Your dog’s toys are scattered across your living room floor, and that ugly bed by the couch is too far from the rest of your carefully-styled décor. You love Max, but his stuff is taking over your 800-square-foot apartment.
You’ve been dreaming of a dog space in your house design that has an entire mudroom! I know I have! But I just don’t have the luxury of doing that. My grooming supplies live in 3 different closets because there is no room for them anywhere else. I wish I had a creative small dog grooming salon idea to put in my house like all those cool photos I’ve bookmarked.
Really, you don’t need a huge mansion to give your dog a place in your home that doesn’t look like a dump.
Need a few ideas for dog corner small spaces? We have 11 dog corner small spaces for apartments and condos that work well in small homes and take under 6 feet of floor space. Some of the projects cost under $50 to create. Some of these projects will help you create an indoor nook or a link between your home and your backyard dog run.
#1: Hidden Feeding Station Drawer (Pull-Out Design Saves 80% Floor Space)
Your dog’s bowls sit on your kitchen floor. You kick them when you wake up. You mop around them twice a day.
This pull-out feeding drawer tucks into a 24-inch cabinet space. Two stainless steel bowls sit in cutout holes that hold them steady. A slim bin beside the bowls stores 10 pounds of kibble. Just slide the drawer out when it’s time to eat, then slide it back when you close the cabinet.
No more clutter on the floor! Your kitchen now looks like a kitchen! Your dog has a good place to eat! No more slipping bowls around when your guests come over for dinner! Similar small space dog solutions work great for small breeds that don’t need a gigantic setup.
The bottom of the drawer is only 4 inches off the ground so it’s perfect for my little dogs under 25 pounds. It’s nice that their food dish is a bit elevated so they don’t have to strain their necks to eat. I put a waterproof mat down inside the drawer so it’s easy to wipe if there are any spills.
Install a wall mounted pull handles on the doors that cost $8 at the local hardware store. Make sure the drawers have the soft close hinges so it doesn’t slam. Your dog will learn the routine within 3 days.
The two sections keep the wet food cans separate from the kibble. I labeled the bins with what type of food goes in them so I can easily see which one is empty. I check the expiration dates on everything once a month. Just like with cat room ideas for small spaces, I have found that vertical storage is a much better idea than floor bowls.
Try this: Measure your base cabinet depth before buying bowls. Standard 4-cup bowls need 6 inches of clearance to lift out for washing.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @allofhomes
#2: Under-Stairs Dog Nook With Built-In Storage (3×4 Triangle Fits Two Dogs)
My under-stairs triangle was completely empty, with dog supplies scattered everywhere. This 3×4 foot nook became my dogs new headquarters. I installed two 24×18 inch dog beds side-by-side against the back wall. Above the dog beds I installed a wall-mounted shelf, which holds two elevated dog bowls at 8 inches high to eat from.
This lets me save every inch of my floor space. The three black hooks hang the leashes and harnesses that are 5 feet off the ground. The two floating white shelves store my grooming tools and the waste bags. Under the feeding shelf is a small drawer where I keep my dogs’ kibble so I don’t have to run to the pantry to scoop out a cup.
The beadboard wall protection runs 4 feet up from floor level. Stops scratches. Matches your hallway trim perfectly. White wood blends so guests think it’s original house design. Washable gray mat covers floor and catches spills from water bowl. Pull it out weekly for quick hose-down.
Max is lounging in his corner after taking his morning walk. He has settled down on his mat waiting for his paws to dry. Bella went and laid in her spot with out being asked. Both dogs seem to share the bed peacefully because each of them have their own space. Similar dog fence ideas help create boundaries in other home areas too.
I have found that it takes me about 5 minutes to “clean up” each morning. I just wipe down the shelf and toss all of their toys in the basket. It doesn’t take that long. Once a week I give her a “deep clean” which only takes 15 minutes now versus the hour or so I spent before I organized her space. I make it special by adding a few personal touches from dog gifts such as these custom name signs.
Measure your triangle space tonight. Sketch bed and bowl placement before building.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @allofhomes
#3: Built-In Corner Kennel with Dual Entry Gates (Farmhouse Style, Zero Floor Clutter)
Whenever we are done with a walk, the dog races to this corner and lies down on the mat. She’ll happily wait for us to clean her paws.
This setup is for a 5×4 foot corner with 48 inch ceiling. There are two gates for separate feeding and sleeping areas. The white shiplap walls are white, which matches the white trim you have around your living room, and creates a fully contained dog area that blends into the living room without looking like clutter.
