A dog crate is an invaluable tool for any pet owner. It serves as a safe den for your dog, a crucial aid for potty training, and a secure way to travel.
While we appreciate its function, let’s be honest: that standard black wire or plastic crate isn’t winning any interior design awards. It often sticks out like a sore thumb in a thoughtfully decorated room, a bulky, utilitarian object that clashes with your aesthetic.
You might find yourself trying to hide it in a corner or covering it with a messy-looking blanket, feeling frustrated that your dog’s safe space is a home decor eyesore.
Many dog owners feel torn between providing their pet with a necessary crate and maintaining a beautiful living space.
You might think your only options are to either live with the ugly crate or splurge on a custom, high-end piece of furniture that costs a small fortune.
What if there was a third option? What if you could transform that functional-but-frumpy crate into a stylish element that seamlessly blends with your home?
This guide is filled with beautiful DIY ideas to show you exactly how to make dog crates look nice.
We’ll explore simple, budget-friendly solutions, creative upcycling projects, and clever ways to turn that metal box into a multi-functional piece of furniture. Get ready to be inspired and learn how to stylishly integrate your dog’s den into your home decor.
Table of Contents
The Foundation: Safety and Comfort First
Before we dive into the aesthetics, it’s absolutely crucial to remember the primary purpose of the crate: your dog’s safety and comfort. Any modification you make must not compromise the integrity or function of the crate.
- Ventilation is Non-Negotiable: A dog crate must have adequate airflow to prevent your dog from overheating. When covering or enclosing a crate, always ensure that at least two sides (preferably more) remain open for ventilation. Never cover a crate with heavy, non-breathable materials.
- No Chewable Hazards Inside: Any decorative elements you add should be on the outside of the crate. Your dog should not be able to chew on, ingest, or get tangled in any part of your DIY project from within their crate.
- Easy Access and Cleaning: You still need to be able to easily open the crate door and remove the interior tray for cleaning. Design your project with practicality in mind.
- Embrace the Den-Like Feel: Dogs are naturally den animals. They often prefer a cozy, partially covered space. Many of these DIY ideas will actually make the crate more appealing to your dog by enhancing this den-like atmosphere.
Idea 1: The Simple and Stylish Crate Cover
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make a dog crate look nice is with a custom-fit cover. This instantly hides the wire frame and allows you to introduce colors and patterns that match your decor. While you can buy pre-made covers, a DIY version gives you complete creative control.
How to Create a DIY Crate Cover
This is a beginner-friendly sewing project that can be completed in an afternoon.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fabric: Choose a durable, breathable, and machine-washable fabric like canvas, cotton duck cloth, or a heavy-duty upholstery fabric. Measure the top, back, and two sides of your crate to determine how much fabric you need, adding a few inches for seam allowance.
- Measuring Tape
- Fabric Scissors
- Sewing Machine and Matching Thread
- Optional: Velcro strips or fabric ties for securing the front panel.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Measure Your Crate: Take five measurements:
- Top Panel: Width and Length
- Side Panels (x2): Height and Length
- Back Panel: Height and Width
- Cut Your Fabric: Cut out your five fabric panels according to your measurements, adding a 1-inch seam allowance to all sides of each piece.
- Sew the Top to the Back: Lay your top panel and back panel right-sides together and sew along the long edge.
- Attach the Sides: One at a time, sew the two side panels to the remaining open sides of the top panel. Your fabric should now look like a plus sign (+), with the top panel in the middle.
- Sew the Side Seams: Fold the fabric so the side panels meet the back panel, and sew the vertical seams. You should now have a three-dimensional, box-shaped cover with an open front.
- Hem All Raw Edges: To give your cover a clean, professional finish, fold and hem all the raw edges at the bottom and around the front opening.
- Create a Roll-Up Front Panel (Optional): If you want the ability to fully cover the crate, cut a sixth panel for the front. Attach it to the top front edge of your cover. Sew fabric ties or Velcro strips to the top of the cover and the bottom of the front flap so you can roll it up and secure it in the open position.
Idea 2: The Crate-as-Furniture Transformation
This is the ultimate solution for integrating a dog crate into your living space. By building a custom enclosure or tabletop, you can transform the crate into a functional piece of furniture like a side table, end table, or media console.
The DIY End Table Dog Crate Topper
This project is perfect for placing a crate next to your sofa. It creates a stable, attractive surface for a lamp, books, or a cup of coffee.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood: A single piece of high-quality plywood, a laminated pine board, or even a reclaimed wood plank. The wood should be at least 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer than the top of your crate.
