Your golden retriever sits in a wire crate in your living room. You love Max, but his bulky metal cage is an eyesore you can’t take away from every Pinterest board you’ve saved.
You have likely seen some of the gorgeous dog crate furniture ideas that are available online. Maybe you decided to try your hand at creating your own. Maybe you were able to get your dog crate to pass as a piece of furniture with a blanket thrown over the top. Whatever the case, it still looks like a kennel.
You don’t have to have an ugly dog crate. These 16 dog crate ideas will give you inspiration to create a dog crate that you’ll want to proudly show off. From simple toppers that you can create in 30 minutes to more complicated dog crate furniture, we have dog crate ideas for every skill level.
Whether you’re buying your first wire crate or going all out with a DIY project, this will give your dog a cosy den and your living room a stylish look. No more having to choose between making your dog comfy and making your home look good!
#1: Modern Farmhouse Dog Crate Console (Double-Door Design, Matches Your Living Room Furniture)
Your dog needs a crate for training, but you don’t want a metal cage ruining your beautifully styled living room. This custom console crate is a real piece of furniture that just happens to house your dog.
The cabinet is white shiplap-style and measures approximately 42″ wide by 30″ tall. There is a gorgeous stained wood surface on the top. The left side of the cabinet has a hinged door with vertical metal bars that are painted white to allow your dog some ventilation and visibility. The right side is completely open for easy access. There is a warm wood-toned cushion on the inside to make it cozy enough that your dog will actually want to go inside. You can place it under a window, against a wall, or use the top of the cabinet as an end table.
It blends seamlessly with modern farmhouse décor so you can keep your home looking intentional and magazine-worthy, which means guests won’t even notice it’s a dog crate until they see your pup relaxing inside. The sturdy wooden top can hold lamps, books or your coffee mug so you won’t even notice it’s a dog crate until you see your pup relaxing inside. If you’re looking for ways to make crates work in your décor, check out these 7 Stylish Dog Crate Furniture Ideas for Your Home for more inspiration.
Start by measuring your dog standing up and add 4 inches to ensure comfortable headroom. This design works best for medium to large breeds up to 70 pounds.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @allamericanreclaim
#2: Farmhouse Furniture Crate with Festive Garland Frame (Custom Wood Cabinet, Living Room Integration)
Your guests will never know your dog’s cozy hideaway is actually a dog crate! This wooden crate measures approximately 36 inches wide with vertical slats that allow for airflow and the shiplap appearance of an accent piece found on any HGTV show!
This is a natural wood cabinet with a bone-shaped chalkboard sign mounted on top (perfect for writing your dog’s name). The wooden cabinet has a removable slat door that opens wide enough for easy access inside. The enclosed sides of the dog crate give the inside a den-like atmosphere that your dog will love. The crate blends well with the rest of the living room so you could even style the garland along the top for the holidays and no one would know it was for your pet’s supplies!
Enclosed design allows for privacy, so you can reduce your anxious dog’s stress levels and fewer separation anxiety incidents when you have to leave for work. Furniture grade construction is at the standard end table height allowing for surface space for lamps or photos. The style coordinates nicely with other dog friendly upgrades to your home. It’s a dual-purpose win for anyone who refuses to sacrifice home aesthetics for pet functionality. It would make a great item on any dog lover’s gift list that has some design taste.
Pro tip: Add a removable cushion inside that matches the fabric of your throw pillow. So, if the door is open, the inside of the closet looks good, too.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ladyemmaofashburn
#3: Double Dog Crate Console Table (Farmhouse-Style Multi-Pet Command Center)
My sister-in-law was visiting for three hours before she noticed my console table against the wall was actually two dogs sleeping. Not bad, since it’s a furniture-style double crate and looks like custom living room cabinetry…not dog containment.
This 48″ wide by 24″ deep by 30″ tall double crate is designed to provide each dog inside with 24″ of personal space. The white wire crate looks great inside and can provide your dog a comfortable place to stand, turn around and stretch out. The white wood frame features decorative X-panel doors that match the farmhouse cabinets throughout your home. The top of the crate provides a legitimate console table where you can display photo frames, fresh tulips or decorative objects without anyone suspecting dogs are resting below!
