Your golden retriever has claimed that wire crate as his throne – and it actually kind of looks like a cage sitting in your living room.
I spent weeks scouring the web for the perfect throw pillows. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to this space. I also have that metal monstrosity in the corner of the room just vibing.
I felt so bad for my cousin Sarah last year when her lab mix was in the process of being trained. Her dog’s crate sat in front of her fireplace mantle where she had taken months to decorate. Every picture she took of her home tour, there it was!
And hey, a DIY dog crate cover can fix this without having to take a trip to the furniture store!
These 10 heartfelt designs will turn that wire box into something that would actually look good in your home. Cute enough to keep. Sturdy enough for your pup.
#1: DIY Polka Dot Dog Crate Cover (The Cutest Den Your Pup Deserves)
Maybe you have one of those golden doodles in a crate that looks like a wire cage that was plopped down in the middle of your living room and no amount of throw pillows nearby will make it not an eyesore? I’ve been there. My cousin did too and her dachshund’s crate was just sitting there clashing with everything else.
This gray and white polka dot crate cover is the perfect fix.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5–2 yards of gray cotton canvas fabric with white polka dots
– Matching gray bias tape (for clean edges)
– Natural rope or jute cord (for the roll-up tie closures)
– Sewing machine + matching gray thread
– Fabric scissors and pins
– Measuring tape
– Iron and ironing board
Instructions
Measure your crate’s top, sides, and back, adding 1 inch seam allowance to every edge. Cut one large top panel first. Then cut two side panels and one back panel. Sew bias tape along the raw edges of every panel before you sew them together. This way the bias tape adds a tidy finished look to the seams.
Sew the panels together along their shared edges (except the front one). Leave the front one open for access. Sew a channel of fabric along the top edge of the front panel and thread your natural jute cord through the channel to make a roll-up blind. Tie a knot in the ends of the cord to make little ties.
This is the part your dog will enjoy: the fabric panels block light and reduce noise, which signals den time to your pup and helps them settle faster.
Use this 7 Cozy DIY Indoor Dog Kennel Ideas. Try it! I think you will be surprise.
You should cut a small slit in the front panel that is exactly where the door latch sits so that the door swings freely without bunching the fabric.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @bailey_minisausage
#2: Floral Crate Topper Cushion — The DIY That Makes Your Crate Look Like Actual Furniture
You’ve got your golden sitting next to the crate just staring at that ugly wire box sitting smack in the middle of your living room. Well this little project is for you.
I made this for my cousin’s dog last spring. What a difference it made in the look of her kitchen! No more eyesore! So cozy and Pinterest worthy!
Materials & Tools:
– Floral upholstery fabric (cream base, teal/blue blooms — similar to the one pictured)
– White zipper, roughly 18–22 inches
– Foam insert or pillow stuffing
– Muslin or cotton lining fabric
– Sewing machine + thread
– Fabric scissors + pins
– Measuring tape
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Instructions
Measure your crate top, so add 2 inches on every side for seam allowance. Cut out your floral fabric and lining the same size.
Place your lining with right sides together to your outer fabric. Sew 3 sides of the lining leaving 1 short side open for the zipper.
Attach the zipper along the open edge. It’s best to put a zipper in the middle, that way the cover is removable and you won’t have to stress about washing it when your golden drags his paws in something gross.
Flip it over and place the foam/stuffing inside and zip it closed. The padded top sits flat on top of the crate and gives your dog a warm place to rest and your room a nice finished look.
One thing to remember: Use an upholstery-weight fabric, as regular quilting cotton can get ruined over time under the weight of a dog. A heavy canvas or home décor fabric will stay put under the weight of your dog.
The floral pattern on this one does so much work. It just pulls the whole room together instead of making it look like “dog stuff lives here!”
Tuck the edge of the cover under the edge of the crate frame so it won’t slide around.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ensitome
#3: The Fitted Sheet Dog Crate Cover That Actually Looks Good in Your Living Room
Our golden retriever finally settled into her crate at night (Hallelujah!) but that black wire cage stuck out like a sore thumb against my gallery wall. Yeah, I’ve been there with my dog Koda. I’ve draping random blankets over his crate, which would slide off by 2am. Messy.
