How To Hide Dog Crate Ideas: 10 Beautiful Solutions

A dog crate is an invaluable tool for any pet owner. It serves as a safe, den-like space for your dog, aids in house training, and ensures their safety when you can’t supervise them. While you appreciate its function, you probably don’t love its form.

That standard-issue black wire or plastic crate can be a major eyesore, clashing with your carefully curated living room decor and sticking out like a sore thumb.

You’ve likely found yourself in a frustrating design dilemma. You want to provide your dog with the comfort and security of their own space, but you also want a home that feels stylish and put-together.

You might have tried tucking the crate in a corner or throwing a blanket over it, only to find it still looks clunky and out of place.

The challenge is to find a solution that is both beautiful for you and perfectly safe and comfortable for your dog.

This guide is your answer. We’ve compiled 10 beautiful and creative solutions that will show you exactly how to hide your dog crate, transforming it from a necessary evil into a seamless part of your home’s design.

From simple DIY projects to clever furniture hacks, these ideas will inspire you to integrate your dog’s den into your decor in a way you’ll both love.

Table of Contents

Why Crate-Hiding Solutions are a Game Changer

Before diving into the “how,” it’s worth appreciating why finding a stylish way to incorporate a crate is so beneficial. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a harmonious living environment for everyone in the family, two-legged and four-legged alike.

Reclaiming Your Style: The most obvious benefit is getting your personal style back. You no longer have to design your room around a clunky metal box. Instead, the crate becomes a functional and intentional part of your decor.
Creating a True “Den”: Many of these solutions make the crate feel even more den-like and secure for your dog. A covered or enclosed space can be more calming and comforting for many dogs, reducing anxiety.
Maximizing Your Space: In smaller homes or apartments, a dog crate can take up valuable floor space. By integrating it into a piece of furniture, you are making that square footage work double-duty, serving both your needs and your pet’s.
Safety and Comfort: A well-planned hiding solution ensures the crate remains a safe space. It maintains proper ventilation and ensures your dog can enter and exit easily, all while protecting the crate itself from wear and tear.

A Critical Safety Note: No matter which solution you choose, your dog’s safety is paramount. Always ensure there is ample ventilation on at least two or three sides of the crate. Never block airflow, and regularly check the interior temperature to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. The goal is to hide the crate, not to create an unsafe, stuffy box.

10 Beautiful and Creative Ideas for Hiding Your Dog Crate

Here are ten amazing ideas, ranging from simple, no-build solutions to more involved DIY projects, that will help you seamlessly blend your dog’s crate into your home.

1. The Custom Crate Cover Solution

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to instantly upgrade the look of a standard wire crate. A well-made fabric cover transforms the crate from a cage into a cozy, custom doggy bedroom.

How it Works: A crate cover is like a fitted sheet for your crate, designed to drape over the top and sides. Many covers have panels that can be rolled up and secured with ties or snaps, allowing you to reveal one or more sides for ventilation or to let your dog see out.
DIY Approach: If you can sew a straight line, you can make a crate cover. Measure the top, sides, and back of your crate. Cut pieces of a durable, washable fabric (like canvas or heavy-duty cotton) to size, adding a seam allowance. Sew them together to create a boxy cover. Add ties or Velcro tabs to the front panel so it can be rolled up and secured.
Where to Buy: Many sellers on Etsy offer beautiful, handmade crate covers in a huge variety of fabrics to match any decor style, from modern farmhouse to bohemian. You can also find them at major pet retailers.
Best For: Quickly and affordably camouflaging a standard wire crate in any room.

2. The Side Table or End Table Hack

This brilliant idea turns your dog’s crate into a functional piece of living room furniture. It’s one of the most popular and effective ideas for hiding a dog crate in plain sight.

How it Works: You place a crate next to your sofa or armchair and use a custom-cut piece of wood to create a tabletop that rests on top of the crate. This instantly turns it into an end table where you can place a lamp, a stack of books, and a coaster for your drink.
DIY Approach:
1. Measure the top of your dog’s crate.
2. Purchase a solid piece of wood (like a pre-laminated pine panel) from a home improvement store. Have them cut it to be slightly larger than your crate’s dimensions, creating a small overhang or “lip” on the front and sides.
3. Sand the edges of the wood smooth.
4. Stain or paint the wood to match your existing furniture. Apply a pet-safe polyurethane topcoat to protect it from spills.
5. Simply place the finished tabletop on top of the crate. The weight of the wood will keep it stable.
Best For: Living rooms and family rooms where you need functional surface space. This works best with sturdy wire crates that have a flat top.

3. The Console Table or Entryway Bench Integration

For larger crates or homes with more space, integrating the crate under a console table or bench is an elegant solution.

How it Works: This method involves finding or building a console table, media stand, or entryway bench that is tall enough and deep enough to slide the crate underneath. The furniture frames the crate, making it look like an intentional part of the design.
Finding the Right Furniture: Look for “open base” console tables or benches. Measure your crate’s height, width, and depth carefully before you shop. You need a piece of furniture with interior dimensions that will comfortably house the crate, leaving a little breathing room.
DIY Approach: You can build a simple, three-sided console table using 2x4s for the legs and a solid wood top. This allows you to create a piece with the exact dimensions needed to perfectly fit your crate.
Pro-Tip: Remove the crate door if it’s safe for your dog and the crate is just being used as a cozy bed. This creates a more seamless, open-den look.
Best For: Entryways, hallways, or behind a sofa. This is a fantastic solution for large dog crates.

4. The Built-In “Dog Nook” Idea

If you’re planning a renovation or have some unused space, creating a permanent, built-in dog nook is the ultimate high-end solution.