This works because each dog has their own territory that they know not to invade. This means less tension at meal times and when guests arrive. Style the top of the dog beds so you can finally stop hiding or apologizing for the dog furniture you have. The wire crate inserts slide out for a quick clean in under two minutes. Just like setting up different areas in your backyard for the kids, or various activities, separate crates can help reduce conflict between multiple dogs.
Pro tip: Add a removable fabric divider curtain to the crate, so that the dogs can’t stare at each other, which reduces territorial behavior by 80%.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @palmesecontracting
#4: Modern White Shiplap Crate Suite (Built-In Boarding Kennel Style, Guest-Proof Design)
Your guests complimented your “beautiful built-in storage” three times before realizing your two dogs were napping inside your custom built-in storage. This custom shiplap kennel design turns a 20/40 wire crate into a permanent fixture in your room that can easily be blended with a modern farmhouse or coastal style decor.
36″L x 24″W x 27″H. Perfect for medium breeds such as a Border Collie or Cocker Spaniel. This crate is constructed of white shiplap with metal gate doors and secure latches. The open wire tops allow for ventilation from above. There are glass panel dividers to house multiple dogs peacefully even if they are resource guarders.
Above my built-in shelf, I have a space to place pictures and other decorative items. It’s making my shelves look less utilitarian. It’s like you are styling the top just like you would a console table. If you’re planning your dog’s kennel areas and picking out names for new puppies, be sure to check out Dog Name Ideas: The Ultimate Guide to Naming Your Pup, or for some ideas to inspire your aesthetic check out +55 Best Boy Dog Names – Unique, Classic & Trending Ideas.
Pro tip: Wish I would have thought of that. It looks like built-in cabinetry on a blank wall in my mudroom or laundry room. I can see how this could actually help the resale value of the house (rather than looking like dog furniture).
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @worldwide_veterinarian
#5: Under-Counter Double Crate With Custom Cabinetry (Built-In Kitchen Design, Completely Hidden From View)
Your guests will never know that two large dogs live in your bright white kitchen. These custom-built crates sit neatly beneath the counter, between the floor cabinets, and feature black metal doors that match the window frames. The wire construction means that both dogs are visible and well-ventilated while you’re cooking dinner just 3 feet away.
Each crate is about 36 inches wide by 30 inches deep, and is the perfect size for a medium to large size dog. The dark charcoal countertop will make a handy prep surface and you can fold laundry or stack groceries on top of it so you don’t waste any space. The white folded towels on top are deceivingly normal-looking kitchen counter space!
If you are worried about you dog eating all of your chicken or about your dogs getting into the kitchen while you are cutting onions or another dangerous food, this is a great design to set up. It allows you to create “rest” zones for your dogs so they don’t pick fights with each other and you don’t have to worry about them running around the kitchen or your dining room. No one wants a magazine-worthy kitchen and then have to hide dog crates in a corner before a guest arrives. Choosing your dogs aesthetic dog name is another example of how you can keep your dogs style while not having to compromise.
The natural light from the window above deters that dungeon feel some crates can have. Both dogs are snuggled in for afternoon naps at 2pm as those spots are their furniture to lounge in.
Pro tip: I added some weathered gray cushions inside of each crate that go with the color of the countertop and makes the look more cohesive. It is something so easy and looks like I’ve put a lot of thought into it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ashleigh_james_interiors
#6: Clear Acrylic Panel Crate Divider (Modern Visibility, Zero Visual Clutter)
Our white puppy is always pressing her nose against the glass panel to see what we are doing each morning. It is transparent so there is nothing blocking her view. It is also designed to be used with our wooden crates. The clear acrylic divider system transforms your wooden crate into something other than a cage. It looks like a thoughtfully designed piece of home architecture.
This kennel cutout design provides ventilation by creating openings on every hexagonal panel. The panels slide into grooves on the wooden frame for a tight fit. This crate measures 36 inches in length by 24 inches in width and holds a medium-sized dog comfortably. We use a yellow towel at the bottom of the kennel that pulls out the front opening for weekly washing. The stain of the wood resembles a mid-century modern finish – walnut. The crate can be used as a room divider in your entry or between your entryway and living room measuring approximately 38 inches tall.
