Your cute, adorable, golden retriever. The wire crate that’s sitting in the middle of your living room – not so much.
That big metal box is probably ruining your throw pillows and beautiful gallery wall. And you’ve been trying to cover it with a blanket, but it’s actually just making it look worse.
Real talk: Your home deserves better than dog kennel chic.
I am not going to lie, I have definitely been through the same thing with my dog last year. I kept scrolling through Pinterest, drooling over these beautiful homes. After that, I would see my own house and I would just feel bad for this eyesore in the corner of my living room.
That is why I made this list of 14 diy dog crate furniture ideas that would actually look good in your home. No more choosing between your dogs comfort and your decor.
#1: Ornate White Birdcage Dog Crate — The Pinterest Dream Den Your Golden Deserves
You know that moment when your dog has ZERO interest in his nice, shiny new crate and he just stares at you… with that look in his eyes? Mine did the same thing.
This white distressed metal birdcage crate is the one.
large wreched iron birdcage frame, approx 24″W x 20″D x 36″H. large white chalk paint – with distressing sandpaper, 220 grit. white fluffy shag mat for flooring pink satin ribbon 1.5″ wide, blush pink. oversized paper flower decor blush pink white hanging ornament to put in cage for inside, rust-proof sealant spray.
Instructions
I then sand the frame a little first, just to give it that “lived in” chippy look that you see in the picture above. I then apply two coats of the chalk paint (letting each coat dry fully) and then sand the edges to expose the metal underneath. This will add a little texture to the frame and in the future if the kittens get too frisky and scratch it, it will be hidden underneath the “distressed” look.
Lay the shag mat flat on the base as the thick pile cushions joints and makes your golden comfy when having a long nap. Tie the pink ribbon bow on the side door. Hang the white ornament in the middle of the window.
I made some oversize paper flowers to put back there. They’re purely decorative, but they give the whole thing a more intentional look.
Keep the door hinges lightly oiled so it opens without a squeak. A door creak that frightens the dog spoils the crate training.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 3 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
For more cool ideas, 7 Creative DIY Dog Cage Furniture Ideas has some amazing ideas for furniture.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @carisseiris
#2: Double Dog Crate with Wooden Top and Blue Steel Frame
Just let your golden retriever barrel into the house after a muddy romp in the backyard, shake off all over your cream-colored couch, and you’ll know what we mean. You need a place that’s hers, but one that doesn’t look like a pet store exploded.
This double crate is exactly that.
– 2×4 pine lumber for the frame – Cobalt blue wood paint or spray paint – Stainless steel rods (⅜ inch diameter) – Natural pine plank for the tabletop – Blue suede fabric for the crate curtains – Black D-ring straps for the curtain ties – Hinges and latch hardware for the doors – Drill, saw, sandpaper and measuring tape.
Instructions
Cut the pine frame pieces first. Then, build two identical 24×36 inch box sections side by side. Drill evenly spaced holes in the top and bottom rails and thread your stainless steel rods through them. This keeps your dog safe but also looks clean and store-like.
I painted every piece of this piece cobalt blue before attaching the tabletop. The tabletop is a solid piece of pine and I just laid the tabletop flat on top of it for the extra surface space. This gives you some actual surface space to place your lamp or coffee station.
Cut the blue suede fabric into panels, attach black D-ring straps for the ties and snap them onto the top rail. Instant cosy den for the dog who gets a little anxious at night.
If you have a stick with rough spots, the dog will run a couple times and decide it’s not comfortable.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 6–8 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @furnature.ae
#3: The “Lulu Suite” – DIY Modular Dog Playpen With Teepee Bed & Crate Station
Your golden’s crate is shoved in the corner, the food bowls are sliding across the floor, and somehow there are toys everywhere. You deserve better than that. So does she.
Inside this setup we have a black steel modular pipe frame and clear acrylic panels for the front and back which create a pet zone that actually looks intentional.