The top rail holds two oval plaques that can be customized. Wall-mounted gates swing open for easy access so that you don’t have to bend down to unlatch complicated doors. The entryway floor is completely clear of gates, making it easy to sweep and mop. One gate opens to the sleeping platform, the other opens to the feeding area. Two dogs can share peacefully when each has their own door.
Vertical storage on the back wall holds leashes, grooming tools, and toys above the kennel so you can grab them without stepping inside. The “WOOF” mats define each zone entrance. Design your dog room around the wasted corner!
Weekly cleaning takes 10 minutes. Lift mats. Wipe shiplap. Done.
If you have an unused corner in your yard, before you decide to plant the gate, make sure that you measure the ceiling height so that you can allow at least 36 inches of clearance so that the gates can fit. You can also add some decorative touches to make it look like you’ve placed them there on purpose such as themed plaques.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @allofhomes
#4: Under-Stairs Dog Nook (3×4 Corner Holds Everything)
My son used to sleep in the traffic zone. Toys scattered everywhere. Our hallway felt chaotic. I claimed the under-stairs triangle and now he has his own 4×3 headquarters that he can fit his bed, bowls, and toy storage in, without blocking my foot traffic.
The kennel covers 12 sq ft. There are two round beds side by side against the back wall of the kennel. There is a wall mounted shelf above the beds which holds the stainless bowls which are raised 8 inches off the floor. There are three hooks on the left wall where you can hang the leashes and grooming tools. Under the shelf in the drawer you can keep the kibble in a sealed container. Everything is tucked under the stairs so you can’t stand there anyway!
The beds sit on top of a washable brown patterned cushion that goes wall to wall. The beige carpet underneath wipes clean in seconds. The tall artificial palm tree in the black pot in the corner helps to anchor it and not make it look so cluttered. The two framed dog silhouettes on the wall add some personality without looking like this is the pet zone of the apartment.
Calm corner. My dogs know this is a place where I get them to chill out after a walk. They will sit on their beds waiting for me to put their treats on the table. Friends and family have been amazed with my dog room designs and all the things I have put up to store their toys.
Pro tip: Mount a battery LED under the bowl shelf. You’ll see everything during late-night feedings. No fumbling in darkness.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @gardenandhouse
#5: Built-In Marble Dog Station (Kitchen Island Integration, Zero Floor Space Used)
My kitchen island holds a bottle of wine and fancy glassware. Why not my dog’s bowls? The setup for feeding and grooming is tucked into a 2×3 alcove that I cut out of the island base. Two stainless bowls sit in the marble counter top. A wall mounted pot filler swings over for fresh water refills.
Everything stays within 18 inches of floor to ceiling. Marble backsplash wipes clean in 30 seconds after messy eaters. Recessed design keeps bowls completely hidden from dining area so guests don’t see dog’s supplies. A small drawer beside the alcove holds grooming brushes and waste bags.
Have your dog take one for the team by taking up residence on the floor. You’ll get the floor space back, and no more stepping on his bowls during breakfast. Plus, the marble matches your counters and looks more like intentional architecture than pet furniture. It’s a gorgeous space for so many aesthetic dog names. Charlie is a modern choice, and so is Jasper.
I love that two of my medium size dogs can easily fit on this station. I place their water bowls 10 inches apart and if needed, I color code them to help. Another convenient feature of this sink is the pot filler. We have to fill a pot 4 times a day with boiling water for my dog’s medication and I no longer have to walk to the sink to fill it up. If you have multiple dogs and are in need of small space dog solutions, this sink saves me from having clutter on the floor.
Every day we have to fill bowls from pot filler. Dogs eat, wipe marble. Done in 2 minutes. 😴
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jasondawsonaz
#6: Under-Window Bedroom Corner With Dalmatian-Print Bed (Vertical Storage, 3×3 Footprint)
There is currently no furniture in the corner of my bedroom, beside my window, that is also wasted space. I wanted to add a place for my dog, when he’s sleeping in my room (especially his bed). This 3×3 square holds everything that he needs – his bed, toys, and a grooming area. The bed is dalmatian print and is attached to the wall on two sides. The remaining 18 inches are adequate for me to walk past. My brown poodle likes to relax on his bed after we’ve walked in the morning. He doesn’t bother me when I’m on work calls.
The table itself is 36 inches square. The bed is 30×24 inches which leaves 6 inches on each side for organization. The wall hooks above the table hold two of our leashes (they are at eye level). The small shelf that floats on the top of the table stores the dog brush and the nail clippers. Everything stays contained.
