Feeling creatively stuck at home? You’re not alone. But don’t worry—our friends at IKEA have found a way to make staying indoors a lot more fun. They’ve released actual “how to make forts” instructions for building epic homemade forts, and honestly, they’re as delightful as they sound. Equal parts nostalgic and ingenious, these fort designs are turning household items into architectural masterpieces (well, sorta). Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a parent trying to entertain the kids, or just someone who misses their own childhood blanket fort days, IKEA has you covered. Literally—with blankets.
IKEA’s Take on Fort-Building (and Why It’s Genius)
Remember assembling IKEA furniture and getting lost in their visual-only instruction manuals? Now imagine those same clever diagrams, but instead of couches or bookshelves, you’re guided through building forts with names like “Förtress” and “Wigwåm.” Yes, they even leaned into their Swedish roots with the names!
The campaign, launched by IKEA Russia in collaboration with creative agency Instinct, presents six fort styles to choose from:
- The Förtress
- The Wigwåm
- The Cåstle
- The Cåve
- The Cåmpingtent
- The Höuse
Instead of an endless sea of screws and those tiny L-shaped wrenches, these instructions call for everyday stuff like blankets, pillows, dining chairs, and clothes racks. Bonus points for IKEA’s creative touch of suggesting fairy lights and even giant teddy bears for an added “cozy factor.”
Materials? Oh, You Totally Have These Lying Around
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to own specific IKEA products to join the fun. Their instructions show items you probably already have at home. Think:
- Big blankets or bed sheets
- Cushions or throw pillows
- Sturdy chairs (or your favorite sofa)
- Clips, pegs, or anything to secure your construction
- Books for weighing things down (an excuse to dust off those hardcovers)
- String lights, lanterns, or even a flashlight for ambiance
Oh, and if you happen to have something quirky like a coat rack or an octopus-shaped clothes hanger, IKEA made sure to include those as optional décor inspirations because, well, why not?
Fort-Building 101
If you’ve always flown by the seat of your pants when it comes to blanket forts, these designs add a touch of engineering precision to your cozy endeavors. Here’s how a few of these designs work:
The Förtress
Turn your sofa into a fort powerhouse. Drape a big blanket over the top, strategically place cushions inside, and use clothes pegs to hold the fort together. Add some books or bottles to weigh down the edges. Voilà, your miniature fortress awaits!
The Höuse
Remember those classic table forts from back in the day? This one’s all about nostalgia. Just spread a sheet over a dining table, secure the sides, and invite your kids (or inner child) inside the warm glow of this makeshift hideout.
The Cåmpingtent
Into the camping vibe but not so much the bugs and lack of Wi-Fi? IKEA’s got your back. Grab your clothes rack, drape a sheet over it like a tent, and hang some fairy lights inside. Bonus points if you whip up some indoor s’mores.
The Wigwåm
For those chasing a rustic teepee-style look, prop up a few large sticks or poles, wrap them in fabric, and secure the top with string. Instant on-trend vibes for your living room.
Why This Campaign Hits Close to Home
This isn’t just a set of cute DIY projects; it’s a much-needed way to reconnect with creativity and playfulness, whether you’re tackling lockdown boredom or just need a reason to log off of social media for an hour. IKEA knows the value of shared experiences, and inviting families to build forts together is pure genius. It gives parents a chance to engage with their little ones, provides kids with fuel for their imagination, and offers an unconventional distraction from daily stress.
Even better? IKEA launched this campaign during one of the toughest periods of collective staying-in (hello, global lockdowns). By showing us how to transform mundane objects into fun escapes, they’re subtly re-reminding us that creativity and joy can happen anywhere—even in our own living rooms.
Forts Aren’t Just for Kids
It’s not just your kids who’ll benefit from these forts. Adults can get in on the fun too! After all, who couldn’t use a cozy lean-to for reading, gaming, napping, or just hiding from responsibilities? (No judgment here.)
Pro-tip for all the grown-ups out there looking to make fort-building a little extra:
- Add twinkling string lights or LED strips for ambiance.
- Stock your fort with comfy throws, snack supplies, and your favorite book or Netflix series.
- Create a playlist for ultimate fort vibes. Something acoustic? Lo-fi beats? Your call.
You might even start a once-a-week family tradition of fort movie nights. Imagine cuddling up inside The Cåstle while having a Harry Potter marathon. Iconic.
Share the Fort Love
Of course, IKEA didn’t stop at just giving you the tools to build. They’ve encouraged families to snap pics of their creations and post them on social media. From the “plushie-filled cave of dreams” to “so many fairy lights, it’s practically a disco,” people are taking creative liberties with the designs. Who knows? Your masterpiece might even make it to IKEA’s social channels for the world to admire.
Final Thoughts
At its core, IKEA’s campaign isn’t really about forts. It’s about finding joy in small moments, about creativity, and about making the most of what you have around you. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best adventures don’t require fancy tools or extravagant plans; they can start with a simple blanket and a bit of imagination.
When was the last time you built a blanket fort? Now’s your chance.
Time to grab some pillows, get inventive, and pay homage to nostalgia with a touch of Scandinavian brilliance. If you build it, we’d love to see it. Share your creations with the tag #IkeaForts and join the fun.
Oh, and don’t forget the snacks. Every fort deserves snacks.
