5-Foot vs. 6-Foot Sidewalls: Which Wall Tent Height Is Right for You?

September 09, 2026

Wall height can make a considerable difference in how spacious and comfortable a wall tent feels. Although a 5-foot sidewall works well for many traditional camping and hunting setups, a 6-foot sidewall provides additional headroom and more usable space around the tent’s perimeter.

The best choice depends on how the tent will be used, what furniture or equipment will be placed inside and how important interior comfort is to the people using it.

What Is a Wall Tent Sidewall?

The sidewall is the vertical section of canvas between the ground and the point where the sloped roof begins. It is different from the tent’s peak height, which measures the highest point along the center ridge.

Taller sidewalls allow people to stand and place furniture closer to the edges of the tent without encountering the sloped roof.

Benefits of 6-Foot Wall Tent Sidewalls

More Usable Floor Space

A tent’s footprint does not change when moving from 5-foot to 6-foot sidewalls, but the amount of comfortably usable space increases. Beds, dressers, tables and storage can be positioned closer to the walls.

Better Headroom Around the Perimeter

Taller occupants can move more comfortably near the sides of the tent. This can be particularly beneficial in tents used as furnished accommodations rather than temporary sleeping shelters.

A More Open Interior

The extra wall height can make a tent feel larger and more like a permanent lodge-style room. This is one reason 6-foot sidewalls are commonly considered for glamping resorts, guest accommodations and extended-stay camps.

Explore our canvas glamping tents to compare available sizes, configurations and sidewall options.

Improved Furniture Placement

Six-foot walls are helpful when the layout includes full-size beds, headboards, shelving, clothing storage or other tall furniture. The extra height reduces the amount of space lost where the wall meets the roof.

Possible Disadvantages of 6-Foot Sidewalls

Additional Cost

Six-foot sidewalls require more material and may cost more than the standard 5-foot option. The added cost should be weighed against the increased comfort and usable interior space.

Additional Material and Weight

A taller tent uses more canvas and requires a correctly sized frame or pole system. This may matter when the tent must be packed, transported and set up frequently.

Compatibility Must Be Confirmed

The wall height must match the frame, angle kit, poles and related accessories. Do not assume that equipment designed for a 5-foot wall will fit a 6-foot-wall configuration. Confirm the complete setup before ordering.

When is a 5-Foot Sidewall a Good Choice?

A standard 5-foot sidewall may be sufficient when:

The tent is primarily used for hunting or seasonal camping.
Most furniture is low and placed away from the walls.
Lower packed weight and cost are important.
The tent will be moved and set up regularly.
A lodge-style interior is not a major priority.

When is a 6-Foot Sidewall Worth It?

A 6-foot sidewall is especially beneficial when:

The tent will be used for glamping or guest accommodations.
Beds, dressers or other furniture will sit against the walls.
The occupants are tall or need more standing room.
The tent will remain set up for an extended period.
A spacious, premium interior experience is important.

Consider the Tent Size and Layout Together

Wall height is only one part of the decision. The number of occupants, furniture arrangement, storage needs and stove placement also determine how comfortable the tent will be.

Use our tent size guide to compare common footprints before selecting a wall height.

What Do Glamping Customers Say?

Customers using 6-foot-wall tents for glamping frequently mention the additional usable space, easier furniture placement and more luxurious appearance. You can view actual customer tents and experiences in our wall tent testimonials and photo gallery .

Choosing the Right Wall Height

Choose a 5-foot sidewall when you need a practical traditional wall tent and want to control cost and packed weight. Consider a 6-foot sidewall when comfort, furniture placement and a spacious lodge-style interior are higher priorities.

Ready to compare available configurations? Browse our glamping tents for sale or contact Wall Tent Shop for help matching the tent, wall height and frame to your planned setup.