This DIY uses a fitted queen-size sheet to make a clean, structured cover that won’t shift around.
-Materials & Tools:
– 1 fitted queen sheet (I used a light cotton, pattern of your choice. My image was a soft white with a cute ditsy print.)
– 1 flat sheet (same set is fine for the side panel)
– Scissors
– Safety pins or fabric clips
Instructions
I stretched the fitted sheet over the top of the crate. I put each corner of the sheet in the corner pocket on the wooden frame. The elastic gripped it just fine, and the sheet fit snugly. There will be no 3am sheet adjustments!
Place your flat sheet over the side panel of the bed that you want to cover. Make sure to pull it down to the bottom of the side panel and tuck the top edge under the fitted sheet. This will help to block the light on the side where your dog lies and help him to get to sleep faster so you don’t have a restless dog making noise in the morning.
Leave the front panel open so that your dog never feels trapped in the crate.
Wash the two sheets together once a week. The cotton breathes well and heat never builds up inside the crate.
Looking for more projects like this? Check out 13 Genius DIY Dog Stuff Every Pet Parent Needs to Try Today! has some really good ideas.
Prep Time: 5 min | Active Project Time: 10 min | Difficulty Level: Beginner
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ernie_doggie
#4: DIY Dog Crate Cover with Fabric Wrap and Wood Top
Moose has claimed that wire crate in the corner of the living room as his new favorite spot. It kind of looks like a cage, doesn’t it? Every time I walk past it I cringe a little.
I had that moment not long ago when I was at my cousin’s house. Her dog’s crate was just glaring at me from her otherwise pretty boho setup. Then she showed me this idea she had and I was hooked.
Materials & Tools:
– 42-inch wire dog crate (black metal frame)
– 1 piece of pine or poplar wood board cut to 42″ x 28″ for the top
– Dark walnut stain + foam brush
– Black and white arrow-print canvas fabric (approximately 3-4 yards)
– Staple gun + 3/8-inch staples
– Scissors, measuring tape, iron
– Sandpaper (120-grit then 220-grit)
– Wood sealant (matte finish)
Instructions
Sanded the wood board smooth starting with 120 grit paper then 220 grit paper. Wipe off the dust and apply two coats of dark walnut stain letting each coat dry completely. Finally seal with matte sealant so the board can handle drinks and daily life without warping.
If you are using fabric for the panels, cut three separate pieces – one for each side and one for the back. Iron each piece flat and then wrap the fabric around the side of the crate. Staple the fabric to a thin MDF backing board on each side so you can easily remove it from the laundry room on laundry day.
Love this idea because the fabric panels can be easily removed when the dog has tracked mud everywhere. The addition of a washable cover and a solid wood surface is all you need to make a Pinterest-worthy end table for you and a cozy nook for your dog that he will not want to leave.
The arrow-print canvas is thick enough that it blocks the light coming in from the three sides, which helps settle an anxious dog. If you like this idea and want to see more of my favourite DIY dog accessories you could always head over to my roundup post here for some inspiration.
I grabbed this small basket and a dried pampas stem (you can see that in the picture) and just put them beside my plate. They just don’t look like afterthoughts.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jjshandcrafteddecor
#5: DIY Striped Dog Crate Cover (The One That Makes Your Crate Look Like Furniture)
You know how you’re sitting with a friend and their eyes go straight to the giant black wire cage sitting in your living room? I have. My cousin visited last spring and when she saw the crate she said “oh, you have a crate” like I was confessing to a crime. That was the day I decided something had to change.
The cover above was done by @plushpupinc and she did it with gray and white ticking stripe cotton fabric draping over a standard 36-inch wire crate. I would put it next to that cream sofa, not in front of it.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need:
– 2-3 yards of ticking stripe cotton (gray/white)
– Sewing machine or fabric glue for no-sew option
– Fabric scissors
– Measuring tape
– Cotton ribbon or fabric ties (cut into 12-inch strips)
– Iron and ironing board
Instructions
measure the top, front and both sides of your crate then add 2 extra inches to each edge. cut out 3 pieces of fabric: one large top piece and two side panels. for the hems: fold and press before sewing to ensure that your hem stays nice and neat. Sew the ribbon ties on at the front ( the fabric ties) as opposed to buttons so if your golden ever wants to nudging the door open, he will not snag anything. the structured top panel will stay flat under tension so it could also be used as a side table when it’s open. less visual clutter!! your living room will finally look intentional!
