We recently wrote about our childhood beds and to summarise, quite frankly how unmemorable they were. But with that conversation came flooding back vivid memories of childhoods spent, as small people playing in our bedrooms.
In particular, for one of us at least, was the memory of making a den. This wasn’t the sort of den boys might normally make outside in the garden, but a far more comfortable (even luxurious!) den, made from pillows, cushions, bedding, clothing, even other peoples clothing (you get the idea) and normally constructed in an extremely tight spot, which only someone under 2ft 6in tall could fit into.
Favourite spots for den construction were under the bed (very tight), between the chair and radiator (could easily overheat) or IN the wardrobe. In fact, the bedroom wardrobe was the perfect spot for a kids den –
- It was already in the bedroom (no heavy lifting needed)
- No-one could spy on activities (a requirement for a den)
- There was normally loads of clothing in there (to build the bed/sitting area)
- If you’d planned in advance, there should be some toys and hidden biscuits (already secreted)
In fact, hours could be spent in that little den. Friends over for tea? No problem, take them to the wardrobe / den for some post meal fun. On your own for the afternoon? No problem, pop upstairs and disappear into the den for some light reading (or looking at pictures if not yet at an age to read).
Of course in our naivety as little people, we were entirely convinced that no-one in the WHOLE WORLD knew about our den construction and location. It was as top secret as the island the James Bond baddie was planning world domination from! The reality was usually somewhat different though, normally the game was up as soon as Mum or Dad tried to find their dressing gown or the blanket from their bed (remember, this was before the duvet became the norm).
It didn’t really matter though, as 100% of what happened in the den was make-believe, using our imaginations to conjure up fantasy scenario we found ourselves in at that moment in time. It’s not difficult to see how C.S Lewis found the inspiration for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, he no doubt spent a few afternoons in his wardrobe den as well. Perhaps even as an adult, with a typewriter.
If you’d like to construct a den for your children in their bedroom, feel free to visit our starter kits here – (dressing gowns are not included.)
