DIY Foam Glamping Kits
Camping isn't for everyone – a decades-old debate. But there are new, innovative camping experiences embraced by outdoor businesses and individuals alike, such as glamping, which combines luxury and comfort with the traditional camping setup.
Many people hire bell tents, yurt-style tents that offer a spacious, cabin-like environment. Offered by many luxury outdoor companies as a standard package, their exclusivity comes with a significant price tag – glamping isn't a cheap British holiday. For that reason, there's growing appetite in the UK for private, home-based glamping setups. With more of us looking for activities closer to home, garden glamping has grown in popularity, as has the number of small UK businesses offering private pop-up glamping. Often, though, people buy a bell tent and then wonder how to fill it without a dedicated business providing the furnishings.
Foam floor cushions for bell tents
There's growing demand for soft furnishings such as beds and compact sofas designed for bell tents. One of the most popular is a luxury floor cushion, easily made with a piece of upholstery foam and a sturdy, waterproof-lined fabric. We recommend foam around 1m x 1m and 20cm deep, with two pieces of fabric measuring 1.2m x 1.2m. Add waterproof lining inside the cover, stitched to the inner side before sewing together and inserting the foam – upholstery foam isn't waterproof, so it must be protected from the elements. Our guide to foam floor cushions has more.
Insulating foam wall panels
For warmth, decoration and insulation, another popular project is thin foam wall panels, made much like the floor cushion with a foam panel and waterproof-lined cover. Here we suggest Plastazote closed-cell foam, as it's waterproof and an excellent thermal insulator. A bell or yurt-style tent has many sides, so measure the width and height of each, order foam to those measurements 2 inches thick, and add 1 inch to each dimension of the outer fabric to accommodate the foam. Once complete, stitch fabric tie strings to the top edge so each panel attaches to a supporting pole.
Foam flooring
Another common request is foam flooring for a cosy, luxurious feel. For ease, take the exact floor dimensions of your tent and order a single foam flooring panel cut to size. To keep the tent outside permanently, use a water-resistant foam such as Plastazote around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. If you're happy to remove and store the foam inside when not in use, Reflex superior foam is a durable choice. For more outdoor projects, see our guide to a DIY balcony revamp.
For more advice on soft furnishings for glamping, please contact one of our friendly advisers.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for a bell tent floor cushion?
A luxury floor cushion is easily made with upholstery foam around 1m x 1m and 20cm deep, with a sturdy, waterproof-lined fabric cover. Upholstery foam isn't waterproof, so it must be protected from the elements.
How do you insulate a bell tent with foam?
Make thin foam wall panels from Plastazote closed-cell foam, which is waterproof and an excellent thermal insulator. Measure each side, order foam 2 inches thick, cover it in waterproof-lined fabric, and add tie strings to attach it to the supporting poles.
What foam should I use for glamping flooring?
For a tent kept outdoors permanently, use a water-resistant foam such as Plastazote, around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. If you'll remove and store the foam inside when not in use, Reflex foam is a durable choice.