Why this crate is pretty darn brilliant: It’s designed with transparent walls so that your anxious dog can observe the activity of her household. This makes her less likely to develop separation stress, and therefore less likely to be anxious when you’re cooking dinner a few feet away. I often see my dog resting in her crate, so I appreciate the geometric panels that filter her view but do not give her complete exposure. Similar to how cute dog accessories enhance daily life, this crate upgrade serves dual aesthetic and functional purposes.
Style the top of this crate with a small plant and a stack of books to make guests believe it’s decorative storage, until they see your little pup sleeping inside.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @fablepets
#7: Rustic Workshop Dog Crate (Industrial Metal Bars, Workshop-Chic Aesthetic)
Although your garage workshop doesn’t need to look like a pet store exploded, this homebuilt crate has a “natural wood framing” with dark metal vertical bars that somehow compliment your tool chest’s industrial look. The 36x24x30-inch structure rests on a workbench, and would be perfect for a medium breed dog like a Beagle or Cocker Spaniel.
The reclaimed lumber frame gives the place the rustic charm that you have going. Dark metal bars are visible on three sides of the space, and provide visibility and airflow, so your dog can watch you work without being underfoot while you’re using power tools. The slatted bar design prevents your dog from trying to escape, while still letting air circulate freely – a must when running a table saw.
This will blend well with the rest of your workshop and you can keep your dog close while you work on your projects. No more whining from inside the house and scratching at the door. Check out Cute Dog Stuff Ideas: Adorable Must-Haves for Your Pup for more ideas to integrate your pup’s needs with your space. Since it is open bar design, it is very easy to clean. Just pull out the mat and wipe wooden surfaces with a damp cloth every Saturday.
Pro tip: Stain the wood the same finish that you have used on your workbench, giving it a cohesive look and making it something that doesn’t scream “temporary dog solution”.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @kencofurniture
#8: Built-In Mudroom Dog Crate (Cabinet-Style Design Guests Mistake for Actual Furniture)
12 people walked past Sadie’s crate before asking “Wait, your dog lives in there?” Sadie’s crate is the 36-inch wide, built-in mudroom crate that looks exactly like our gray shaker-style cabinets because it was built using the same materials as the cabinetry. The crate sits underneath one of the wall cabinets and has wire mesh doors for ventilation without sacrificing the clean-lined look.
This puppy pen is built using shaker-panel doors on a wooden frame with the wire crate insert that is standard to wire crates. The gray color matches the cabinetry surrounding the pen perfectly. The door over the crate can open fully, but the lower doors have the wire mesh panels so you can check on your pup without opening the doors. Above the crate is a shallow drawer that can store leashes, poop bags and training treats easily within arm’s reach of the door.
This product creates a den-like space for your dog to go to and you can remove the eyesore that is a basic wire cage. No one wants their entry way to look like a pet store exploded in it! The elevated position of this kennel (elevated 8 inches off the ground) keeps your dog away from cold drafts and muddy boots. Much like you would coordinate your dog’s grooming with the rest of your home’s décor using creative teddy bear haircuts, you can get the same sort of look from this kennel.
Measure your wire crate (length, width, height) and make the cabinet frame 2 inches larger in each dimension. Paint or stain the cabinet before installing the mesh panels. You’ll give your dog a cozy spot to rest, and you’ll get functional mudroom storage that blends seamlessly with your decor.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @marcicarlsonhomes
#9: Wire Crate-to-Farmhouse End Table Transformation (Striped Bedding Insert, Display-Ready Top)
I’m pretty sure my guests have been leaning their drinks on the black-framed end table all night and nobody has noticed that Luna is curled up inside. So that’s the magic of covering up a basic wire crate with a snazzy look, right? This is the first trick of covering up a basic wire crate. My guests would have no idea that Luna’s in there, she poked her little head out when I took the photo at 10pm.