The bottom of the hem should be long enough to brush the floor. This will hide the legs of the crate and make the chair look more like furniture, less like pet gear.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner–Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @plushpupinc
#6: How to Make a Red Tartan Dog Crate Cover (That Actually Looks Good in Your Living Room)
Been meaning to fix up a disaster zone for ages. Then it rained. And your golden retriever did a full body shake when she came inside — and somehow everything got wet — the crate, the blanket you threw over it, and the floor around it. If you’re not a dog owner, you’re probably wondering why you even have a dog.
This red canvas and Royal Stewart tartan crate cover is the answer.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Materials & Tools:
– Red waterproof canvas fabric (enough to cover all 5 sides of your crate + seam allowance)
– Royal Stewart tartan fabric for trim, border strips, and the paw patch panel
– Red satin ribbon (1 inch wide, for ties and loops)
– Matching red thread
– Fabric scissors, sewing pins, measuring tape
– Sewing machine
– Velcro strips or ½ inch snap buttons (for side closures)
– Iron and ironing board
– Paw print stencil or pre-cut appliqué
Instructions
Measurement & Cutting directions Cut the top panel, both sides, the back panel and the front drop panel of your wire crate measuring as follows: Top panel: _________ Inches (Both sides: _________ Inches) Back panel: _________ Inches (Drop panel: _________ Inches) Cut your red canvas pieces with a 2-inch seam allowance on each of the following edges.
Sew the top panel first. This is your anchor piece. Sew the side panels to the top panel using a flat-felled seam. A flat-felled seam is stronger and lies flatter on the wire so it doesn’t bunch up inside.
Cut your strips of tartan trim at 3 inches wide. Press each strip in half with your iron and then pin them along every outer edge and sew them down to create the trim border you see along the front opening. The tartan trim creates a frame around the cover that will help it to hold its shape even after washing.
To attach the front panel, fold over the top edge and attach a row of red ribbon loops (about 4 loops even spaced). This way, when your dog needs to access the crate, you can roll up the front panel of the cover and tie it so that it won’t droop into the crate entrance. Your dog will not feel trapped by the wider entrance.
sew your snap buttons or velcro strips along both side edges to attach the cover to the wire frame. no flapping and no sliding off.
For the paw patch, cut out a 6×6 inch square from the tartan fabric, then cut another 6×6 inch square from the iron-on interfacing. Cut out a paw print shape from the red canvas and appliqué it to the tartan square. Pin the whole patch onto the top right corner of the cover.
I made this one for my cousin’s dog last winter. What surprised me most was how the tartan trim pulled the whole room together. She has plaid throw pillows and it matched almost perfectly.
I like the fact that the outer layer is waterproof and furry mucky paws don’t seep through to get the inner layers wet. My golden always shakes off some mud after his walks so it is nice that the bedding inside stays dry and warm.
Looking to jazz up your crate more than just a cover? Check out 7 Creative Dog Crate Topper DIY Ideas for some fun add-ons!
Before you cut into your fabric, it’s always a good idea to make a paper mock-up. This will allow you to catch any fit issues before you cut into your good fabric.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @frecklesdesignsdogcoats
#7: Purple Polka Dot Dog Crate Cover (The Cozy Den Your Pup Deserves)
Is your dog’s crate too big for the space? Does it just sit there looking like a metal cage sitting in the middle of your living room, ruining the otherwise “put-together” look? I know my dog’s crate just sits there staring at me. My throw pillows and rug are always perfectly coordinated, but that wire box is sitting there glaring at me.
This purple polka dot crate cover is the answer and it looks like something straight off your Pinterest board.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5–2 yards of purple cotton canvas fabric with white polka dots
– 1 matching yard of coordinating solid purple for the bone toy
– Scissors, fabric chalk, measuring tape
– Sewing machine + matching thread
– 4–6 wooden toggle clips (the chunky kind — see the image!)