I wanted to share because this set up is perfect for small dogs. If you have a poodle or yorkie or shih tzu or dog under 25 pounds, this is a great set up for your dog. It’s nice because you can store vertically saving space on your floor and your dog has its own little space while you keep the rest of your space looking nice for guests.
bought a super cheap washable area rug from Target and placed it on top of the hardwood. protects the wood from scratches. and the cream and pink goes well with the neutral colors in her bedroom. looks like furniture but functions as dog headquarters. in the mornings i just hang her leash and toss her toy into the basket so we can go.
I put another battery-powered LED strip underneath this one that gives it a little bit of light at night. This is great because we don’t have to worry about our dog not being able to find her bed at 2 AM when she has to go outside to potty.
Pro tip: I put a small mirror on the wall next to it (opposite side to window) so that it reflects the window light further back into the corner. Now the small space feels 30% bigger!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @poodleandblonde
#7: Beach-Ready Indoor Dog Corner (Coastal Vibes, Year-Round Vacation)
We have an empty corner in our guest room. With two dogs, I am tired of stepping on dog toys in all 3 rooms of our house. I am hoping that this little 3×3 area of our house can become a seaside retreat where we can keep everything contained.
2. Lay out a 28×20 inch striped beach mat on the floor against two walls. Place a small folding chair (12×15 inches) on the mat. This becomes your dog’s bed and an extra chair when your friends come over. I have a battery-powered LED clip light on the back of the chair for late night water runs.
Mounted wall two brass hooks 18 inches above the chair on the wall to the left. One hook holds the leashes and harnesses while the hook on the right holds the grooming tools in a small canvas bag. Guests never know there’s a dog zone as it looks like beach decor.
My little girl’s feeding station lives on a 10×6 inch floating shelf that is mounted 8 inches off of the floor. There are two small bowls that fit just right on the shelf. I can wipe up a spill in 30 seconds with one of my washable fabric bibs, and it coordinates with the cute dog accessories ideas theme!
Store dog clothes ideas in a 9×9 inch cube basket next to the chair. Stacks of swimsuits, bandanas and sweaters are always visible so I will actually use what I bought.
Action tip: Stick waterproof vinyl flooring samples under the mat. It protects the carpet from drool and water splashes. Grab some samples from your local hardware store for free.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ricco
#8: Rattan Bench Dog Nook (3×4 Corner, Living Room Integration)
Speaking of Maya’s dog, Biscuit stole the rattan bench and curls up with three pillows in the afternoon. Guests think it’s a charming piece of furniture, not a dog bed.
This is the 3×4 corner setup. A 36-inch rattan bench is placed up against two walls. Five decorative pillows make a soft sleeping surface. A small stuffed corgi toy marks Biscuit’s spot. The bench sits 18 inches high and Biscuit hops up easily.
A little fabric dog bed sits underneath with floral bedding. You can even fit a plush dachshund and a rainbow cake toy on it creating two sleeping zones in one footprint. The bench can even be used as a guest seat if you need it!
Above the wall I decided to leave open for some decor. With the dark wall paint the rattan natural look pops! I’m really happy with the light wood floor, as it won’t show all the scratches Biscuit leaves with her nails. I added a small area rug in the middle.
I don’t mind having to clean up once a day. I just shake the pillows, wipe the bench and wash the dog bed once a week. I have to dust the rattan frame once a month. However, it is only a 3×4 space and it keeps everything in place. It is a great place for cute dog stuff ideas that don’t overtake your room.
My guests are not aware that they are sitting on Biscuit’s throne. She doesn’t mind sharing her space as long as I give her some attention. Between her hair cuts, she lounges here contentedly.
Try this: Measure the corner to determine the size. Add 6 inches to that measurement to make sure there’s room to walk around the piece of furniture.
If you have a dog, you want to make sure your dog has a way to get into the room without squeezing under the legs of a piece of furniture.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @miss
#9: Kitchen Corner Dog Nook with Built-In Bed and Radiator Cover (3×4 Farmhouse Setup, Zero Floor Clutter)
Your dog lays sprawled on the kitchen walkway, while you are cooking dinner? It’s a problem, which I have myself. No more: A corner of under the window is transformed into dog heaven with this under-window corner cabinet. The custom made oak cabinet is 3×4 feet large and fits flush against two walls. It is 36 inches tall, which is the same height as the windowsill. There are two drawers for food and grooming equipment and one sleeping area, which is 32×24 inches.
The radiator is hidden inside the cabinet so that warm air flows through the slats. My dog doesn’t have access to the hot metal. There is a fleece pad on a removable board on top so that I can easily lift it out to wash it. There are wall-mounted brass hooks above the bed to hang leashes and jackets.
