How to Make a Fort with Bob's Discount Furniture

Sometimes you get stuck inside on a rainy day. And sometimes it's just too darn hot to play outside. Never fear! You can escape the rain and beat the heat with one of my super fun sofa forts! Between my comfy cozy couches and your brilliant imagination, we can cook up a delightful day. Whether it's a summer scorcher or a stormy weekend, fort building is one of those timeless indoor activities that never gets old—for kids or grown-ups.

And here's the thing: today's furniture is actually better for fort building than ever. With modular sectionals and deep, sink-in cushions trending big in 2026, you've got more building blocks to work with than a standard sofa ever offered. Those movable pieces, detachable chaises, and oversized seat cushions? They're basically fort architecture waiting to happen.

Let's Talk Fort Basics!

We need something sturdy for the sides. Sectionals are perfect for starting forts because they have so many sides to prop cushions on. The modular designs that are so popular right now are especially great—since the pieces can be separated and rearranged, you can shape your fort walls however you like and create openings exactly where you want them. If you don't have a sectional, take the seat cushions from your sofa and use those for the walls—they're usually a bit sturdier and will help hold up your blankets on top! Browse our comfortable living room furniture options for sectionals and sofas that double as perfect fort foundations.

What Kind of Cushions Work Best for Fort Walls?

If you're wondering which cushions hold up the best, look for the thicker, denser seat cushions rather than the soft back pillows. Today's deeper-seated sofas and low-profile sectionals tend to come with generously sized cushions that stand up on their own more easily, making them ideal structural pieces. Save the squishier throw pillows and back cushions for the cozy interior of your fort—they're perfect for lounging once everything is built.

Can You Build a Fort Without Damaging Your Furniture?

Absolutely! Fort building is meant to be fun, not stressful. If your sofa or sectional has performance fabric—which is one of the most popular upholstery choices right now because it's durable, family-friendly, and easy to clean—you can breathe easy knowing the material is designed to handle everyday life, spills and all. Just avoid standing on cushions (they're for sitting and stacking, not climbing!) and be gentle when removing and replacing pieces. Your furniture will snap right back into shape when fort time is over. And for extra peace of mind, check out our Goof Proof protection plans to keep your furniture covered no matter what adventures come its way.

Think Outside of the Box!

If you want to expand your fort, add dining chairs to connect your blankets to and extend your overall fort space. Or if you have large suitcases, they make great fort walls because you can tie your sheet "ceiling" to the handles and it won't fall down (plus they're super easy to move around!)

Here are a few more creative expansion ideas:

• Ottomans and poufs make excellent fort annexes. Push them up against your sofa base to create a tunnel entrance or a separate "room" in your fort complex.
• Bar stools or counter chairs work great as tent poles for draping blankets over taller sections.
• Cardboard boxes from your latest delivery can become windows, doors, or even a drawbridge if you're feeling ambitious.

If you're working with a smaller room, our space-saving small spaces collection has compact furniture pieces that are surprisingly fort-friendly and easy to rearrange.

How Do You Keep Blanket Ceilings from Falling Down?

This is the number one fort frustration, and we've all been there. The trick is weight and tension. Use heavier blankets or quilts for the roof—those textured throws and cozy knit blankets you've been layering on your sofa are perfect. Weigh down the edges with books, heavy pillows, or even shoes tucked out of sight. If you're draping a blanket between two anchor points like a sofa back and a dining chair, clip it in place with binder clips or clothespins. Chip clips from the kitchen work in a pinch, too!

Finishing Touches

Once you've built your fantastic fort, you can add a few touches to make it extra special and cozy. Twinkle lights will give it a little whimsy—string them along the inside ceiling of your fort for an instant magical glow. Make a blanket pallet on the floor for a cozy place to read. Bring in your favorite stuffed animals so they can enjoy it too!

For an extra-special touch in 2026, lean into those warm, layered textures everyone is loving right now. Think soft throw blankets in earthy tones, a few plush pillows with different textures like bouclé or velvet, and maybe even a small rug to define your fort's "floor." Adding layers makes the inside of your fort feel like a real cozy retreat—not just a pile of cushions (though piles of cushions are great too). Need more styling ideas? Our home décor and furniture inspiration page is full of creative ways to make your spaces feel special.

What Should You Bring Inside Your Fort?

Stock your fort with everything you need for a perfect hideaway session:

• Books or a tablet for reading or watching a favorite show
• Snacks and a water bottle (bonus points for a little tray to keep things tidy)
• A flashlight or lantern for that classic campout vibe
• Card games or coloring supplies for unplugged fun
• Your coziest blanket for snuggling up

Now all that's left to do is have tons of fun! And don't forget that knocking down the fort is sometimes just as much fun as building it in the first place!