DIY Indoor Play Tent | How to Make It in 6 Steps 2026

In the Lakota language, “thípi” means “dwelling” and gives its name to the typical tent under which these peoples lived. This play tent doesn’t have the classic conical shape with an opening at the top for smoke to escape, but its purpose is to create a warm and safe refuge for the little ones, where they can retreat to read, play, do homework, or chat with a friend.

All the components are 40 mm diameter dowels held together by long screws without glue; only the top element, intended to reinforce the entire structure and serve as a support for the fabric, is a small fir wood board with a section of 81×50 mm.

Given the extreme lightness of the structure, the tent can be moved freely within the bedroom or even to another room in the house. The fabric can also be removed for washing or replacement, as can the cushions and the mat covering the floor.

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

• 7 wooden dowels (40 mm diameter)
• 1 fir wood board (81×50 mm section)
• Long screws
• Large piece of fabric (choose a fun pattern from our curtains collection for a ready-made option)
• Staple gun
• Rasp (for shaping the board)
• Cushions and a rug (browse our rugs collection for a soft base)

Step-by-Step Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Dowels

Cut your dowels to the desired height. For a child’s tent, 1.5 m (5 ft) works well. Sand the ends smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Front Side

Take two dowels and fasten them together with a long screw that passes through both. For a more solid fastening, it is good to anticipate their inclination in advance.

Step 3: Attach the Spacer Board

The long, narrow board that locks the structure at the desired depth must be shaped with a rasp at the four points where it rests between the dowels, so that they are embedded in its thickness. The board is also fixed with long screws to both dowels. At this point the structure is fixed and you can no longer adjust the dowels to widen or narrow their opening, thus increasing or decreasing its height.

Step 4: Secure the Back Side

The two dowels of the rear side are further blocked by a screwed crossbar which, if desired, can be shaped at the ends to better rest against the curved surface of the upright.

Step 5: Drape the Fabric

Throw the fabric over the top board and fix it with a few staple gun points. For a more polished look, hem the edges first. If you’d rather skip sewing, check out our wall decor for other cozy room ideas.

Step 6: Add Comfort & Style

Place cushions and a soft rug inside. Our storage benches make great toy chests nearby, and a nightstand can hold a reading lamp.

Why Build a DIY Play Tent?

• Customizable: Choose any fabric to match your child’s room.
• Portable: Light enough to move from bedroom to living room.
• Easy to clean: Fabric can be removed and washed.
• Budget-friendly: Costs a fraction of store-bought playhouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this tent outdoors?

Yes, if you treat the wood with a waterproof sealant and use outdoor fabric. For a permanent outdoor play area, consider our gazebos or pergolas.

What size fabric do I need?

For a standard 1.5 m tall tent, a 2×2 m piece of fabric works well. Our curtains collection offers many large panels that can be used directly.

How do I make the tent more stable?

Add a wooden base or screw the bottom of the dowels into a plywood floor. For extra stability, place a heavy rug underneath.

Can I add lighting inside?

Absolutely! String battery-operated fairy lights along the top board. Browse our lighting collection for safe, kid-friendly options.

How long does this project take?

About 2–3 hours for an experienced DIYer, plus drying time if you paint or stain the wood.

More Ideas for Your Child’s Room

Once the tent is up, complete the space with a bookcase for storybooks, a desk for homework, and a cozy bed for nap time. For a themed room, our wall decor and mirrors add the finishing touches.

Happy building!

Browse Grand Goldman Home Decor

Discover unique craftsmanship home decor and furniture at the Grand Goldman Shop.