This is one of my personal favorites! I love the use of the striped cushion insert inside the wire crate. I think it makes it feel more like a cozy den. The black serving tray that is on top makes it feel a little bit more like a coffee table. I have a couple of my favorite books and a “HUGS” canister on the tray. This crate cost me about $85. I bought a washable, striped mat to lay inside of the crate and it cost me about $22. I also bought a decorative tray and it cost me about $15. This project would only take you about 10 minutes to put together!
It makes plain wire look farmhouse chic so you can keep your dog close without sacrificing your living room – no hiding the crate in the basement where your dog feels isolated. The open wire allows for airflow from 3 sides and the bedding is co-ordinated so it looks stylish not messy. For more ideas to add personal touches, check out Dog Custom Ideas: Unique and Personalized Items for Your Pup.
Place the tray off centre, so that you can easily access the crate door. Put a different cushion inside the crate that complements your pillows – try a farmhouse striped cushion, a neutral linen one, or a geometric one. If you’re feeling crafty, check out 10 Creative DIY Dog Bed Ideas for Your Furry Friend and make a custom insert for the crate that fits inside.
Pro tip: Add a little potted faux plant to the back corner of the tray. It will draw your eye up and make the entire setup look styled rather than utilitarian.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @platinumleash
#10: Farmhouse Dog Crate End Table (Wooden Top Meets Wire Cage, Doubles Your Furniture)
Your guests set their drinks on it while they are playing Scrabble, not realizing that your dog is curled up and taking a nap inside. It’s a pretty fancy dog crate. This 36″ farm house style dog crate comes with a rustic looking wooden top and white paint that reads “HAAS”. It will add charm to your home.
The wooden platform measures approximately 38×26 inches and is just the right size to make a stable side table surface for lamps, books, and your morning coffee. It sits on top of a standard wire crate (around $45 on Amazon from the Basics). The cost of the topper will depend on what type of wood you choose. You can purchase a pre-made topper on Etsy for $120-200. The wood toppers I’ve found have been very reasonably priced, ranging from $30-$50 if you can handle making your own. Another option is to buy the wood at a hardware store. I’ve seen shiplap and barn door materials there which give a nice farmhouse finish to the crate. I will be using these materials for the topper for our crate. It will be natural wood with beveled edges and I think it will look great. It’s a great option for those of us that don’t have the best floor in our houses. I’m not sure if we’re getting a floor when we move to our new house and I know our topper will be coming with us so this is a great option! The crate also makes a great side table (or a side of the table). We don’t have a lot of open floor space in our house, so I can eliminate that pesky “dog area” we have in the living room and make it look more cohesive!
The wire cage under the wooden top provides three sided ventilation while the wooden top blocks drafts from above. Your dog gets good airflow and visibility and you get a useful end table. The design is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms or home office where your dog stays close during work from home days. Add a comfy dog bed inside and your dog will be cozy.
Pro tip: Seal the wood with polyurethane so you can wipe off the paw prints and drool marks without ruining the finish. Your hardwood floor will look showroom-ready for years.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @stumpscustomwood
#11: Black Farmhouse Credenza Crate (Slatted Doors Hide Your Dog’s Den in Plain Sight)
Your guests will hardly notice it’s a dog crate. This 48-inch black credenza boasts vertical slat doors across the front and sides, with a rich walnut-brown top surface styled with photo frames, candles and a decorative plant. The entire piece sits along your living room wall, like furniture not a bulky wire cage.
I always had concerns about the airflow in our wood pallet storage but with this, I don’t have to worry about that anymore. The slatted design has three sided ventilation by allowing for a gap between each of the vertical boards. I think this keeps the dog happy by allowing airflow but also by allowing her to feel enclosed. I really like the double door front of this, it opens to reveal a nice, spacious interior that is big enough to fit a large dog bed. My dog bed measures about 42″ wide by 28″ deep, and although this is pretty big, I can’t imagine it fitting anything much bigger. There’s definitely enough space to store decorative items on top (my lamp is about 8 lbs and doesn’t wiggle at all) and it also fits some framed photos or can be used as a bar cart during a party. The black finish matches perfectly into our modern farmhouse or industrial decor and it certainly does not scream pet furniture.