– Purple ribbon or twill tape (½ inch wide) for the toggle loops
– Polyester fiberfill (for the bone toy)
– Velcro strips or snap buttons
Instructions
First of all you should measure your crate. I measured it’s height, width and depth. Nothing is worse than cutting your fabric and realizing it’s 2 inches too short. So I measured 2 inches extra on every side so I could add a hem.
Cut three panels: Put one on top, one on each side, and one on the back. Leave the front open so the dog can see out of it (your dog will feel much safer and settle down much faster). Leaving the front open will allow your dog to be able to look around the room, and it will also make him feel as if he is not trapped.
Go ahead and hem all raw edges by folding in ½ inch twice and then stitching straight across. Attach your ribbon loops to the top panel’s front edge (about every 6 inches apart). Thread your wooden toggles through each loop. With these toggles you can easily roll up the front panel when it gets warm, and not have to unpin anything!
The bone toy? Cut 2 pieces identical bone shapes, sew the pieces together right sides together leaving a small gap and flip them over. Stuff with fiberfill and hand stitch it closed. My cousin made one for her beagle last Christmas, I think it took her 20 minutes.
These cotton canvas drapes will hang neatly on the side of the bed and hold their shape after being washed weekly. Your dog will have a darker space in the corner that will allow for a longer nap, making for a calmer dog. That means a calmer you.
I always wash the cover on cold and let it air dry to keep that purple rich and the dots crisp.
Prep Time: 15 min | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @smoozleandbone
#8: DIY Linen Crate Cover with Cushion Set
Your golden retriever has a certain spot on the couch that he’s claimed as his own, and you’ve basically given up fighting it. But the real eyesore is that bare metal wire crate sitting in the middle of your living room like a tiny jail cell nobody asked for.
Yeah. We’ve been there.
– 1.5-2 yards of natural linen fabric (cream or oat tone) – Coordinating fabric trim or piping in the same neutral color – Small wooden or brass clips (4-6) for the roll-up front panel – A soft, textured dog bed in a tan boucle or woven fabric – A star-print fleece blanket in light grey – Fabric scissors, sewing machine, measuring tape, pins
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Instructions
Measure your wire crate on all four sides and the top, adding an extra 2 inches on each edge for seam allowance. Cut the linen into five panels: one top panel, two side panels, one back panel and one front panel.
I sewed the top panel together first (I attached the side panels to the top along the edges with a ½-inch seam— I didn’t sew the back panel shut, but I did sew the front panel shut, so that’s where the brass clips came in handy).
Fold and hem the bottom edge of each panel so it sits flush against the crate floor. Attach the front panel to the top piece with your clips so that it’s spaced evenly enough to roll up nice and tight. If you have a big dog this roll-up design will allow her to see out when she wants company, but at night she will feel cozy and tucked in.
Tuck the star-print blanket inside with the boucle bed and you’ve got yourself a dog den that looks like it should be on Pinterest and actually functions like one, too!
I wash my linen before cutting it, so it doesn’t shrink after the first wash, and the seams don’t pucker.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ralphieboux
#9: Navy Blue Geometric Crate Cover (The One That Actually Looks Like Decor)
Your golden is in their crate in the middle of the living room and no matter how you turn it, it still looks like a cage. You have your throw pillows arranged just right, your rug is looking fabulous, and then there’s that wire box that just spoils it all.
This navy blue crate cover is stunning! It is made out of navy blue geometric print fabric with a little white triangle detail. It has satin ribbon ties on the front fold and drapes over a standard wire crate and tucks in clean on all sides.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5–2 yards of navy geometric cotton-blend fabric
– 1 yard of satin ribbon (navy, cut into 4 equal ties)
– Measuring tape, fabric scissors, straight pins
– Sewing machine or heavy-duty fabric glue
– Iron and ironing board
Instructions
Measuring from the top, the two sides and the back of the crate, I add a 1-inch seam allowance on every edge. I cut one large piece that wraps over the top and down the back, and then two separate pieces for the sides.
First, hem all the raw edges. Then sew or glue the side panels to the main panel along the top edge. Sew ribbon ties onto the front so the dog can pull the fabric up for air, or leave the front open so she can lie in the den but not feel so confined.