How it Works: This involves framing out a dedicated space for your dog’s crate within your home’s architecture. This could be under a staircase, as part of a mudroom cabinetry system, or at the end of a kitchen island.
Implementation: This is a more advanced project that may require carpentry skills. It involves building the nook to the crate’s specifications and then finishing it with drywall, trim, and paint to match the rest of your home. The result is a completely seamless “doggy room.”
Key Considerations: Ventilation is absolutely critical here. Ensure the design incorporates vents or an open back. The floor should be a durable, waterproof material like tile or LVP.
Best For: Homeowners planning a remodel, especially in mudrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens.

5. The Decorative Screen or Room Divider

This is a flexible and non-permanent solution that’s perfect for renters or for oddly shaped spaces.

How it Works: You simply place an attractive folding screen or room divider in front of the dog crate. This obstructs the view of the crate while adding a decorative element to the room.
Choosing a Screen: Look for three- or four-panel folding screens. They come in a huge variety of styles, from carved wood to fabric-covered or shoji screens. Choose one that complements your room’s decor.
Placement: Position the crate in a corner and then angle the screen to hide it from the main sightlines of the room. Ensure you leave plenty of space behind the screen for airflow.
Best For: Hiding crates in corners, open-plan living spaces, or for people who don’t want a permanent solution.

6. The Repurposed Cabinet or TV Stand

Give an old piece of furniture a new leash on life by transforming it into a stylish dog crate enclosure.

How it Works: You take an existing cabinet, credenza, or old TV stand and modify it to house your dog’s crate.
DIY Approach:
1. Find a sturdy, used cabinet that is large enough to fit your crate.
2. Remove the cabinet doors. You may also need to remove some interior shelving or the back panel.
3. To improve ventilation and the look, you can replace the solid door panels with decorative metal grating, wire mesh, or even vertical wood dowels.
4. Sand and paint the entire piece to give it a fresh, updated look.
5. Slide the crate inside.
Best For: DIY enthusiasts who enjoy upcycling furniture and want a completely unique piece.

7. The Custom-Built Crate Furniture

If you can’t find furniture that fits, you can purchase or build furniture designed to be a dog crate.

How it Works: These are pieces of furniture—end tables, credenzas, coffee tables—that are specifically constructed to double as a dog crate. They are designed with proper ventilation, secure latches, and durable, pet-safe materials from the start.
Where to Buy: Many online retailers and specialty furniture makers (like those on Etsy) now specialize in this type of “crate furniture.” You can find options in almost any style and size.
DIY Plans: If you have woodworking skills, you can find detailed plans online to build your own dog crate end table or kennel console from scratch.
Best For: Those who want a perfect, all-in-one solution and are willing to invest in a dedicated piece of pet-friendly furniture.

8. The “Under the Desk” Office Solution

If you work from home, give your furry co-worker their own designated office space by placing their crate under your desk.

How it Works: This is often the simplest solution of all. Many desks, especially larger executive desks or L-shaped configurations, have more than enough open space underneath to accommodate a small or medium-sized crate.
Benefits: It keeps your dog close to you while you work, which can be calming for both of you. It also keeps the crate completely out of the main living areas and hidden from view.
Considerations: Make sure there is enough room for you to sit comfortably without your legs bumping into the crate. Also, ensure there is good airflow and that computer cables are safely out of reach.
Best For: Home offices and people who spend a lot of time at their desks.

9. The Fabric Skirt Disguise

Similar to a crate cover, a fabric skirt can be a simple and elegant way to hide a crate that is being used as a table base.

How it Works: After placing a wooden top on your crate to turn it into a side table (Idea #2), you can add a tailored fabric “skirt” that hangs down to the floor, concealing the wire sides.
DIY Approach: Measure the height and perimeter of your crate. Cut a long panel of fabric and hem the edges. You can create a simple gathered skirt or a more structured box-pleat skirt. Attach it to the underside of the wooden top using a staple gun or strong Velcro strips.
Pro-Tip: Choose a fabric that matches your curtains, pillows, or sofa to create a cohesive, designer look. Leave one side open or create a slit for your dog’s access.
Best For: Creating a softer, more traditional or formal look in a living room or bedroom.

10. The Plant and Basket Camouflage

For a bohemian or nature-inspired decor style, you can use natural elements to cleverly camouflage the crate.

How it Works: Place the crate in a corner. On top of the crate (using a wood panel for stability), place a collection of decorative items like large woven baskets. Then, surround the crate with large, leafy potted plants.
The Effect: The combination of the tall plants (like a fiddle-leaf fig or a monstera) and the texture of the baskets helps to break up the hard lines of the crate, making it blend into the background. The greenery draws the eye, and the crate becomes part of a lush, styled corner vignette.
Safety Note: Be absolutely sure that all plants you use are non-toxic to dogs.
Best For: Bright rooms with a bohemian, eclectic, or jungle-inspired aesthetic.

Conclusion: A Stylish Home for You and Your Best Friend

You no longer have to choose between your dog’s comfort and your home’s style. As these 10 beautiful solutions show, there are countless ways to incorporate a dog crate into your decor.

Whether you opt for a simple, ready-made cover, embark on a fun DIY project to build a custom end table, or invest in a stunning piece of crate furniture, you can create a space that you and your dog will both adore.

The best solution is one that fits your budget, your skill level, and your personal style. Take inspiration from these ideas, and look at your dog’s crate not as a problem to be hidden, but as an opportunity for creative design.

By making your dog’s den a beautiful and intentional part of your home, you’re celebrating the special place they hold in your family and in your life.