Dog Crate Decorating Ideas for Modern Homes

Dog crates can be a useful tool for training and traveling, but for some dog owners, their stark appearance can interfere with home décor ideas in some areas.

With convincing dog crate decorating ideas, you can ensure your pet’s crate or kennel fits right in with your interior design aesthetic, while making your pup feel at home.

Adding soft textiles, stylish accents, and special touches not only dresses up your dog crate but also enhances the crate’s function.

Continue reading this guide to discover some impressive dog crate decoration ideas that you can implement in your home.

Decorating your dog crate is an easy project that can be done within a weekend, depending on the level of work needed.

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How to Hide a Dog Crate in Plain Sight

Sometimes the best way to solve a bulky dog crate problem is to make it disappear, at least visually.

With some creativity, you can camouflage your dog’s crate into your décor so well that your guests won’t even know it’s there.

If you live in a small space or just want a neater appearance, there are many hidden dog crate ideas to combine form with function.

1. Under the Table

If you’ve got a sturdy end table or console, you could simply tuck the crate under. Depending on the dimensions, your crate might slide into place with no additional effort.

Drape a curtain around the table’s edge or find a custom-fitted crate cover to conceal the structure without sacrificing breathability.

Try this in an entryway, hallway, or next to your couch to turn your crate into an inconspicuous part of your furniture arrangement.

2. Behind The Couch

If you have a couch that isn’t placed flush against the wall, the space behind it can come in handy.

A crate can be tucked back there out of view, particularly if you use a cover for the crate or you put plants and decorative storage around it.

It’s an especially practical solution for smaller homes with limited floor space.

Utilizing the hidden wall space behind furniture lets you achieve a neat aesthetic while maintaining your dog’s comfort.

3. Custom Built-Ins

For a truly integrated look, some pet parents go the distance with custom-built-ins. Picture crate-sized cabinets built under bookshelves, within mudrooms, or even as part of a bench.

These arrangements often involve some planning (or at least a little carpentry), but the results have an intentional, finished quality.

4. Furniture that is a Crate

As you may have already guessed, furniture that is also a crate is one of the most popular and elegant pieces out there.

Search for end tables, coffee tables, or even media consoles that were specially designed to incorporate a crate into the piece.

You’ll get two purposes out of these while also finding styles in modern or rustic finishes to match the rest of your home.

Some even feature additional storage above or on the sides. If you’ve been looking around hiding dog crate ideas, this is where practicality meets style.

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DIY Dog Crate Decorating Ideas

1. How To Make A Dog Cage Cute

Materials Needed

• Select-grade wood
• Aluminum rods or bars (¾” diameter, cut to length)
• Wood glue (non-toxic)
• 1½” pocket hole screws
• ¾” plywood
• Pre-primed beadboard
• Edge banding
• Wood stain and clear polyurethane
• Sandpaper (grits 120, 150, 220)
• Crib mattress

Tools Required:

• Table saw
• Planer (or purchase pre-planed boards)
• Drill press with ¾” spade bit
• Pocket hole jig
• Screwdriver or drill
• Orbital sander

Method

1. Measure your dog and your space. Size your crate so your dog can stretch out in length, stand in height, and easily turn around in width. This one was built to the size of a crib mattress for easy sizing.
2. Plane or rip your wood to 1″ thickness to accommodate the size of your crate bars and a nice smooth, clean finish.
3. Cut all of your frame pieces to length. Design your crate with a slightly higher base on one side to conceal the crib mattress while still allowing airflow and visibility.
4. Use a drill press and a ¾” spade bit to drill evenly spaced holes into the top and bottom frame rails for your crate bars. Mark and drill both rails together to ensure perfectly aligned holes.
5. Dry-fit your crate frame and attach the bars before final assembly. Cut your bars to length once all of the holes are drilled.
6. Assemble your crate panels with wood glue and 1½” pocket screws. Start with the base frame and then the side panels.
7. Add extra reinforcement to the back using ¾” plywood if you plan on using beadboard backing for stability.
8. Cut and attach the crate’s top panel using pre-drilled pocket holes from the inside of the crate. Add edge banding for a finished edge.
9. Sand the entire crate, making your way through grits 120 to 220 for a super smooth finish.
10. Apply wood stain to your desired color and finish with two coats of clear polyurethane for durability.
11. Build and attach the front gate last, allowing for ¼” clearance on all sides for smooth operation. Add hinges and a latch if desired.
12. Slide your crib mattress into place or remove it in the summer to let your pup enjoy the cool floor.