The fitted, hemmed construction of these blankets means that there is no bunching, keeping the fabric off her face and the cover looking sharp on your rug.
Wash on cold, line dry to preserve that deep navy color.
Prep Time: 15 min | Active Project Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner–Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @justmightdiy
#10: How to Make a Portable Soft-Sided Crate Cover Your Dog Will Actually Want to Use
You know that moment when your golden retriever decides that the middle of the yard is THE PERFECT place to be and refuses to budge? Mine does that too, except my dog will drag her crate mat out with her like she’s setting up her own little apartment in the yard.
That’s exactly what inspired this one.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Active Project Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty Level: Beginner
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5 yards of light gray canvas fabric (outdoor/water-resistant)
– Black nylon binding tape (1-inch wide)
– 4 corner reinforcement patches (black heavy-duty nylon)
– Hook-and-loop velcro strips (3 inches each, x4)
– A soft quilted insert or repurposed crate mat in cream or neutral tones
– Basic sewing kit or fabric glue gun
– Sharp fabric scissors
– Measuring tape
– Petsfit-style collapsible wire frame (optional base structure)
Instructions
Measure the width of your dog’s crate opening. This one is a front-open type of crate. The one in the picture is about 24 x 24 inches. Cut your canvas panels so they will be about the same size, but add an extra half-inch seam allowance to each edge.
Cut four panels total: Top, back and two sides covered but leave the front open for your dog to enter the crate. This side is left mesh free to allow airflow without the mess.
Attach the black nylon binding tape on every raw edge using your sewing machine or a strong fabric adhesive. This is the step that most people don’t do and is the reason the cover frays after two weeks of being outside.
3. Pin the corner reinforcement patches at each top corner of the structure, then stitch them down in an X-shape to keep the entire structure from sagging when the fabric gets heavy with morning dew.
I sewed the velcro strips on the top interior edge of the crate so the cover would clip to the frame of the crate and not slide around. Then I added the quilted cream mat inside the crate before attaching the cover. My dog needs to have a reason to get in the crate; it’s not enough to just tolerate it.
Real talk: The mat does more work than the cover. A removable insert means you can simply toss it in the wash after a muddy backyard romp rather than hosing down the entire crate.
The canvas exterior blocks wind and direct sun (making you feel less guilty every time you watch your dog squint up at the afternoon glare).
roll up the front panel and fasten it with the velcro tabs if you don’t want it down. unroll it if you want some shade or privacy. it folds flat when you are done.
If you find your canvas is a little stiff, run it through a cool wash cycle before assembling. It will soften up and drape much better around the frame and give your cover an overall more finished look.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @nellitathechi
The Fabric Mistake That’ll Ruin Your Crate Cover (And What to Use Instead)
Well, I did it, you didn’t. I made that mistake, so you don’t have to.
Most of us grab whatever cute cotton fabric we find at the craft store. And really it’s not a bad fabric. It breathes well and all. Until, of course, you have a panting Golden in there and the fabric gets damp on the sides.
Go for a cotton-canvas blend, which will hold its shape and withstand the humidity of your bathroom without looking frumpy.
Well, here’s the pro secret that nobody tells you: leave the front panel unattached on three sides. Make it more of a flap than a panel. Four sides, rather than 3. (Which may make your dog feel exposed.) My cousin’s dog, Maple, used to refuse to sleep in her crate. After two days of leaving one corner unattached, she’ll sleep in it every night.
I also throw a piece of batting between the outside fabric and the cover. The batting muffles sound without blocking air. The cover hangs much better.
And the result looks less like something I made in my garage and more like a Pinterest board.
Your Floors Deserve Better Than Another Muddy Paw Print
And as a result, you don’t have to keep living like this. With the right rug pad and stain resistant rug, your living room can go from an “please don’t look at my floors” situation to full Pinterest board worthy.
I replaced mine last spring and honestly I LOVE IT. My cousin came over and asked if I’d done anything to the kitchen.
Start small. Find one place that your dog likes to visit after a walk and protect it first.
And what’s one room you dog has basically claimed as her own? 🐾
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.
