Home improvements: Put boredom to bed with a duvet den

Thrill the kids (for free) by helping them create the ultimate ­duvet den.

All you will need is a large, light synthetic duvet, blankets or sheets for the floor, pillows, sofa cushions or sleeping bags, clothes pegs to secure the duvet in place, bunting and fairy lights.

Lay a blanket or sheet on the floor and position four chairs opposite each other; they should be close enough together for the duvet to drape over the chairs. Gather pillows and cushions to fill the den and provide comfy cushioning – ideally around the corners and along the back wall. Weave string between the top of the chairs to form a support for the roof and attach fairy lights with pegs. Use an extension ­cable for the lights if needed.

Lift the duvet over the top of the chairs, ensuring that it covers the lights and provides a cover at the back. Ideally position the den against a wall or sofa for additional support. Decorate the den with items like bunting, tea sets, cuddly toys and books. The children will then make this their own space and come up with their own ideas of what to have in there. Why not get them to design their own “keep out” signs?

* Courtesy of The Fine Bedding Company and Naomi Richards, author of The Parent’s Toolkit.

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