– Black powder-coated pipe connectors + poles (one-inch diameter) – Clear acrylic side panels – Wire dog crate (covered with a bone-print fleece blanket) – Articulas grass pee pad tray – Canvas teepee with pom-pom trim – Elevated double stainless steel bowl stand – Assorted plush toys – Small chalkboard name signs – Screwdriver, measuring tape.
Instructions
measure the space where you intend to place it, it will take up roughly a 5×3 ft space ! assemble the pipe frame using the corner connectors and snap the acrylic panels into the frame. push the crate to the left side, lay a blanket over it to give a den-like feel (makes it easier for my anxious dog to calm down faster) slide the grass tray in between the zones. make sure to place the teepee to the right. layer a few of the gray plush cushions inside. hang the chalkboard signs and set the bowl stand down near the front panel.
Cut the acrylic panels just slightly smaller than the opening of the frame so they’ll fit snugly without cracking.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @clearly_loved_pets
#4: Skateboard Deck Gallery Wall With Built-In Dog Crate Console
And, yes, your dog has claimed the living room floor again – right in the middle of everything – on your favorite rug. Happy Sunday!
This dark gray, double-bay dog crate console will give your pup a cozy den and at the same time doubles as a media console with two top drawers and a flat surface that you can style.
Materials & Tools: ¾-inch plywood, birch or MDF Dark charcoal gray chalk paint + sealer Black metal bar handles Cage-style door hardware Drill Circular saw Sanding block Soft dog bed insert
Instructions
Cut the plywood into side panels, a top, a divider, and a base. Sand everything and then glue and screw the pieces together. Paint everything with two coats of dark charcoal (allowing the paint to cure in between coats), then mount the black metal grate doors on top of one another. Slide the drawers in last – they are to hold all those leashes and tennis balls!
The weight of the top surface of this unit does not add too much weight to a space, so your gallery wall moment can stand above it.
Hang 3 skateboards above the console, along with vinyl records and posters to add some editorial flair.
Choosing the right color paint for your bookshelf is the reason why your bookshelf looks collected, organized, and put together. And your dog gets to have a den that feels like theirs.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Active Project Time: 6–8 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @kustomkennels
#5: Paint a Plastic Crate Sage Green for a Crate That Looks Like Furniture
Your dog’s crate is the one that you throw a blanket over when guests arrive. It is in the corner and you hate looking at it.
– Collapsible dog crate, plastic (honeycomb panel design) – Sage green spray paint (a plastic-bonding formula) – Terra cotta pot – Trailing houseplant – Fluffy sherpa blanket in cream or tan – Fine-grit sandpaper, painter’s tape
Instructions
Sand the outside of the crate lightly, so that the paint has something to stick to. Spray it with two thin coats of sage green plastic-bonding spray paint, allowing each coat to dry before spraying the next coat. The honeycomb pattern casts different shadows, making the crate look even more professional.
Drape a sherpa blanket inside so that your pooch wants to stay in there on his own and place a terra cotta pot on top for a stylish side table.
And that’s why I only use one crate. Two jobs, less space on my floor, and no one asks me “What’s that thing?”.
I’d put sand before painting or the color chips…just a thought, because I know our plastic would need it’s tooth.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @kindtailco
#6: TV Stand Dog Crate Combo With Mesh Cabinet Doors
Your golden is always somewhere she shouldn’t be, like sprawled out on the couch or wedged under the coffee table, staring at you while you watch TV. Mine does the exact same thing. However, this TV stand build gave my golden her own spot right in the middle of it all.
1. Rustic brown oak TV console (65″ wide) 2. Black metal mesh cabinet doors, with barn-style sliding doors. 3. Soft camo-print sleeping pads cut to fit each compartment. 4. Screwdriver, drill, measuring tape, sandpaper.
Instructions
Sand all edges of the dog crate. This is what your dog will rub against daily. Slide the metal mesh doors onto the bottom track and then attach the top rail. This type of crate allows airflow and keeps your dog from feeling excluded. This makes your dog crate look like it’s part of your furniture.
Line each compartment with a fitted cushion pad. The two-piece design gives each dog his or her own space, which is an awesome feature for homes with more than one dog. See 7 Cozy DIY Dog Beds for Large Dogs for cushion pad size suggestions.