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2. Dog Kennel End Table DIY

Main Materials:

• (1) 36″ wire double-door dog crate
• (2) Upcycled cabinet doors
• (4) Hobby board legs –
• (4) Apron boards
• (24) ¾” corner braces
• (1) Flat straight brace
• (60) #6 x ½” wood screws
• Felt pads
• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• Butcher block conditioner

Tools:

• Measuring tape
• Speed square
• Skill saw
• Sander or sandpaper
• Drill + 8/32 drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Sawhorses

Method

1. Measure your crate, then sketch out the dimensions of your table. Remember to account for a 2″ overhang on all sides of the finished top.
2. Cut the cabinet doors to size with a skill saw, then sand the cut edges smooth.
3. Attach the cabinet doors using scrap wood and screws from the back to create the tabletop.
4. Cut all four table legs to 26″ (measure up an extra 2″ above the height of the crate).
5. Measure and cut the apron boards: two side aprons to 36″ and two front/back aprons to 23″ (+ 0.5″ if you want it to slide on easier).
6. Attach aprons to legs with corner braces. Make sure the legs sit about ¼” past the edge of the apron, then pre-drill and screw in place.
7. Center the leg-and-apron assembly onto the bottom of the tabletop, then use additional corner braces to secure the frame to the top.
8. Install a flat metal brace across the back if you need additional support (or if you’re not adding a rear apron).
9. Fill the seam between the cabinet doors on the top with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth.
10. Condition the tabletop with butcher block wax or finish using a lint-free cloth, rubbing it all over the surface.
11. Set the completed table structure onto the crate. Add pads to the bottom of the legs if you’ll be placing it on hard floors.

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3. Coffee Table Dog Crate

Materials Needed

• 67mm PAR pine
• Laminated pine shelving board
• (4) 30mm wood screws
• (8) Steel angle braces
• Wood filler

Tools:

• Drill/driver
• Countersink bit
• Tape measure and pencil
• Orbital or multi-sander

Method

1. Measure the height, length, and width of your dog crate. Add at least 10mm to each dimension so the finished table frame will slide over your dog crate easily.
2. Cut four corner posts to the height of your dog crate. Join each corner with horizontal frame pieces using butt joints and wood screws. Pre-drill and countersink the holes so they can be filled later for a neater finish.
3. Measure and cut cross pieces for both the top and bottom of your frame. Attach these between the corner posts to complete the rectangular frame.
4. Fasten the cross beams in place using screws from the inside or back of the corner posts.
5. Cut the tabletop 20mm wider and longer than your frame to allow an overhang all the way around.
6. Sand all surfaces with 120-grit, then 240-grit sanding pads. Wipe clean and apply your choice of finish – stain, paint, or sealer – to all surfaces before building the full piece.
7. Attach steel angle braces under the tabletop to hold it securely in position on the frame without fixing it in place.
8. When dry, place your finished frame over your dog crate and put the top in place.

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How To DIY a Dog Crate Cover

Changing the outward look and feel of your dog’s crate is as easy as making a custom dog crate cover.

It covers harsh lines, helps your crate match your home décor, and provides your pup with a cozy den-like space.

This simple DIY project helps you add function and style to an item you already own. When you look into your DIY crate cover options, the important part is selecting the right materials and fit.

Why Customize?

In addition to style, a crate cover has several functional advantages. Your dog will appreciate the extra privacy and security in a busy environment or while napping.

A fitted cover also minimizes visual clutter, making the crate a soft, clean-lined accent in your home.

With Dog Crate Cover Ideas, custom covers are versatile – you can change them out with the season or throw them in the wash as necessary.

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1. How to Make a Custom Dog Crate Cover

Materials You’ll Need

• 2+ yards of durable, breathable fabric (like canvas or outdoor fabric)
• Measuring tape
• Yardstick
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Cutting mat (if using rotary cutter)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Double-fold bias tape
• Heat & Bond (optional, for easier folding)
• Iron or mini press
• Fabric pins or clips
• Ribbon (optional, for ties)