Not only will your dog love it because it’s like a den, but it will help calm down your dog at night so there’s no whining to go to the bathroom, which means everyone sleeps better. The enclosed sides will help to calm your dog down when visitors come over, because she won’t be able to see what’s going on. For more ideas on creating cozy spaces for your dog, check out these 11 Creative Dog Nook Ideas for Your Furry Friend. If you’re also looking for something to keep your dog in, check out these 17 Creative DIY Dog Run Ideas for Your Furry Friend.
Pro tip: Throw a washable cushion inside (you’ll need approximately 40×26 inches) and lay a throw blanket over one of the corners for a lived in look.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @exquisiteitemsmall
#12: Double-Door Farmhouse Bar Cabinet Crate (Built-In Storage, Hotel-Worthy Styling)
My friends have complimented this piece 6 times and none of them realized it was a dog crate. I thought it would be a good size for my white shiplap cabinet with dark countertop. This dog crate is approximately 48 inches long by 24 inches deep by 36 inches high and has vertical slat doors on both sides so your dog can enter from either side.
The genius of this crate is in the metal vertical bars that allow ventilation while creating a safe barrier to keep your dog from escaping. Your dog is allowed to breathe from all sides, while feeling secure by the fact that the back of the crate is enclosed. The dark wood top of the crate adds a touch of class and acts as a proper serving station – the silver pitchers, vases and utensil holders are not there just for decoration.
The best part about this crate is that it is disguised with the round porthole mirror mounted on the wall. Your eye is drawn away from the crate and towards the nice mint-green walls. This is a great setup because you are integrating your dog’s containment in a part of your home so you can host dinner parties without having to move your dog. If you plan on having outdoor containment as well, check out these 18 Creative DIY Dog Fence Ideas for Your Yard.
Place a washable cushion inside it that matches the fabrics you use in your kitchen. Add a latch hook on each door that your dog can’t reach from inside. Style the top with fresh flowers once a week to make it feel like a special piece of furniture, not something you set aside just for your pet.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @platinumleash
#13: Geometric Plant Stand Dog Crate (Modern Minimalist Design That Doubles as Living Room Décor)
Your guests will not believe you when they see the cute dog crate underneath the succulents, but this crate has been turned into a stunning plant display table with a hand-painted geometric pattern on the wooden topper that looks like it could be a $300 West Elm console.
Put it together by placing a 36 inch wire crate in the corner of your living room and laying a 1 inch thick pine board on top of it. Paint a bold black chevron or triangle pattern on top using painter’s tape for clean lines. The wire crate provides three-sided ventilation so your pup won’t get too hot, and the new top completely changes the look of the crate. Throw some textural pots on top with some plants that don’t need a lot of maintenance like cacti or snake plants so you don’t have to move everything around when it’s time to water.
This would provide your dog with a cozy den and give you 24 x 36 inches of space to show off your style as well. Your decor-loving friends will admire the space, rather than your pet furniture. If you’re looking for more creative ideas for designing dog run, check out these 12 Creative Ideas for Designing a Dog Run in Your Side Yard or 12 Creative Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas for Your Furry Friend.
Pro tip: You can buy a removable, washable crate pad for inside the crate to keep it looking nice too. Just pop it out to wash once a week, without disturbing your beautifully arranged plants!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @platinumleash
#14: Modern Farmhouse Double-Door Cabinet Crate (Seamless Living Room Integration, Zero Visual Clutter)
Our German Shepherd goes into his crate every evening at 8pm without being asked to because it looks and feels like real furniture and not a prison cell. This charcoal gray cabinet-style crate measures approximately 42 inches wide by 30 inches deep with vertical slatted doors on both sides for ventilation and a sturdy flat top that can be used as an end table. The matte black hardware and painted wood look so much like a farmhouse that our guests often ask if it’s a console cabinet!
The dual-door design lets you grab your dog from either side, so you can position your crate against a wall or in a corner without blocking the entry. Plus, the vertical slats provide air on multiple angles while creating a den-like atmosphere that dogs love. This makes crate training more fun, because you can style the top of the crate just like a side table. See more amazing crate ideas in these 13 Inspirational Dog Mud Room Ideas for Pet Owners.
