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How To Make A Kids Den: The Ultimate Indoor Den Checklist

So, you want to know how to make a den? Follow our simple checklist to build the ultimate kids den that all ages will enjoy - including the grown-ups!

A Guide To Kids Den Building

Here's everything you need to know about den building, from why kids love it to how to decorate it.

What is a kids den?

A kids den is a cosy, makeshift space created for children to play, read, or relax. It can be built indoors using blankets, cushions, and furniture, or outdoors with branches, leaves, and other natural materials. The den serves as a private hideaway where children can immerse themselves in imaginative play, or simply enjoy a quiet retreat from the adult world.

These kids dens are usually small and snug, providing a sense of security that is crucial for children’s emotional development.

Kids reading stories inside a den

Why do children like dens?

Children like dens because they provide a private and secure space for imaginative play, fostering creativity, independence, and emotional development. These cosy retreats also promise a sense of adventure, making them a fun and inviting escape from the everyday.

Sense of adventure: A kids play den provides a space for imaginative play and exploration.
Privacy & security: Dens offer a private, enclosed area where children feel safe and in control.
Creative expression: A play den allows kids to design and personalise their own space.
Independence: Building a den fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.
Comfort & cosiness: Dens are often snug and inviting, providing a retreat from the grown-up world.
Fun & entertaining: A children’s play den is a source of endless possibilities, whether you’re constructing a grand fortress or quiet reading nook.

How to decorate a kids den?

Decorating a kids den can be a fabulous family bonding activity! Start with a theme that excites your little one, such as dinosaurs, space, or fairytale castles. Use vibrant fabrics and soft cushions to create a comfortable seating area. String lights or battery-operated lanterns can add a magical glow, while colourful posters, drawings, or nature elements like leaves and flowers can personalise the space.

It’s also a good idea to include a range of textures, such as rugs, throws, and stuffed animals, to make the den inviting and tactile. Finally, ensure that there are plenty of toys, books, and craft supplies to encourage creative play, learning, and discovery.

What do I need for a kids den?

There are plenty of household items that can be used to make a den. Consider items such as:

Dining chairs
Sofa or armchairs
Bunk bed
Table
Cardboard boxes
Blankets and sheets
Cushions and pillows
Fairy lights

How To Build A Den: The Den Commandments

1. Opt for different-sized chairs

Use several chairs with different heights at an optimum distance apart. This will help stop the roof from collapsing and keep it standing tall.

2. Turn seats into walls

If you have a few dining chairs or two sofas, position them back to back (with space in the middle for the den). Use blankets or sheets to make the roof.

3. Pegs

Use pegs to secure the sheet or blanket roof. Little hands may be tempted to tug on the pegs which will cause them to fly off, but that's all part of the fun!

4. Den toys

No indoor den is complete without toys! Kids can host their own tea party inside their indoor den. Our new Tin Tea Set has everything your littlen will need to host the perfect tea party for friends and family, and the cute carry case makes it easy to transport to their den.

There's also our Pyjama Party Lottie Doll Clothes Set, so your tot’s Lottie Doll can dress up in comfy pyjamas, slippers, and a soft blanket for a fun den sleepover!

5. Extra broom

To expand your dream den, use a few brooms (or mops) to create extra roof supports. It will help stop the roof from drooping in the middle, too.

6. Light it up

Light and Shine - Playing with Optics is the ideal light kit for secret den sleepovers. Kids can make their own shadow puppets with the included torch! Fairy lights can also add a fun sparkly touch and make a secret den much more appealing.

7. Comfort

A den isn't a den unless it's cosy and comfortable. Fill it with loads of pillows, duvets, and blankets so kiddies can snuggle up with their favourite toys (and people, of course).

8. Secret cinema

Dens are the ideal place to snuggle down, watch a movie, and share a tub of popcorn with the family.

9. Invite friends over

Invite friends over or welcome your favourite plush toys into your den! Our ragdolls would love nothing more than taking part in a sleepover party. When they're feeling sleepy, tuck them into their dolls cradle for forty winks.

10. Hidden library

Children's dens are a great nook to sit down and enjoy a good book. Reading and storytelling have never been so enjoyable!

Den Building Shortcuts

Alternatively, take the effort out of den building with these two quick hacks…

Bunk beds

If you have a bunk bed (or cabin bed) you already have a den structure that's good to go. Just tuck in some sheets around the top bunk to envelope the bottom bunk. Voila, a den in seconds!

Teepee

Build a den in half the time with our colourful Kids Teepee, which comes with wooden poles that easily slot together for quick assembly. Complete with curtains, our delightful teepee tent is everything your tiny tot needs to make an instant den in their nursery or bedroom.