Method

1. Measure your crate from top to bottom and side to side as well as front to back, taking the depth into account. Don’t forget to add a bit of seam allowance to each edge.
2. Cut your fabric into panels (one for the top and sides of the crate and two separate panels for the front and back). You may want to take the time to pattern-match when cutting if your fabric has a busy print.
3. Fold under the edges of each fabric panel to create a finished edge, using Heat & Bond and an iron to fuse the folded edges down in place if desired.
4. Wrap double-fold bias tape around the outer edges of each of the fabric panels, securing with pins or clips, and sew the tape in place with a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
5. Drape the long top-and-sides piece over the crate to check for a good fit, and pin the front and back panels into place.
6. Cut ribbon ties if you would like the front panel to be able to be rolled up, and pin them about three inches in from the edges of the panel.
7. Sew the front panel to the long top piece, making sure to also sew down the ribbon ties as you sew the panel into place. Repeat for the back panel.
8. Slip the finished cover over the crate to make sure that it hangs evenly without bunching or sagging.
9. Add extra ties or patches of Velcro to the inside corners if you want to be able to also roll up the front flap of the crate.
10. Once the cover fits the crate to your satisfaction, return your dog’s bedding to the crate and let your pooch enjoy their newly spruced crate.

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2. Simple Dog Crate Cover with Front Window

Materials Needed

• Utility or home décor fabric
• Measuring tape
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron and ironing board
• Pins or clips

Method

1. First, measure the length and height of your crate’s top, back, and sides. Add 1 inch to each measurement for seam allowances.
2. Plan your design and draw a diagram so you can visualize how each piece of the crate cover will go together.
3. Wash, dry, and iron your fabric. Cut the fabric pieces for each of your panels, referring to your measurements and diagram.
4. Prepare the front window panel by stitching a border around the window opening. Fold over the edge of the fabric by ¼ inch, press it down, and sew the fold down.
5. Attach the two side strips and one bottom strip to the top strip, completing the front panel that creates the window. Stitch the seams, and press the seams flat.
6. Sew the back and sides to each other by stitching along the vertical edges. Press the seams flat.
7. Attach the top panel to the completed sides and back by sewing along the top edge, matching all of the edges together.
8. Flip the cover right-side out and drape it over the crate. The front window panel will hang like a flap to cover the front of the crate, giving your dog some privacy but not blocking their view.

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3. How to Build a Dog Crate End Table Cover

Materials You’ll Need

• Several 1 x 2 wooden boards
• Optional 1 x 4 boards
• Wood screws or nails
• Wood glue
• Power drill or screwdriver
• Handsaw or miter saw
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Wood stain for the top
• Paint the base
• Measuring tape and pencil

Method

1. Cut four pieces of 1 x 2 to make a rectangle around the base of your crate. Cut another four pieces of equal length to make a second rectangle for the top.
2. Place a board vertically against the crate and mark how high you want the frame to be. Cut four pieces to this length for the legs.
3. Attach the legs between the two rectangles to make a tall cube frame that will sit over the crate.
4. Cut planks to length to cover the top. Use a combination of 1 x 2s and/or 1 x 4s and alternate the width for a more varied plank appearance.
5. Attach the top boards to the top rectangle using wood screws or nails. Don’t leave large gaps between the boards.
6. Sand the entire piece to remove rough spots.
7. Paint the frame in your choice of color to coordinate with your home decor. Stain the top for a finished wood appearance.
8. Dry, and set the finished crate cover over your dog’s crate and slide it into place. It should rest flush like a table around the crate without interfering with the door opening.

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4. Dog Crate Table Cover with Trimmed Top

Materials Needed

• Mitre saw
• Measuring tape
• Pocket hole jig
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Table saw
• Brad Nailer
• Paintbrush

Materials:

• 1×6 fence boards
• ¾” pine plywood
• Oak trim
• Wood glue
• Wood screws & brad nails
• Paint, primer
• Wood filler
• Wood conditioner
• Stain
• Polyurethane

Method

1. Measure your crate so that you have exact length, width, height, and door position dimensions. Make sure the door opens easily.
2. (Optional) Make a sketch or a CAD model of the design so that you can visualize it and make final decisions on dimensions.
3. Cut all wood pieces to size. Cut the plywood tabletop with the circular saw, fence boards with the mitre saw, and rip the boards and oak trim with the table saw as necessary.
4. Remember to add ½” to all of the dimensions of the crate so that the cover can slide over it.
5. Build the frame using wood glue and brad nails for the legs and attach the horizontal boards with wood screws driven in from the inside for a neater appearance.
6. Attach the oak trim around the perimeter of the tabletop using wood glue and brad nails. Rip the oak to the correct width before attaching it.
7. Fill nail and screw holes with wood filler, then sand the entire piece with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (80, 150, and 220 grit) until smooth.
8. Paint the bottom frame of the crate with two coats of primer and paint.
9. Attach the tabletop to the frame using a pocket hole jig to drill the holes and wood screws to attach the top.
10. Apply a coat of wood conditioner to the tabletop, then apply the walnut stain, then three coats of polyurethane.