Even a human who walked in wouldn’t even guess that it’s a crate.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate
Keep the TV mount centered, and make sure to keep a bottom-heavy console level.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @georgette_miller_01
#7: Stacked Holiday Dog Crate with Festive Garland Trim
I’ve got a feeling your pup has that big, bulky wire crate in the corner of the room that clashes with every throw pillow you’ve gone to painstaking lengths to choose. My dog has one too.
This easy setup features two white plastic modular crates stacked vertically, dressed with a red berry garland, burlap ribbon bows and pine cone string lights. Each pup has their own level with a matching Christmas outfit. The photo was taken against a white brick fireplace wall next to the Christmas tree.
Materials & Tools: 2 white plastic stackable dog crates (medium + small) Red berry garland (about 6 feet) Burlap ribbon, pine cones, jingle bells Zip ties or hot glue gun Faux greenery sprigs
Instructions
I stacked the smaller crate on top of the bigger one and secured them with zip ties through the vents at the corners. This keeps the stack stable and your dog feels safe. Weave the berry garland through the front edges. Add a pine cone to each corner with hot glue gun. Add a bow or two to the seams between the crates. I added one candy stripe bow on the side facing the tree.
I love the idea of having the crates stacked up so that the dogs have an individual cozy den – which also helps with the stress of the holiday season and having all the chaos around them. And I love that you decided to add the extra crate with the comfy bed.
(the bottom crate should always be kept thickly bedded). Dogs instinctively feel more comfortable in a den-like enclosure, so a plush crate pad adds a special “warm and cozy” feel to the lower unit for a smaller or shyer dog.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @lolaaaabear
#8: White Furniture-Style Dog Crate With Side Extension Panel
Your goldie just sprinted out the back door—again. Wet paws. Wet belly. She’s heading for your linen sofa. Your old wire crate is sitting in the middle of your living room like an eyesore for two years. Oh, and did I mention it smells like a urinal.
This one changes everything.
Materials & Tools: – 3/4-inch white-painted MDF boards (top panel, side panels, base) – Black wire grid panels (front x2, side x1) – Black metal door hinges and latch hardware – White wood screws – Drill, measuring tape, sandpaper
Instructions
Cut your MDF panels to make a 48-inch wide x 32-inch tall cabinet frame. Attach wire panels to the inside of the front facing openings using staple gun and trim pieces to keep the wire flush so your pup doesn’t catch a paw. Attach 2 front doors using black piano hinges. Attach a separate side extension panel on the right using a single bolt hinge. Add the side door so that you have easy access to your retriever who sometimes refuses to walk out straight. Finish by adding a smooth top panel for your plant display.
Sand all of the edges in the crate. Golden retrievers like to lean on the wall of the crate so it’s important to make sure there are no sharp edges.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @myhomebykrystal
#9: White Painted Dog Crate End Table With Wire Insert
Your golden retriever finally has a “spot” – but that wire crate sitting between your two sofas is screaming chaos in your otherwise Pinterest-perfect living room.
I just built this, only a little bit different, last spring and couldn’t believe how much it changed the whole vibe!
Materials & Tools: ¾ inch plywood or pine boards White chalk paint and a dark wax finish Crown molding (baseboard for trim detail) Standard wire dog crate fits inside the frame Wood screws, sandpaper, wood glue Miter saw, drill, paintbrushes
Instructions
The box consists of a four-sided open frame made of pine boards that slip over the wire crate I already have. I attached crown molding along the bottom to give the frame a more furniture-like look. I then cut a flat plywood panel and attached it with wood glue and screws. I sanded everything down and then applied two coats of white chalk paint. I then applied a dark wax over the top and rubbed it into an antique-looking texture.
And the top becomes a full side table that you can put photos, flowers, your Amazon Echo, or whatever you’d like on.
This way the wire crate stays in the frame so your dog can always keep his den, while your living room will look much better.
Paint the trim a little bit darker than the body of the truck so that it stands out.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @palmesecontracting
#10: Under-Stair Dog Crate Built Into the Wall (The Sneaky Good One)
You know that weird space under your stairs that just collects dust and random shoes? Well, that space is about to become your golden retriever’s favorite spot in the whole house.
