This post was updated in April 2024.
Last summer, my boyfriend and I plunged headfirst into the world of bell tent ownership. You can read about our first trip with our new tent here, where you’ll also find a photo gallery of the tent and everything in it. I couldn’t recommend the bell tent more for the way it elevates a camping trip.
A big part of the joy of bell tent camping, at least for me, comes from fulfilling what I call my “homesteading fantasies.” Unlike most other tents, the bell tent is an aesthetic gem, and a great catalyst for some temporary interior design ambitions:
Below, you’ll find all things I used to create the bell tent interior of my dreams pictured above…
First, the tent itself. There are a couple of small companies in the U.S. that make bell tents. However, none that we looked at came with a hole for a chimney pipe, and we had our hearts set on buying a wood-burning stove for the tent (which we finally did for Christmas 2017). We ultimately went with the Dream House tent, purchased on Amazon:
Dream House Bell Tent
4 Meter Diameter
$449
We were so happy with this purchase. One of the zippers on a small window was jammed, but everything else was perfect, and at half the price of other bell tents available in the U.S. (they’re far more common in the UK), we can confidently recommend this one.
Then, as you can see, we tricked the place out. I’ve listed the items we used to make the tent not only comfortable enough to live in for an entire week, but also a comfy, pleasing place we actually wanted to hang out in.
Here are the items we used to maximize our bell tent experience…
Carrie Rechargable LED Lantern by Norm Architects
$275
UPDATE: With all the rechargeable lamps on the market now, I’m not sure I would recommend this one anymore. When the battery inevitably starts to fade, there’s no way to replace it and the lamp becomes far less useful. Also, when I bought mine it cost well under $200. Pretty sure this is the most I’ve ever spent on a lamp, even for my home. Completely worth it though, especially since in addition to the bell tent, I actually use this one in my real living room. Stays charged and on for a good five or six hours.
Coleman Queen Airbed Cot
$183.59
Having this gives us the closest thing to a real bed possible. We pile our memory foam topper onto it and it’s comfortable as can be. It also creates a wealth of storage space underneath. The benefit of now having to get up off the ground in the morning is real.
Ashler Faux Sheepskin Rug
$19.99
We have two of these, which we toss on the floor in front of the fire. They serve two purposes–in addition to helping make the tent look great, they stay warm to the touch for your feet when the ground itself gets freezing.
Kohree 4-Pack Battery-Powered Copper Light String
$22.00
On that first bell tent trip, I had one of these. I’ve got several more now. They light up the tent in the best way, and the battery lasts forever.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper by Threshold
Queen Size $59.00
We put this on top of the self-inflating mattress and slept comfortably for an entire week in the tent. This 1.5-inches-thick version strikes the right balance between comfort and portability.
Triangle Woven Rug (2 x 3)
$24
This rug from Urban Outfitters use a rug similar to the one we found in a shop near our campsite–great for keeping dirt from coming inside, and woven rugs roll up well for the car.
Clam Chairs
$159
These are identical to the ones we bought from a shop in Chicago a couple of years ago. They normally live in our backyard, but fold right up and slip into the car. They spent time both inside and outside the bell tent. I love them.
Juniper & Fir Shibori Floor Pillows
$86
UPDATE: No longer available. Los Angeles-based Juniper & Fir makes exquisite hand-dyed shibori products. Maya, the woman behind the brand, made three floor pillows to order for me a couple of years ago. They’re great in bell tents for extra seating.
Pendleton Wool Yakima Camp Blanket
$149
This classic wool blanket is insanely warm and durable. We put it on top of a down comforter and were toasty warm even as temperatures dipped down to freezing.
Seletti Metal Horse Mug
$25
These are next-level camping mugs, made of metal so they travel great, and clean up easy. And I love the design.
Stansport Aluminium Camping Coffee Percolator
$20.99
There are fancier, more high tech camping coffee makers out there, but in my opinion none improve on this camping classic. A no-brainer.
IKEA Pine Box
$19.99
Even if you’re not camping, you should buy one or five of these pine boxes from Ikea. We pack one up, then after unloading it at the campsite, flip it over to use as a table near the stove.
Wicker Storage Basket
$16.50
Having a basket or two for clothes and other odds and ends helped make the tent homey and keep it tidy. Pretty simple.
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$54.99 (other colors $35)
This water bottle changes everything, and keeps liquid cold for at least 24 hours. It will also keep your coffee or tea hot. It’s a wonder.