The countertop has become a staging area for dog bowls, plants and some decorative baskets. The dark gray color of the soapstone handles don’t stain from spills from water bowls. Everything wipes clean in 30 seconds after meals. Your kitchen will look as if it were intentionally designed, not overtaken by your dog, and visitors will probably assume it is part of your built-in furniture, until your dog crawls out. For more creative ways to integrate pets into home design, check out these dog animation ideas that show how thoughtful details transform spaces.
I had a problem of constantly tripping over my dog, so now this cleared up space for me to cook without tripping over my dog and instead of her constantly being under my feet, she has her own designated spot. I also was able to grab treats from the drawer, clip on the leash that is hanging on the hook and head out the door all from standing in one spot. If you keep up a good grooming routine then keep the clippers in the lower drawer and be creative with your grooming styles.
Quick tip: Paint the inside wall sage green. This defines the dog zone and hides the smudges!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @guildanderson
#10: Under-Window Dog Nook with Vertical Storage (3×3 Corner Fits Bed, Bowls & Supplies)
Your living room corner is empty. It is under the window and you have no idea what to do with it. Your dog’s bowls are in your kitchen and toys are scattered everywhere.
3×3 corner setup The large cushioned bed in this corner is tucked up against two walls, giving it a cozy feel for the pups. Above the bed are wall-mounted hooks for leashes and grooming tools so they don’t have to dig through drawers. In the small side table (which is only 18 inches tall) the food and water bowls are placed at a comfortable height for medium-sized dogs. The cushion is easy to wash when muddy paws track in dirt.
It fits beside your existing furniture and does not block any walkways. Your dogs can come in the room from the hallway, lay in their corner, and stay out of the way of guests. The neutral olive green shades will go with any dog custom idea. Your dogs will not look like they have a hodge-podge of bedding. If you like this idea, you can adapt it to make your dog bed to match your room’s style.
Every day I fill their bowls from the area in front of their food bins in the pantry, I hang their leashes after walks, and they always run back to “their” spot (which is the area around their bowls) when it’s time for a meal or if someone visits. Everything is contained within the space of one 9 square foot area.
Today’s task is to measure the empty corner of your room. Find a 3×3 square of space on the floor and tape out a plan for the space with painter’s tape.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @cafidepets
#11: Under-Stairs Dog Nook (Turns Dead Space Into Custom Corner)
Your dog lies sprawled across the length of the hallway. You trip over dog bowls daily. That under-stairs triangle is empty while dog stuff sits everywhere.
A measurement of your stairs will tell you that most of the space underneath a flight is around 3×4 feet. From that 6 feet high to 18 inches, which is a perfect space for a dog corner. I framed a simple opening, and decided to add some white trim around it. I put bead board up to the point of where it would hit the baseboard to make it match with the rest of the house. I decided to add one floating shelf at 12 inches from the bottom to hold two elevated bowls. I decided to add three wall hooks for their leashes. To store their kibble, I placed a drawer on the bottom, and put a 30×24 bed against the back wall. In total it would take up 12 sq feet of space I wasn’t using anyway.
Vertical storage also means that there is not only bowl, food, toys and dog bed that are all in one little zone, saving you precious hallway space, as your guest don’t have to dodge the dog’s supplies. The enclosed design also creates a den like feeling that dogs love. See more 12 Creative Dog Room Ideas for Your Furry Friend for some great ideas. After a walk, hook the leash on the hook and wipe his paws on the mat. He will settle into his nook in under 30 seconds.
You can paint it white so that it blends in with the trim of your home and your guests will think it’s a piece of furniture built-in to your home, but you know it’s actually the dog’s headquarters. If you’re looking for the perfect dog bed, check out 10 Creative Pallet Dog Bed Ideas for Your Furry Friend.
Quick tip: Add a battery led strip under the shelf. He finds water bowls at night without having to turn lights on.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @allofhomes
Your Small Space Dog Corner Starts Now
I’m sure you’ve got a lot of inspiration in you to create your very own stylish dog corner that not only suits you but also your best friend. So today, why not just get started by doing away with that awkward corner by the couch.
Dog owners always struggle with the space problem. Here are 11 creative dog nook ideas to transform a tiny space into a functional dog space. If you have space outside you can use, check out 17 DIY dog run ideas or 18 DIY dog fence ideas.
Pin your favorite corner set up so you don’t forget about it when you’re ready to re-arrange this weekend. Your dog deserves their own special spot and your living room deserves to look good too.
Which dog corner is best for you? All the dog corner ideas in this article are perfect for your small space.
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.