I had a neighbor that did this last year and I was standing in her hallway with my mouth hanging open.
Prep Time: 2 hours | Active Project Time: 2–3 days | Difficulty Level: Advanced
– 3/4″ MDF or plywood sheets (painted grey, like Farrow & Ball Moles Breath) – Stainless steel rod balusters – Piano hinge for the top vent panel – Barrell bolt latch – Miter saw, drill, wood filler, sandpaper
Instructions
1. Begin by nailing three-fourths-inch plywood flush to the stair skirt and building a bottom panel (This panel will be the floor of the crate your dog will sleep in).
Cut the angled face frame to match the stair pitch exactly. Install stainless steel rods vertically for airflow so your dog can breath easier and can see out without feeling trapped.
The upper section of the kennel gets a hinged vent panel on the front. This allows you to control airflow (I use a piano hinge) which keeps your pup cool inside. No more anxious panting on hot days!
Our dogs aren’t left alone for long periods of time, but even so, we like the added security of locking our dogs in the slide-door panel (above). It isn’t a cage; they don’t associate the slide-door panel with punishment.
Step 2 Sand all of the edges twice. Splinters can happen fast and dogs like to sniff with their mouths.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pittprecisionltd
#11: Easter-Themed DIY Dog Crate with Holiday Decor
Your golden is sprawled on the living room floor, and that plain wire crate is just…there, clashing with everything you’ve taken pains to carefully curate.
Isn’t this the cutest Easter setup for Harry that you’ve ever seen?! So cute!
Materials & Tools:
– white wood dog crate furniture (slatted sides, house-shaped roof)
– black chalkboard bone-shaped name sign
– faux carrot garland (orange raffia carrots on twine)
– pastel easter egg wreath (multicolor fabric eggs, green leaves)
– 2 straw bunnies (dressed in blue and pink)
– plush lamb stuffed animal
– blue ceramic pickup truck with easter eggs
– spring print dog bed (blue flower/carrots)
Instructions
I began by placing the spring-print bed inside the crate. I hung the bone-shaped chalkboard sign in the center of the peak of the roof with twine. I draped the carrot garland across the rooflines. I attached the Easter egg wreath to the front panel window. I placed the bunny figurines on small white pedestals on either side. I placed the lamb and the ceramic truck at the entrance.
Every few months, the crate gets a makeover. Your dog has a cozy space and your living room looks like Pinterest.
Prep Time: 10 min | Active Project Time: 20 min | Difficulty Level: Easy
swaps out the figurines every year, without replacing the whole crate setup. i like the base is white so any holiday color palette is fine with me!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @raisingharry
#12: Corner Dog Crate Furniture with Octagonal Top
Your golden retriever has claimed the corner of your living room as his/her own. Muddy paws, dog toys scattered everywhere, and an ugly wire crate you’ve been meaning to “deal with”. This is the fix.
Materials & Tools: 2×6 pine boards Frame and flooring White chalk paint Dark walnut stain Black metal rods Black iron hinges (2 per door) Miter saw Drill Sandpaper
### Instructions
Cut your pine boards into an octagonal top (the angled cuts give the piece the look of a furniture store). Paint the frame panels crisp white, and then stain the top dark walnut. The contrast does most of the work.
You can build the side panels first, and then slide the black metal rods vertically into the pre-drilled holes. Attach the door using iron strap hinges. It’s a cozy doghouse, but the wooden walls and roof keep it from feeling cramped or dark.
Because you are using the corner, you will not be using the dead space that was taking up space in your living room anyway.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 6–8 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate
I’ve painted this stained wood top as a side table and set some flowers, a tissue box and a little decorative bunny on it and nobody even questioned that it was a dog crate!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @srd_woodcrafts
#13: Farmhouse Coffee Table Dog Crate With Hidden Storage
Finally, your golden is napping, but that clunky plastic crate sits there, clashing with every throw pillow you own.
this build is a little different. it is a walnut top coffee table with a white-painted base, turned spindle legs and two side-by-side crate compartments lined with pink cushion bedding. black hardware latches the doors and a rattan tray tops it off with chef’s kiss.
