Beyond the Living Room: 7 Surprising Ways to Use a Play Couch
If you're researching play couches, chances are you’ve already seen the usual pitch: open-ended play, fort-building, Montessori-aligned, blah blah blah. And listen, I’m here for all of it. But as someone who works with kids every single day (hi, I’m a full-time nanny in Denver), I can tell you this: the real magic of a play couch starts when you stop thinking of it as just a toy.
These couches aren’t just a playroom thing. They’re tools for helping your kids develop gross motor skills, have sensory benefits, are a screen-time alternative, and help keep kids physically active and moving.
So if you’re on the fence, or already own one but aren’t using it to its full potential, here are seven ways to use a modular kids couch that I’ve seen work again and again:
Turn It Into a Calm-Down Corner
One of the kids I nanny for used to have frequent and, often long, meltdowns. Then we created a calm-down space using part of their play couch, a soft blanket (sensory), and some breathing exercises. Game. Changer.
Why it works: It creates a soft, contained space where a child can feel safe, which supports co-regulation and emotional development or more simply put, helps them calm down. Plus, couches like the Figgy are soft and sturdy enough to handle the full range of big toddler energy.
Use It As a Stage for Dramatic Play
If your kiddo is in their favorite costume era (Elsa, astronaut, firefighter, chef—all in one afternoon), the play couch makes a perfect mini stage. Stack the cushions, cue the lights (aka the flashlight app or steal mom’s ring light), and let the show begin!
Why it works: Kids love imaginative play—it builds language skills, confidence, and creativity. A play couch suddenly becomes a castle, a runway, or a puppet theater.
Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Rainy day? Stuck inside? No problem. I’ve turned play couches into obstacle courses and stair slides more times than I can count. Use cushions for hopping, crawling, climbing, sliding and balancing. Add on accessories like a piklar triangle or tunnel for extra fun!
Why it works: It supports gross motor development and sensory regulation—and burns off energy in a fun, low-stress way. They will be ready for naptime!
Use It as a Guest Bed or Nap Zone
Sleepovers, cousins visiting, or just a spontaneous movie nap? Rearranged cushions make a surprisingly comfy sleeping spot. It is way easier than an air mattress and way cuter. Most fit a crib sheet or twin sheet (with a little extra space). Figgy, upcycles the Newton Baby Mattress into a Figgy piece that is perfect for naps!
Why it works: Modular couches are super adaptable, and with waterproof or washable covers, they’re practical too.
Make It a Sensory Support Tool
One family I nanny for has a child on the autism spectrum. Their Figgy isn’t just a toy—it’s a critical tool. He uses it to build a cozy, closed-in space that helps him calm down when he’s overstimulated.
Why it works: Compression, soft textures, and quiet spaces help kids with sensory processing needs feel more in control. And this isn’t anecdotal—sensory-friendly environments are linked to better regulation and learning outcomes (Autism Speaks).
Encourage Independent Play (The Montessori Way)
Montessori principles emphasize independence, choice, and self-direction. Play couches fit beautifully into that world. I’ve watched toddlers completely absorbed in rearranging the cushions, stacking, tumbling, then trying again.
Why it works: It’s process-driven play that builds executive function skills—without needing an adult to direct the activity.
Build a Cozy Reading Nook
This might be my favorite. Setup the play couch like a fort with three-sides, throw a blanket over the top, toss in a few pillows and a flashlight, and boom: the world’s coziest reading fort. It’s also my go-to for winding down wild evenings.
Why it works: Creating rituals around quiet time encourages literacy and rest. And when kids help set up their own reading nook? Even better.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Toy
When I started nannying, I thought play couches were just glorified bean bags. Now? I tell every family that it’s one of the most functional, long-term, and developmentally supportive tools you can bring into your home.
It’s not about cluttering your space with one more thing—it’s about investing in something your child will actually use in new ways as they grow.
