© Shutterstock

Beyond the standard pillows and blankets -

Think sofa cushions! Chairs! Umbrellas!

© Shutterstock

Use lighter materials for the structure -

You don't need more weight when you're trying to build something vertically. Bed sheets work great, and they let more light in.

© Shutterstock

Acquire some pins and clips -

Clothespins and binder clips work well, but avoid safety pins, as they may come loose and, in a pile of blankets, that’s not very safe at all!

© Shutterstock

Take advantage of the walls and ceiling -

Use temporary adhesive hooks on the ceiling, as they immediately grow your fort potential and can be removed without leaving any holes or markings behind.

© Shutterstock

Build around the furniture -

No need to move all the furniture, as it can almost all be incorporated, especially since things like televisions and tables can be used as walls!

© Shutterstock

Make sure there’s space for snacks -

Epic forts are meant to be enjoyed for hours on end, but you'll get hungry. So instead of messing up tons of sheets and pillows, make sure there's a designated table or tray space.

© Shutterstock

Play with texture -

Comfort is key in making a good fort, so use your softest fabrics, fuzziest pillows, and even lay a small area rug on the ground.

© Shutterstock

Add some lights -

Not only is it necessary at night, but lights can also add so much to the ambiance of a fort. Try battery-powered fairy lights!

© Shutterstock

Equip your fort with entertainment -

Whether your fort opens up to a TV screen or you bring a laptop in there with you, these little nooks are like perfect private cinemas.

© Shutterstock

Play with shapes -

Your fort can be box-like, which is quite simple to build.

© Shutterstock

You can get a little help -

Hanging this curtain from a hook on the ceiling is one of the easiest ways to set up a little no-hassle fort.

© Shutterstock

You can get a lot of help -

Making forts is kind of like camping inside anyway. If you're going to use tents, zip them together to maximize on space!

© Shutterstock

They can be large -

This father and son fit somewhat comfortably in this fort.

© Shutterstock

Or it can be tiny -

Just big enough for one tiny person. If your young kids haven't experimented with pillow-piling forts, it's really now or never, as soon this won't seem so spacious!

© Shutterstock

Let kids embrace their inner architect -

Or grown adults with a burgeoning passion!

© Shutterstock

It's important for kids -

Siblings get to bond with each other in this private space of their own.

© Shutterstock

An escape -

Books are almost always better when you're tucked away from the world yourself.

© Shutterstock

A way to spend time together -

Impress your kids with your construction skills and enjoy some time apart from the world together.

© Shutterstock

It doesn't have to be fancy -

It can be as simple as one sheet and only the space of a bed taken up, but it can provide a whole new feel.

© Shutterstock

Or it can be very fancy -

The beauty of forts is that each is customized to their owner's content.

© Shutterstock

It's like an extra room -

Suddenly a home, that you thought could never get bigger, has a whole other experience inside of it. It certainly makes days stuck inside more exciting!

© Shutterstock

Creating memories -

You should definitely be the cool parent or grandparent remembered for inspiring the fort memories.

© Shutterstock

It's also a smart way to get kids away from screens -

If the fort is away from the TV, kids are encouraged to use their imagination again in this tech-less space.

© Shutterstock

Game nights -

Maybe your kid will actually pay attention while you explain the rules of chess (again). 

© Shutterstock

Capitalize on couch space -

The ground doesn't always have to be your fort base!

© Shutterstock

Meter sticks work well -

We're not sure why you'd have meter sticks, but any long pieces of wood lying around are great for forts!

© Shutterstock

They can be permanent fixtures -

Like that Christmas tree you still have up from last year...

© Shutterstock

If you're not building it for a kid... -

Just know you're not alone, and anyone of any age is allowed to enjoy a fort!

© Shutterstock

See also -

30 ideas to entertain kids at home

© Shutterstock