– 2x walnut wood planks (for tabletop) – White chalk paint + primer – Turned wooden spindle legs (4) – Black iron gate hinges + latches – Vertical wood slats (for the crate sides/doors) – Pink crate cushions – Drill, wood screws, sander, paintbrushes
Instructions
Begin by framing the bottom of the crate with 2×4 lumber, and attach the spindle legs at each corner. Sand it smooth, then apply two coats of white chalk paint. Attach your vertical slat panels for the crate doors to the front of the frame, spacing the slats 1.5 inches apart to allow for airflow but no escape. Attach black hardware latches to each door. Lay your walnut planks across the top frame and attach from underneath. Drop in the pink cushions.
My legs are slightly longer than a normal crate height (so that the surface of the crate is actually a height that is comfortable for my arms to rest on).
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @standstrongsawworks
#14: Space-Themed Dog Crate Nook with Bunny Mural and Glitter Bone Pillows
Your dog’s crate is the one that looks like a plastic bin shoved in the corner. Every guest notices it, and you’ve had that sad-looking set-up for months.
This one? It’s a whole moment.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Materials & Tools: – Sage green wall paint – White vinyl wall decals (bunny + moon + star shapes) – White marble contact paper for inside of crate panels – Blush pink and cream lumbar pillows – Gold glitter fabric paint + bone-shaped stencil Foam brush, scissors, ruler
Instructions
Paint the walls of the crate nook sage green first. Allow it to dry completely before touching anything else. It is a good idea to not rush this step as it will ruin the decal adhesion.
Press the white vinyl bunny-and-moon decals on the back wall. The moon should be in the center, at eye level. Space the star decals randomly. Random is actually nicer than being evenly spaced.
I went ahead and covered the inside of the panels with some white marble contact paper. Just to make it easier to wipe off muddy paws. I smoothed out as many of the bubbles with the edge of a credit card as I could.
I stenciled gold glitter bone shapes on both pillows. You may need to apply two coats to get a good coverage of the glitter. I love the glitter effect these gold pillows have. They really catch the light and it’s great to photograph them for my Pinterest page.
Let everything cure 24 hours before you let your dog in.
On top of that, the paint on the walls is the kind that can be wiped off with one damp cloth. I hardly have to scrub off the paint that is always smeared on the walls and I definitely don’t have to replace panels every season.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thegoodwrench
The One Measurement Mistake That Ruins Most DIY Dog Crate Furniture
that most people build the dog wrong and measure it too small. Real talk… it costs them so much wasted wood.
Pro secret: Measure your dog diagonally from the nose to the base of their tail while they are standing up and add 4 inches. This is actually the turning radius of your dog inside the crate. My cousin made a really cool console table crate last spring for her lab using a beautiful stain and a really nice finish. The problem was, the dog couldn’t turn around inside it and the whole thing had to be rebuilt.
Don’t forget about ventilation as well! For the sides at least you will want 20-25% of each side to be open space (slats, mesh, holes, etc.). Dogs overheat easily in a wood enclosure.
One other thing, use furniture grade plywood instead of pine. I tried pine and it warped in months from the dog breathing on it.
Love some inspo? If you are searching for some ideas to make the dog bed frame then 7 Cozy DIY Dog Bed Frame Ideas for Pups is the best option for you. It will be the right decision if you are searching for the crate style as well.
Your Dog’s Comfort Starts This Weekend
Pick a project. Just one. Get out a few fabric scraps, and a staple gun, or even an old sweater and start.
PS Your Golden will notice. Mine went over to her new bed and circled it 3 times then wouldnt leave it. It was all I could do not to laugh out loud!
And honestly, these projects aren’t just for your pup — having a cozy, Pinterest-worthy dog corner that you actually enjoy looking at is a huge plus!
Which one are you tackling first? Is you golden one of those kind to supervise the whole build or just show up at the end with the finished product? 🙂
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
