Your golden retriever just stood up from his spot on the couch, and now there’s a damp, fur-covered cushion with no throw blanket in sight.
You know the feeling. You spent the last weekend making your living room Pinterest perfect, and somehow your dog found the best seat in the house. Again.
Oh yeah! This is what I went through last summer with my cousin’s lab mix. We tried three different store beds and he destroyed every one of them.
And sadly most of the store bought beds for big dogs are either ugly or fall apart very quickly and I don’t know about you, but I care about how my house looks.
That’s why these diy dog beds for large dogs are the best part of your weekend. They will hold a big dog AND look good while doing it.
#1: The “Steal My Spot” Ortho Mattress Bed for Large Dogs
You know what it’s like when your dog has somehow claimed the whole couch and you’re the one sitting on the floor? Yeah, that’s what happened.
My cousin has a Cane Corso (the big, black dog in the picture) and her smaller beagle always beat him to the good spot on the couch. So, she built him his own oversized mattress bed and honestly it shut down the whole couch war.
– 2 yards of heavy-duty herringbone upholstery fabric (I used a gray tweed, you could go with any color)
– High-density memory foam, cut to 36″ x 48″
– Faux leather trim fabric for the border piping
– Heavy duty thread and sewing machine
– Fabric scissors + measuring tape
Instructions
I cut my foam first. Then I wrapped it with a thin batting layer to make it softer. I sewed the tweed cover with a 2 inch faux leather border leaving one end open. I stuffed the foam into it then hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch. This way, I can stuff it until it is nice and tight.
The faux leather piping at the edge of the mattress helps to support the mattress when it has been over stuffed and prevents large breeds from pushing the filling around the inside of the mattress.
Cover it with a washable cover when you have guests and you’ll thank yourself.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @canecorsoqueenuk
#2: The Giant Oval Dog Bed (The “My Dog Thinks He’s a Person” Build)
You know those moments when your Golden Flop is lying on your couch, taking up the whole cushion and just stares at you for a while? No. She’s not moving.
This DIY is a human-sized dog bed — a oversized oval bolster in dark charcoal faux fur fabric, with a raised ring perimeter and flat center sleeping basin.
Materials & Tools: 3-4 yards of charcoal minky or faux fur fabric High-loft foam (ring-shaped, about 48” x 32″) Dense foam pad for the center base Heavy-duty sewing machine + upholstery thread Fabric scissors, pins, zipper (24”)
Instructions
Cut 2 oval shapes for the center. Sew the foam ring casing on separately and stuff it firm. This pillow helps your dog rest better, because it supports the dog’s neck and spine. Attach the center pad. Zip it closed.
The faux fur surface traps warmth without overheating your dog, so she’ll stay cozy through the night without panting.
And sew a hidden zipper so you can take the cover off to wash it. (It gets all sorts of golden retriever hair in it.)
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hrs | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @weareplufl
#3: The “Puppy Pile” Donut Bed — One Bed, Whole Litter Energy
You know how when your golden lays on the bed with them they take up 3 times as much room as should be possible? Imagine five beagles doing that together.
This is the [http://www.walmart.com/ip/WINDIGO-0-75-Gallon-Dog-Bed-Dog-Terrace-House-Dog-Bed/18407935#windigo round donut-style dog bed] and it’s for just such a day of craziness.
– 1.5 yards of gray faux shag fabric, – Poly-fill stuffing (approx. 3 lbs), – Non-slip fabric for the bottom base, – Sewing machine + thread, – Scissors, pins, measuring tape.
Instructions
Then cut out two (24-inch) circles out of the shag fabric and one matching circle out of the non-slip fabric. Sew the circle of non-slip fabric to the bottom circle of shag fabric. This will help keep the bed from sliding on the hardwood floors. The dogs actually use this!
Sew the top circle onto the base, leaving a 6-inch gap. Fill with stuffing to firm up the walls, which will support the raised edges of the bolster, which supports their neck and spine, and help restless dogs to settle down and sleep longer.
Hand-stitch the gap closed.
Shag is a warm yet non-overwhelming fabric. Perfect for dog pile situations.
Wash in cold water and air dry to keep the fluff intact.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @livingwaterscove
#4: The “Two Pugs, One Bed” Bolster Dog Bed (And Yes, They’ll Still Fight Over It)
Your dog gives their bed that look that makes you wonder if it personally offended them. My cousin’s two pugs do this exact thing, one fawn and one black. The one fawn is standing on the opposite side of the bolster bed with his tongue out in full drama mode.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Beginner
– 1.5 yards of striped ticking fabric (cream/grey) – High-density foam insert, 24″ x 36″ – Bolster tube foam, 48″ long Fabric scissors Sewing machine Zipper, 22″ nylon
### Instructions
I cut my ticking into one 24″ by 36″ base panel, and two 12″ by 48″ strips. I folded the bolster strips around the tube foam and stitched the long edge of the bolster closed. The firmness of the bolster gives more support to my dog’s neck and helps her to get a better night’s sleep. It’s also meant less restless nights for me.
Sew three of the bolster sides to the bottom and attach the zipper onto the fourth side. Stuff your foam insert inside, zip it closed.
