Many dogs see their crate as a safe little den where they can relax, sleep and escape the noise of the household. But if you have a dog that likes to get in the covers then an uncovered wire crate can feel just too open and bright for them. A thoughtfully designed diy dog crate cover can turn a plain old crate into a comfy, comfy retreat that matches your decor.
Not only do crate covers make your dog’s sleeping area look cuter, but they also cut down on anxiety, outside distractions, and provide a darker environment that encourages restful sleep. With a little imagination and the right materials, you can build a crate cover that will not only function as pet furniture, but as home décor as well.
Below you will find a few ideas of what you can do with a crate. They are all creative and offer different ways to give your dog a comfy and stylish space.
#1: Cozy Personalized Fabric Crate Cover
– Decorate a crate to make a soft pink sleeping area with matching bedding and a pretty blanket cover. Add a storage basket on top for a tidy and organized pet corner.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Soft cotton or fleece fabric
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine or fabric glue
- Decorative trim or pom-pom edging
- Dog bed cushion
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Active Project Time: 1–2 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner
Instructions
Measure the width, height and depth of the crate. These measurements will be used to cut the fabric for the top, sides, and back of the cover. Cut the pieces.
Lay out the pieces of fabric flat and sew them together to create a slipcover for the crate that the dog can get in and out of easily. Leave the front panel open.
For those of you who want to add a bit of personality to your space, sew a decorative trim like pom poms to the front edges of the crate area.
Once the cover is completed, place it on top of the crate. Also, place a soft cushion inside the crate to help block some of the light and for him to lay on.
This cover works especially well for dogs that like a darker sleeping area or if they are afraid of having other animals staring at them.
Tip: If you are taking your dog out to play, it’s best to choose a breathable fabric that will allow for the dog to have airflow.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @stylish.hound
#2: Elegant Plaid Fabric Crate Tent
Here’s a wire crate covered in a neutral plaid fabric that looks like a small dog house! Perfect for modern home décor!
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Plaid upholstery fabric
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Velcro strips
- Fabric scissors
- Cushion or dog bed
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Active Project Time: 2 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Instructions
Measure your crate and cut your fabric panels so they match each side of the crate. Add an extra inch or so to each measurement to allow for seams.
Sew the panels together so they form a cover with openings for the door of the crate. Attach Velcro strips along the edges of the cover so it can be removed easily for washing.
Slide the cover over the crate. Make sure to secure the Velcro around the wire frame. Place a soft plush bed inside.
I like this look as it gives the crate a soft tent look, but still gives air to pass through the front door.
And dogs are more comfortable in covered areas because it feels more like a “den.”
Tip: 2) I wanted to pick a color that would blend easily with my furniture or walls so I picked a neutral color.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thehouseofb__
#3: Luxury Plush Crate Retreat
The crate in the above picture is covered in a soft plush cream fabric with embroidered details. Inside is a soft bed for your dog to lounge and take a nap in.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Plush sherpa or fleece fabric
- Embroidery patch or fabric lettering
- Sewing machine
- Measuring tape
- Fabric glue
- Soft foam dog mattress
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Active Project Time: 2 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Instructions
Measure the size of the crate and cut your plush fabric panels large enough to wrap around the sides and top of your box. Your plush fabric will give the crate a cozy and warm look.
Sew the panels together to make a 3 sided cover to slide over the crate frame. Leave the front open for ventilation.
For a little added touch, you can add some embroidery, to the front panel of the Pet Place, your dog’s name.
Make sure that there is a thick foam mattress or a plush bed inside the crate.
Using a soft material helps to reduce outside noises and gives the crate a cozy cave-like feel that many dogs prefer.
Tip: Use washable plush fabric. This way your cover will stay clean and fresh.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @uniquedogbeds
#4: Rustic Curtain Style Crate Cover
I love my kitchen curtains. I made these using fabric strips from Ikea, attached to a wooden board for a rustic farmhouse look.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Wooden board for the top
- Curtain fabric
- Curtain rod or hooks
- Drill
- Screws
- Measuring tape
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Active Project Time: 1 hour | Difficulty Level: Beginner
Instructions
Measure the width of the crate and cut a board to fit across the top.
Attach a curtain rod or hooks to the back underside of the board. Cut pieces of fabric long enough to hang over the front and sides of the crate.
Place a piece of wood on top of the crate frame and then hang the curtain fabric on the rod.
This piece of furniture hides the wire crate and makes it look like a nice cabinet or a storage bench.
And, I love that the dogs have a quiet, soft area to rest when they are tired of all of the commotion.
Tip: Go for light curtains so air can circulate easily.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @erellysdesigns
#5: Modern Minimalist Crate Cover
A very sleek cover of grey that wraps around the crate and gives it a modern clean look.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Waterproof fabric or canvas
- Measuring tape
- Velcro strips
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Active Project Time: 1–2 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner
Instructions
Measure the dimensions of the crate and cut a piece of fabric big enough to wrap around the top and sides.
Sew simple hems along the edges of your cover so it looks clean.
Attach strips of Velcro to the edges of the cover so the cover will fasten tightly around the crate frame.
Place the cover on the crate and adjust it so the door opening is clear.
La conception moderne permet à cette benne de garder toujours l’apparence d’un vitrine d’objets sans qu’il soit nécessaire de dépoussiérer ses rangées périodiquement.
Tip: Use thick canvas fabric if your dog likes to scratch at the cover.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @gorillagripusa
#6: Blanket Style Crate Cover
The colorful blanket is draped over the top of the crate to provide a quick and simple cover.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Large decorative blanket
- Binder clips or Velcro straps
- Measuring tape
- Dog bed cushion
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Active Project Time: 10 minutes | Difficulty Level: Beginner
Instructions
The blanket should be large enough to cover the top and sides of the crate.
If the blanket is not already put on the crate, you should place it so it makes a tent like cover on the top of the crate. Make sure not to put the blanket over the front of the crate so it will not block the front door opening.
Some people use binder clips or Velcro straps to attach the blanket to the frame of the crate so that it will not fall off.
Add a comfortable dog bed to the inside of the crate for a comfy space.
This works great for dogs that prefer a darker resting place and is easy to remove if you need to.
Tip: Thick fleece blankets help to muffle the sound and light coming into the crate.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @laurallondon
#7: Wooden Table Crate Cover
We’ve turned the crate into a stylish side table, with wooden top and soft fabric panels.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
- Wooden board for tabletop
- Fabric panels
- Leather straps or ties
- Screws
- Drill
- Measuring tape
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Instructions
Cut a piece of wood slightly larger than the top of the crate and sand the edges so that they are smooth.
Cut the fabric panels for the sides, then sew them to the crate using leather straps or ties.
Put the board on top of the crate to use it as a table.
Our basket crate design will transform your crate into a piece of furniture while still giving your dog a comfortable area to rest.
My dog absolutely loves this bed because it provides a calm, quiet space for sleeping.
Tip: If you plan to put any type of decorative pieces on the top of the table, it is a wise idea to use a thick hardwood for the top.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @nalaand.paws
Conclusion
If you own a dog, you know how much your pet loves to sleep. To make their crate into a cosy dog bed, you can design a DIY dog crate cover. Below are some ideas for cozy fabric covers, rustic curtain designs and even a dog crate that looks like a piece of furniture.
With a little creativity and a few materials you already have around the house, you can create a crate cover that keeps your dog relaxed, while blending beautifully with your home’s décor.
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.
