A flexible outdoor kid’s den in six easy steps.

Encourage the kids outside with these simple ideas for a cosy garden den…

1. String lights – Lights4Fun – £9.99.  2. Cotton mattress – Ib Laursen.  3. Tepee tent – FunWithMum – £99.  4. Play&Go toy bag – SmallKins – £29.99.  5. Alseda stool – Ikea – £25.  6. Linen cushion covers – H&M Home – £8.99.  7. Cotton Quilts – Ib Laursen.

 

Find a suitable structure. Here we’ve chosen a popular cotton canvas covered tepee that can be set up and taken down in seconds…great for unpredictable summer weather…and useful if garden space is too limited for a more permanent structure.

Add comfort…with cushions and throws in washable cottons and linens. We’ve chosen plain, earthy colours but you could add patterns and themes to suit your own style. A groundsheet will help protect soft-furnishings, and den occupants, from damp grass.

Consider simple, multi-purpose furniture items…these rattan stools could double up as picnic tables.

Add lighting for evening camp-outs. Try hanging outdoor string lights in the roof of the tepee or place solar lights around the area of play.

Find quick, easy storage that makes packing away a breeze…these Play&Go draw-string bags double as a play-mat…or create your own with a Furoshiki bed-sheet.

And finally, consider complimenting your interior style when planning an outdoor den…this scheme could be moved indoors over the winter months, maximising use and cost-effectiveness.