I would recommend washing the cover at least once a month. Then the whole bed doesnt have to be changed.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @michaelinlpool
#5: The “Donut Tower” Multi-Bed Setup — Three Fluffy Beds, One Happy Pack
I’m sure your golden has a “spot”. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s right in the middle of the floor where everyone trips over her.
For anyone that lives in a multi-pet home, this set-up is geniuses. Three, stacked together, donut-style beds in blush pink, grey and cream/white. Placed together on a grey, washable rug next to a large dog mat. So each dog has their own little bed/nest.
Materials & Tools:
– 3 round donut bolster beds (sizes: 23″, 27″, 30″ diameter)
– Faux shag fabric in blush, grey, cream (2 yards each)
– Polyfill stuffing (one 5 lb bag per bed)
– Basic sewing machine + thread
Instructions
Cut two identical circles for each bed, sew the outer ring in a tube, stuff the tube generously with polyfill, as the raised edge of the bolster will support the dog’s neck and joints and she will sleep deeper and awake more calmly.
Group beds by size. Llarger bed next to sofa.
Always wash the faux shag cover monthly (on a cold, gentle cycle) to avoid skin irritation. Moisture trapped in the dense fabric can sometimes cause yeast infections on dogs.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @tailsofthepawpack
#6: Wine Barrel Pet Beds (The Most Pinterest-Worthy Dog Bed You’ll Ever Build)
Your dog lies down in the middle of the living room, Golden-dog-style, right in the middle of the living room, and you have to step over her every five minutes. She deserves better than a sad little foam mat on the floor.
These wine barrel stave beds with black hairpin legs and faux sheepskin cushions are just what she needs.
Half wine barrel or individual oak staves, brass metal barrel bands, 3-inch black hairpin legs (set of 4), faux sheepskin cushion (sized to fit), wood stain (deep mahogany), drill + wood screws, sandpaper (120-grit).
Instructions
Sand every stave until smooth. Arrange staves in an elongated cradle shape (wider at centre and tapered at the ends). This curved shape cradles the dog’s body, easing the pressure on the joints. Attach the barrel bands around the frame using screws. Attach the hairpin legs underneath at both ends. Drop in the sheepskin cushion.
The curved oak frame helps to distribute your dog’s weight more evenly to avoid stiffness after long naps.
I made a smaller one for my cousin’s lab and she texted me three photos in an hour!
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate
Stain the wood before you put it together (getting into tight corners afterwards is a nightmare).
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @woodshop_customs
#7: The “Cottage Garden” Donut Bed — A Rustic DIY That Looks Straight Off Pinterest
Your golden leaves a body shaped dent in the couch every single day. You have tried blankets and corners but she just moves back to your linen sofa.
This one’s different.
– 1.5 yards of chunky grey or olive tweed/linen-blend fabric – Heavy density foam cut into a 24-inch donut ring – Polyester fiberfill stuffing – Heavy duty thread + upholstery needle – Fabric scissors + sewing pins
Instructions
Cut out two donuts, same size. Sew them together, leaving a 6-inch gap. Turn it inside out. It’ll be soft on the inside, which is what you want as it will be against your dog’s coat. Stuff the ring, firm enough to hold its shape, but not hard. Sew the gap with a ladder stitch.
The lovely tweed fabric won’t snag, it stays clean and looks good in your living room which means less hiding the dog bed before guests arrive.
I recently made one in olive, and one in grey. They are so pretty together. Like these two sitting outside my little whitewashed cottage.
If you like this idea, I think you’ll enjoy these 13 Genius DIY Dog Stuff Every Pet Parent Needs to Try Today! for more fun ideas.
* Wash cover once a month. Fiberfill will compress with time, but can easily be restuffed through a small hidden seam.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2.5 hrs | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @petprestigeuk
The Fill Secret That Separates a Great DIY Dog Bed From a Flat, Sad Pancake
The reason why I created this post is because most DIY dog bed tutorials tend to skip out on the fill part of a dog bed. Many times people will not know how to fill a dog bed and then they end up getting lost.
For a large dog, you will need at least 4-6 inches of compressed fill after the dog flops down. Not before. And yes, the material does get compressed more than you would imagine under the weight of a happy, sprawling, 70+ pound dog.
My cousin made the cutest bed for her Lab last winter. She used nice fabric and sewed a very cute bed. The bed was only used by her dog for two weeks and was basically a pancake!
That means layering your fill. I put a layer of memory foam scraps on the bottom so that there’s less pressure on my joints, and a layer of shredded foam on top for that squishy feel. I bought some old couch cushions from Facebook Marketplace, and that’s all I use as fill.
Common mistake: I bought this to fill our dog beds (big dogs) and it is too light. I would not buy it for a throw pillow.
If you need a little more inspiration before getting started, these 12 heartfelt DIY dog accessory designs will help you get started.
Your Dog-Proof Home Is One Step Away
Start with one room. You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once, just pick the messiest room (you know which one it is) and make one swap this week.
Honestly, once you start to feel the difference of a space that actually works with your dog instead of against him, you’ll want to keep going.
And for those of you who are dealing with the muddy paws and fleas of your dog as well, these remedies for dogs with fleas may be of some help.
So tell me, which room in your house needs the most help right now? 🐾
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.
