not only is the plush option large enough to accommodate all sorts of forts, it also has a satisfying stretch that comes in handy.
Beach Towel Clips
These jumbo sized clips hold blankets steady for forts, but they will also come in handy in your beach bag to clip up towels.
The silky texture is breathable enough for Summer builds.
Whether these are being used to add comfort to the interior of the fort or to build, they are a fantastic addition to your fort-building repertoire.
Not in the mood to break a sweat? No worries! Simply attach the velcro panels to a box fan and blow up this adorable hobbit home. A glow-in-the-dark fan can even be bought separately.
A flat cotton sheet may be the most important element of a blanket fort. Its light while still being incredibly large. To make things even more fun opt for a colorful pattern. Here's even more cooling bed sheet options to try.
Wanting to take the fort outside? The thick foam in these pillows is encased in weather-proof fabrics. There's lots of fun shapes for a variety of fort formations. Pick one of the best picnic blankets for more outdoor friendly building supplies.
What to do in a pillow fort?
Well, the building is half the fun, but once you're finished creating get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor. First activity up is to rest! Forts are also wonderful for reading, pretending, sleepovers, meditating, and beyond. See even more products that will make the space entertaining all weekend long.
Best Fort Activities
Make a fort that's big enough to park two of these adorable convertible air mattresses in. Kids will love having a sleepover with these.
A cozy, dark fort is the perfect place to enjoy the Little Tikes Dream Machine. It works like an old school projector and plays all the favorite books, including Eric Carle.
Now, most kids don't need extra inspiration when it comes to pretend games, but if you want to se them up for success try this s'mores play set. Kids will love delegating out tasks (you cut the wood, while I light the fire!) and pretending to be at an exotic campout destination.
Speaking of pretend-play, you will be baffled by what your kids come up with while playing with this set of stepping stones. The unique texture is light while still being strong enough to support almost 400 lbs of weight! Connect two pillow forts by making a stepping stone bridge. To make things even trickier add different size stones with this new set.
You will know if you have succeeded at fort building if you are unable to convince your children to exit the fort. In cases such as these we recommend a colorful folding tray so that they can enjoy their meals from the comfort of the pillow palace. Try serving up these dinner ideas for kids.
A pillow fort can make a great escape for a child who is feeling over stimulated. Park this weighted plush inside to give them a calming buddy.
The magic of this nightlight is the setting that scans whatever surface it is on and matches that color exactly!
Do your kids already have a Squishmallow collection? Perfect! They can be used to create a giant lovey/ball pit. Use sturdy cushions to create a barrier and let the kids jump in! Or fill it with our very favorites from the Jellycat collection on Amazon.
Is this too much? Probably! But if you live in an area with long winters or frequent inclement weather it may be worth it. My suggestion would be to set up the Squishmallow ball pit at the bottom of this couch slide.
Twinkly Flex Neon Strip Lights
This fun tube light can be customized in over 16 million colors. It is controlled via an app on your phone. Outdoor lighting often works well in pillow forts as well.