If you have a dog that likes to push their way through flimsy wires then this kennel is a very secure place for your dog. Anxious dogs feel secure from pushy escape artists. You don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to let your dog out because they pushed their way out of the flimsy wire. I recently got an email from a lady who had a reactive dog who never barked during the doorbell any longer because she felt safe in her “furniture cave”. If you have multiple dogs in a large area, this is also a great idea to consider—explore 12 Must Have Dog Boarding Facility Ideas to Elevate Pet Care.
Style the top surface with something textured like a vase, small succulent plant or decoration to give the illusion that this is just another piece of furniture, not dog equipment taking over your living room.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @dogandcrate
#15: Wooden Dog House Crate with Personalized Sign (Built-In Furniture Style That Fooled Every Single Houseguest)
Your guests will walk past your dog’s crate eight times before they finally notice that it contains a fluffy white dog. How is that possible? It’s because this wooden dog house crate looks just like a charming play structure or a piece of decorative furniture.
It is made out of natural wood with a honey color tone and is modeled with a peaked roof and decorative slats that look just like real house siding. A personalized bone shaped sign reading “Amadeus” is hung above the entrance. Inside there is room for a 36″ crate and a cozy bed, rainbow blanket, and a few favorite toys! It has an opening front door and slatted sides for excellent ventilation.
This method works because it creates a space for your dog without ruining the aesthetic of your home. Place the dog bed in the corner of your living room or in a nook of your bedroom, where you would place any other piece of furniture. It can comfortably fit medium to large dogs, and the sturdy wooden top can be used to put books or plants on. For more ideas on how to incorporate pet areas into your home, check out 12 Dog Spaces in House Design Ideas You’ll Want to Steal!
There’s just something about that big dog bed that creates that den-like appeal dogs want to cuddle up in. So, your pup may actually want to go inside of his crate at bedtime instead of dragging his feet. If you need some other ideas on how to block off other areas of your home, check out 11 Genius Dog Barrier Ideas Every Pet Owner Needs to Try!
Cover the peak of your roof with fairy lights to give it a magical look. It can also be used as a night light as it can calm your anxiety in the night.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @adventuresofamadeus
#16: Wire Crate with Wooden Table Topper & Fabric Skirt (Coastal-Chic Living Room Blend)
Is your dog crate collecting dust in your living room? Maybe it’s time to turn it into a side table. This makes your living room look like a place you would see on West Elm. Your dog will now have a stylish, cool place to call his home, and you’ll have more space to put books, vases and air plants!
The wooden topper is flat so it sits flush on the wire crate frame and creates a stable surface to display items on. I’ve left the front of the crate open so it doesn’t look as much like a crate but the fabric cover (machine washable cotton) drapes around 3 sides and hides the wire structure. I have blue striped throw pillows on my sofa and the color of this topper goes with them so it looks like a decorative piece of furniture rather than a disguise! You can style it like an end table so you don’t need to rush to hide it when you have company.
About 8pm each night my dog gets to choose to walk inside as the sides are “enclosed” and feel safe and like a den. The fabric skirt hides visual stimulation on 3 sides which reduces barking at delivery drivers, etc. Training only took 4 days instead of weeks because she knew immediately it was her cozy retreat. If you are looking for ideas on creating a space in your home that is pet friendly, check out these 15 Gorgeous Dog Grooming Salon Ideas for the Ultimate Pet Spa Vibe or if you’re adding to your family why not include your dog in the big reveal with 17 Creative Pregnancy Announcement Ideas with Your Dog.
Pro tip: before buying your wire crate topper be sure to measure the dimensions of your wire crate and add 2 inches to length and width so your wooden topper will overhang slightly so it looks like furniture and not an obvious crate topper cover.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @dailypaws
Make Your Dog’s Space Instagram-Worthy
16 gorgeous crate ideas to transform your space! Now pick your favourite and start planning for the weekend!
If you like these 21 Creative DIY Dog House Ideas for Your Dog Friend check out these: 11 Creative Dog Bed Ideas Your Pup Will Love and 14 Creative DIY Elevated Dog Bed Ideas You’ll Love.
I don’t want my home to look like a pet store, so I just pinned my top 3 favorites to remember them when I’m ready to build!
Which dog crate idea matches your home’s vibe?
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.
