Do you remember building pillow forts when you were a kid?
One second you were watching cartoons on Sunday morning, and the next, you’re racing around the house gathering supplies to make the ultimate hideout.
Key Takeaways
- Building a pillow fort isn’t just fun—it’s a creative adventure! Whether you’re crafting a cosy castle or an epic hideaway, the right location, supplies and setup make all the difference.
- From indoor retreats to backyard glamping, the possibilities are endless. A well-placed mattress, some sturdy chairs and a few extra touches (hello, string lights!) can turn any space into a dream fort.
- Comfort is key, and Ecosa has you covered. With memory foam pillows, easy-to-move mattresses and washable toppers, your fort can be as comfy as it is fun.
Building the best pillow fort as a kid pushes you to be creative. After all, who wouldn’t want to turn their living room into a cosy castle? (Besides Mum, of course.)
If you’re ready to master the art of fort-building, keep reading. Or, jump to a section for a step-by-step guide on creating your dream DIY pillow fort.
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Things to Consider Before Building Your Pillow Fort
Before you get into stacking cushions and draping blankets, doing a little planning goes a long way. Here are some factors to think about when planning your indoor fort:
1. Location
Inside or outside, that is the question!
If setting up a pillow fort inside the house, ensure you have enough space and pieces of furniture to build around. A bedroom fort is a classic choice, but if you want more room to spread out, the living room is usually the best spot. With easy access to couches, chairs and tables, you’ll have plenty of materials to work with—meaning an even bigger and better fort.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy, a backyard setup is the way to go. Bring out the heavy blankets, and go for a trendy glamping experience (yes, glamorous camping is a thing). Just check the weather first. The last thing you need is for the wind or rain to knock down your masterpiece.
2. Supplies
Once you’ve picked your spot, gather your supplies accordingly. Here’s a simple checklist to get you started:
- Bed Sheets – Bonus points if you can find extra-large, lightweight, breathable sheets for the fort’s roof.
- Pillows – The more, the better—it is a pillow fort, after all! Throw pillows add style, while memory foam pillows boost comfort and stability.
- Mattress, mattress topper, or sleeping bags – A soft base makes all the difference for next-level cosiness.
- Seat cushions – Use these as building blocks for the fort’s walls.
- Chairs – These will essentially act as the skeleton of the fort.
- Throw blankets – Layer throws on your mattress or topper adds extra warmth and snug vibes.
- Clothespins or binder clips – Create a door flap and build a less flimsy fort.
- Tape – You always need tape.
- Wooden dowels or broomsticks – To increase the height and sturdiness of the fort.
- Heavy books – To keep the sheets in place.
- String lights – For that magical finishing touch.
3. Function
Before diving into creating a pillow fort, think about what you’ll use it for. This helps you decide whether to go big and elaborate or keep it small and cosy.
- Entertainment? Make sure it’s roomy enough to fit your crew! Bonus points if it’s near the TV or within easy reach of the pantry (snacks are non-negotiable). The ultimate movie night awaits—now, can you Uber Eats to a fort? Asking for a friend.
- Glamping? We’re always looking for an excuse to glamp! Set up a dreamy backyard hideaway, add some cushions and string lights, and invite your friends for a cosy night under the stars.
- For the kids? Blanket forts are a childhood classic (though we say there’s no age limit). Just keep it away from anything breakable or sharp—because when the inevitable collapse and pillow fight happen, you’ll want peace of mind while you’re in another room.
How to Build a Pillow Fort
Okay, okay, we’re getting to the fun part!
There are endless pillow fort ideas, but we’ll help you create one that’s both epic and comfy. Once you’ve picked a location, gathered your supplies and decided on its function, it’s time to start building.
Indoor Pillow Fort
- Lay a mattress on the floor for a soft, cosy base. Position it against a couch or wall for extra support.
- Add blankets to the mattress, for comfort, of course.
- Set up three chairs on either long side of the mattress, with their backs facing each other.
- Line the walls (the head and long sides) with cushions and pillows for structure and softness.
- Throw a big, super king sheet over the chairs to create a roof over the mattress, stretching it from seat to seat.
- Secure the roof by placing heavy books on either end of the sheets, which should be lying on the seats of the chairs.
- Use clothespins or binder clips to create an entrance or a drape out of the sheets.
- For extra height, prop up wooden dowels in the centre like a tent pole. Tape two together for an even loftier ceiling.
- Make it magical with string lights, glow sticks and stuffed animals for peak cosiness.
- Add a flag, name the pillow fort, and invite your mates for a sleepover!
Outdoor Pillow Fort
You can do the same setup outdoors for a glamping experience! Instead of a mattress, use a thick topper for a comfy base. Set up the fort on a dry, flat surface in the middle of the yard and create a double entrance for a luxe camping vibe.
Don’t worry about getting it dirty—Ecosa’s mattress toppers have a removable cover that’s easy to throw in the wash.
Building a fort is a fun DIY project for the whole family, and with Ecosa’s cosy, easy-to-move products, you can create an epic pillow fort no matter how old you are!