A Dreamy Glamping Setup: How to Create the Ultimate Tent Retreat
Glamping — short for “glamorous camping” — has become the go-to escape for those who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. And there’s no better way to do it than with a beautifully styled bell tent setup that balances practicality, comfort, and a touch of magic. If you’re dreaming of a glamping experience that feels indulgent and cozy, here’s a guide to creating a perfect bell tent retreat, complete with thoughtful details like fairy lights, kapok mattresses, and Thai triangle pillows.
The Bell Tent: Your Spacious Canvas
The heart of your glamping setup is, of course, the bell tent. A good-sized bell tent (4-5 meters diameter) offers heaps of room — enough for a couple, a family, or even a small group of friends. Its round shape and high central pole create a wonderfully airy, open space with plenty of headroom. This not only makes it practical but gives it a striking, elegant silhouette against the landscape.
Make sure to choose a bell tent with waterproof, breathable canvas. This will keep you dry if it rains yet won’t trap condensation inside overnight. Many glampers also love bell tents with zip-in groundsheets, so you can open the sides for extra ventilation on warm days.
Fairy Lights and Rechargeable Candles: Creating Magic
Lighting is key to turning a tent into an enchanting hideaway. Start by stringing fairy lights or festoon light around the inside walls of the bell tent. Solar-powered or USB-rechargeable string lights are ideal — they’re eco-friendly, easy to recharge, and give off a soft, twinkling glow that transforms the tent interior after dark.
Alongside the fairy lights, add rechargeable candles. These flickering, flameless candles mimic real candlelight but are safe to use inside the tent and won’t blow out in the breeze. Dot them along the low table, next to sleeping areas, or cluster them near the entrance for a welcoming glow.
Recycled Plastic Mats: Stylish Comfort and Insulation
For the floor, recycled plastic mats are a fantastic addition. These mats come in vibrant patterns and are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean — perfect for outdoor use. More importantly, they provide a layer of insulation between the ground and your feet, as well as under your camp mattress, keeping the interior warmer and much more comfortable underfoot.
A bigger number of small recycled mats is best and you can lay the mats across the entire tent floor or layer a couple of large ones to define separate zones — for example, a sleeping area and a lounge space. Not only do thick woven recycle mats feel great to walk on barefoot, but they also add a splash of colour and style to the tent interior.
Kapok Camping Mattresses: Firm, Natural Sleep
When it comes to glamping, sleep matters. Forget the thin foam mats or inflatable mattresses that often deflate overnight. Instead, opt for Thai kapok-filled mattresses — available in single or queen sizes — for a firm and luxuriously comfortable sleeping experience.
Kapok is a natural fibre derived from the seed pods of the kapok tree. It’s light, resilient, and naturally hypoallergenic. Kapok camp mattresses offer gentle support and maintain their shape beautifully, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use. Pair them with soft cotton bedding or sleeping bags, and you’ve got a sleep setup that rivals any boutique hotel and because they are roll-up camping mattresses, they are very easy to transport too.
Thai Triangle Pillows: Lounge in Style
For lounging, nothing beats a set of Thai triangle pillows. These traditional floor cushions are perfect for creating a relaxed, bohemian vibe in your tent, with a long mattress attached to a triangle cushion, or simply with a triangle cushion by itself. Use them for seating around the low table, as backrests for reading in bed, or as a cozy spot for a midday nap.
Their unique adaptable triangular design provides comfortable back support, and they can be folded out into longer camping mats for stretching out. The Thai triangle cushions are surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around, making them a versatile addition to your glamping setup.
Low Lap Table: Drinks, Nibbles, and Gathering
No glamping experience is complete without a spot for sharing drinks, snacks, or a casual meal. A low lap table is ideal for this — it’s compact, easy to transport, and perfectly sized for a tent setting. Place it in the lounge area, surrounded by the triangle pillows, and use it for everything from evening wine and cheese to morning coffee and pastries.
Look for a lightweight wooden or bamboo table that complements the natural, earthy feel of the tent interior. You can also top it with a small tray for carrying items in and out of the tent with ease.
Final Touches: Layering and Personal Style
To really elevate your glamping setup, focus on small personal touches. Bring along soft throws or blankets for extra warmth, hang a few decorative pieces like woven baskets or lanterns, and add a vase of wildflowers or greenery if you’re glamping near a meadow or forest.
With this thoughtfully designed setup — combining a roomy bell tent, magical lighting, comfortable natural bedding, and cozy seating — you’ll create a glamping experience that blends the best of nature and luxury. Whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a friends’ getaway, this setup guarantees you’ll do it in unforgettable style.