You don't need anything special to build a pillow fort - just pillows, blankets, and imagination!
However, a bit of planning goes a long way. On this page, we’ve listed some ideas that could help make your next pillow fort extra special!
Remember to stay safe when building pillow forts. Every space is different, so make decisions that work best for your environment. It’s best to have a responsible adult with you to help you with the process.
Most importantly, have fun!
Find a space in your home that's big enough to build your fort, like the living room or a bedroom. Make sure it's a place where you can leave the fort up for a while without it being in the way.
Use whatever you have on hand! Pillows, cushions, blankets, and sheets are traditional. Larger blankets are great for walls and roofs, while pillows and cushions can be used to reinforce walls and create a comfy floor. If you're running out of supplies for your fort, try towels, sofa cushions, or larger items of clothing.
Furniture like sofas, chairs, and tables can serve as excellent support structures for your fort. Drape blankets over them to create walls and ceilings. Tables can be used to provide ceilings if you're running low on core supplies like blankets and sheets.
Use heavy books, clips, clothes pegs, or rubber bands to secure the blankets to the furniture. Make sure everything is stable enough to stay up but not too tight to cause damage. Make sure not to place heavy loads where they can easily fall!
Make sure your fort has enough air flow. Avoid making it too airtight, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time inside. Some pillow forts have three walls, with one side open to the room, which might make a cute nook for cuddling up and watching a movie.
Make the space feel like yours! Lighting is a great way to decorate: many people use strings of fairy lights to make the place feel extra magical. Remember to place anything electrical or battery-powered in places where it won't overheat, and don't use candles or anything involving open flame.
Leave a space for an entrance and consider making “windows” by folding back a corner of a blanket. It’s nice to have a way to peek out!
If you have materials to spare, lay down a base layer of blankets or a mattress for extra comfort.