- Trim/Edging (Optional): Small pieces of 1×2 lumber to create a “lip” around the tabletop.
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood Stain or Paint in a color that matches your decor.
- Polyurethane or Varnish for a protective top coat.
- Wood Glue and Screws
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut Your Tabletop: Cut your main wood board to the desired size.
- Create the Lip (Optional but Recommended): Cut your 1×2 trim pieces to frame the underside of the tabletop. This lip will prevent the top from sliding off the crate. Attach these trim pieces to the underside of the main board using wood glue and screws, creating a snug fit around the top of the crate.
- Sand Everything Smooth: Sand the entire piece, starting with medium-grit sandpaper and finishing with fine-grit for a smooth-to-the-touch surface. Pay special attention to the edges and corners.
- Stain or Paint: Apply your chosen stain or paint according to the manufacturer’s directions. Allow it to dry completely.
- Apply a Protective Coat: Apply two to three coats of polyurethane or varnish to protect the wood from spills and scratches. Lightly sand between coats for the smoothest finish.
- Place and Style: Once fully cured, simply place your new custom top on the dog crate. Style it with a lamp, a plant, and some coasters.
The Full Furniture Enclosure
For the more ambitious DIYer, building a full three-sided enclosure can completely disguise a wire crate. This can be designed as a media console, a sofa table, or a bedroom nightstand. The principle involves building a simple wooden box or table that is open on one side (for the crate door) and the back (for ventilation).
Key Design Tips:
- Measure Carefully: Build the enclosure to be slightly larger than the crate, allowing for easy removal.
- Prioritize Airflow: Ensure the back is completely open and that there is significant open space around the crate door.
- Use Quality Materials: A sturdy frame built from 2x4s and covered with plywood or finished boards will create a durable and beautiful piece of furniture.
- Match Your Style: Paint or stain the enclosure to match other furniture in the room for a truly seamless look.
Idea 3: Simple Camouflage and Styling Tricks
If you’re not ready for a full DIY build, there are many simple and clever ways to make your dog crate look nicer with minimal effort.
Disguise with a Dog Crate Skirt
Similar to a bed skirt, you can create a simple fabric skirt to hide the bottom portion of the crate and any storage underneath.
- How to Make It: Use a simple panel of fabric attached with Velcro strips to the bottom edge of the crate frame. You can also use a tension rod inside the crate at the top to hang a curtain-like panel that drapes down the sides. This is a great way to hide the ugly plastic tray.
Use Plants to Your Advantage
Strategically placing large potted plants around the crate can help it blend into the background.
- Best Placement: Place a tall plant, like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a Snake Plant, next to one corner of the crate. Use smaller plants on a nearby shelf or on top of the crate (if you have a sturdy tabletop) to create a green, vibrant corner that draws the eye away from the crate itself. Important: Always choose plants that are non-toxic to dogs.
Create a Cozy “Crate Nook”
Integrate the crate by building it into a designated space.
- Under a Staircase: The awkward space under a staircase is a perfect spot for a built-in crate nook.
- In a Mudroom: Incorporate the crate into a mudroom bench or cabinet system.
- In a Laundry Room: If your laundry room is large enough, you can build a custom countertop over your washer and dryer that extends to cover a dog crate placed at the end.
Paint a Plastic Crate
If you have a standard plastic travel crate, don’t underestimate the power of paint!
- Choose the Right Paint: Use a spray paint that is specifically designed to bond with plastic (like Krylon Fusion for Plastic).
- Pick a Chic Color: Instead of boring beige, paint the crate a color that complements your home, like a modern navy blue, a soft sage green, or a classic matte black. This simple change can elevate a cheap-looking crate into something that looks far more intentional and stylish.
Conclusion: Turning a Necessity into a Beautiful Asset
You no longer have to choose between your dog’s well-being and a home you love. By seeing the dog crate not as an obstacle but as a canvas for creativity, you can transform it from an eyesore into a beautiful, functional part of your decor.
Whether you opt for a simple, stylish cover, build a custom furniture piece, or use clever styling tricks, there is a solution for every budget and skill level.
The most important thing is to have fun with the process and create a space that is not only beautiful to you but also extra cozy and inviting for your furry best friend.
A stylish crate is a win-win: your dog gets an upgraded den, and you get to maintain the beautiful home you’ve worked so hard to create. So pick an idea that inspires you, and get ready to give that crate a well-deserved makeover.
