Tired of your kids jumping on your couch? Why not get them their own couch to jump on? (One that can also turn into a fort, to give your poor pillows and blankets a rest, too.)

Play couches are a relatively new product but they're rapidly growing in popularity both for kids and their parents.

In this article, we’re going to cover why play couches are so popular as well as some of the best places to buy your own. Once you’re finished mentally making room for your children’s play couch in your home, let’s learn about why they’re a must-have for growing kids.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Play Couches

What is a play couch?

They’re versatile. They’re flexible. They’re adorable. They’re play couches. What first began as a Kickstarter in 2015 has since exploded in popularity amongst both parents and children. Nugget, the original play couch that started it all, created these foam blocks covered in microsuede fabric that form a couch when pieced together. But individually, they can also be used for fort building or individual cushions to rest, read, or play on. Since then, more and more companies have come out with their own play couches.

Are play couches safe for kids?

Play couches are safe for kids of all ages. (Although some kids can find a way to get hurt doing anything; still, it's hard to imagine a play couch causing an injury.) All play couches are made with durable machine-washable fabrics that cover foam pillows that are durable enough to withstand play, but soft enough not to hurt play — no matter how rough it gets. 

Are play couches easy to clean?

If you’re a parent, you know that everything your child touches either leaves a stain or a faint stickiness that never seems to go away. Good play couches are made from easy-to-clean fabrics that can withstand machine washing and spot cleaning time and time again.

Unzip the zippers on each foam piece that needs washing and throw them in the washing machine on cold with your detergent of choice. If you have a significant stain, make sure to spot clean it before starting the washer. Hang dry the fabric covers to prevent shrinking.

Can a kid use a play couch as a bed?

Anything can be used as a bed if you’re sleepy enough — and play couches were for sleeping at their inception. The Nugget was originally founded as an upgraded futon for college students. But in 2017, Nugget pivoted from young adults to young children and from there, it found its niche [1].

These couches are low to the ground, so if you are going to sleep down there, make sure you have the mobility in your knees to get up after a good night’s sleep. The play couches don’t have weight limits, either, so no matter your size, you’re free to take a cat nap or sleep through the night on one of these. 

Why is the play couch I want sold out?

Play couches have been around for years, but they didn’t grow in popularity until the coronavirus pandemic began, leaving millions of families confined to their homes. With children stuck indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, play couches thrived. Kids could transform these couches into space ships and camping tents and castles and anything their imaginations could dream of. So, in a world where children needed to run wild, the play couches became the perfect indoor outlet for the excited and imaginative. More and more alternative brands have come out, making it a little easier for parents (and kids) to get their hands on these play couches that have swept the nation.

There’s also the product supply chain issue. Manufacturing facilities have had a terrible time trying to get people back to work since the pandemic started. Additionally, there was a huge foam shortage from the ice storm in Texas in early 2021 [2]. This industry-wide issue could face shortages and delays through 2023.

Are there any Nugget alternatives?

Yes, lots of brands now make play couches. Furniture stores have seen the hype. They’re done the work, and they’re selling play couches that come complete with washable fabric covers and differently shaped cushions that can keep children occupied for hours and hours. Places like Pottery Barn Kids and Brentwood have capitalized on these couches. And you can also find brands like My Puffin that exclusively sell play couches for children.

The 8 Best Play Couch Brands

Nugget

Nugget, $259

The Nugget is where it all started. This play couch is made up of four foam building blocks (two triangle pillows, one seat cushion, and one sturdy base cushion), which can be transformed into anything your child sets their mind to. The Nugget couch is machine washable and comes in 15 unique colors that could match any playroom, living room, or bedroom. The play couch is made with open-cell polyurethane foams, cloaked in soft and durable microsuede fabric. Coming in at just 27 pounds, this play couch can be manipulated and moved around easily by children.

Brentwood Home Play Couch

Brentwood Play Couch, $349

Coming in with six buildable pieces is the Brentwood Play Couch. This couch is high-density bio foam, which is a sustainable base made from vegetable materials like corn, sunflower seeds, castor oil beans, and soybeans. The couch has two supportive triangular pillows, two half-round bolsters, one thinner base cushion, and one thicker base cushion. The polyester covers can be machine washed.

KitCushions

KitCushions

KitCushion started as an idea in 2018, when the play couch founders wanted their children to create forts of their own. The brand only uses micro suede fabric, polyurethane foam, and a zipper on each cushion, which, by the way, are machine washable.

Foamnasium Blocksy Kids Couch

Blocksy Kids Couch, $249

Furniture can be fun. And if you’re a parent, you know that fun can get messy. The Foamnasium Blocksy Kids Couch is the perfect play couch that looks great in your home, and can be cleaned if (when) accidents happen. This play couch includes two folding bases and two wedge cushions that come in 12 colors. The couch is made of vinyl and foam that are both lead-free and phthalate-free, ensuring a safe environment for children.

My Puffin

My Puffin, $249

The best toys are the ones that you don’t age out of. My Puffin knows this. This play couch is made from a soft, machine washable chenille fabric. The set is made up of two right angle cushions, one square cushion, and one base cushion. All components are made in Canada, and if you want to customize your couch, My Puffin can match any Pantone or image on your couch using a specialized fabric and their toxic-free printing process.

The Joey

The Joey, $243

It’s modular. It’s foam. And it’s got endless possibilities. The Joey play couch is made up of a whopping seven separate pieces, complete with a two-cushion base, two support cushions, two triangles, and a half-moon arm rest pillow. All of the Joey play couches have microsuede, water resistant covers. 

Kiddie Couch 

Kiddie Couch, $296

Kiddie Couch was made by parents for parents. Well for children. But also for parents. These small, stylish, cozy couches are wrapped in ultra-soft, water/stain repellant micro velvet. Pick between six colors, all of which include four pieces (the base, two cushions, and two support pillows). If the Kiddie Couch isn’t enough, check out their add ons, providing for more forts, obstacle courses, and imagination.

Figgy

Figgy, $359

The Figgy isn’t just a couch. It’s a play set that can be seamlessly integrated into anyone’s lifestyle. With four base cushions, two rectangles, and optional wedge add ons, the Figgy is made from 100% polyester suede fabric covers and waterproof liners that are machine-washable and dryer-safe. The foam pieces are made without ozone depleters, mercury, lead, or other heavy metals, making the couch both durable and sustainable.