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5. Double Dog Crate Cover with Antique Door Top

Materials Needed

Wood Products:

• 1 sheet of ½ inch thick plywood
• 5 boards of 1 x 3
• 2 boards of 2 x 2
• 1 antique door

Hardware & Supplies:

• Two 30″ long dog crates
• 41 pocket hole screws (1 inch)
• 62 standard wood screws (2 inch)
• Spackle or wood putty
• Sanding sponge
• Painter’s tape
• Brown paper
• 3 cans of navy-blue spray paint

Method

1. Cut all your wood to size (legs: The kennel requires six legs of 2×2 lumber measuring 23″ long for bottom support.
2. Use a pocket hole jig to drill ¾” pocket holes all along the edges of your antique door (top) and plywood (bottom). Drill 4 holes along each long edge and 2 holes along each short edge.
3. Attach 23″ side boards between the top and bottom pieces to create the ends of the frame using pocket hole screws. Add the 74.5″ front and back boards to connect the sides.
4. Drill pilot holes from the front and back 1×3 boards into the legs. Use 2″ screws to secure the legs into place. Fill all screw holes and gaps with wood putty. When dry, sand smooth.
5. Mask off the antique door top with painter’s tape and brown paper. If your trim is too tight to fit paper in, simply cover the top edges of your wood with tape to prevent overspray.
6. Spray your wood sections with three coats of navy-blue paint, allowing them to dry in between coats.
7. Place a cover over 2 dog crates and set the antique door top in place. The weight of the door should keep it from moving, creating a 2-in-1 dog kennel cover and bench.

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6. Fabric Cover for Dog Crate or Bunny Hutch

Materials Needed

• Medium-weight fabric
• Measuring tape
• Chalk or fabric marker
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Pins or fabric clips
• Thread
• Ties or ribbon
• Optional: zigzag stitch or pinking shears to finish raw edges

Method

1. Measure the top, sides, and front of your crate. Add ½ inch seam allowance, and 1 inch for hems.
2. Cut one top panel, two side panels, and one front flap, based on your measurements.
3. Hem all edges of the side panels and top panel with a double fold hem: fold ½ inch, press, fold again, and stitch.
4. For the front flap, there is less bulk if you zigzag the raw edge, then fold and stitch (rather than a double fold).
5. Sew each side panel to the top panel, along the long edges, to form a U piece. Fold and press the top edge of the front flap. Stitch ties into the top hem securely, before sewing.
6. Keep the bottom of the front flap open from the sides, so it can roll up when the crate is open. Sew the two side panels together at the back edges. This keeps the whole piece together.

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7. Sew a Dog Crate Fabric Cover

Materials Needed

• Durable, washable fabric
• Measuring tape
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors or a rotary cutter
• Pins or fabric clips
• Iron and ironing board (optional)
• Velcro, ties, or snaps

Method

1. Measure your crate width (side to side), height, and depth (front to back). Measure the door opening if you plan to include a front flap.
2. Cut out your fabric panels:

• Top piece: width x depth
• Side panels (2): depth x height
• Back panel: width x height
• Optional front flap: width x height
• Add ½ inch to all sides for seam allowance.

1. Hem all the edges of the panels (except the top panel). Fold each raw edge double (¼ inch twice), press, then sew for a clean hem that won’t fray.
2. Attach the panels to the top piece by laying them, right sides together, and sewing. Turn right side out and top stitch the seams for a cleaner finish.
3. Decide how you want the flaps to function:
4. To create one connected cover, sew the side panels to the front panel, along their vertical edges.
5. To create individual hanging flaps, leave each panel separate to hang independently.
6. Add Velcro, ties, or snaps so that the side and front flaps can be rolled up and fastened when the cover is open.
7. Set the cover on the crate and adjust the fit as needed. Add in small hems or adjust until it lays clean over the frame.

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Dog Crate Decorating Ideas Photos

Are you still searching for inspiration? This gallery of real-life examples will show you what other dog owners have been able to do.

1. Dog Crate Buffet Table

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2. In-built Drawer Dog Crate

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3. Hide A Dog Crate Ideas

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4. Hiding Dog Crate Ideas

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5. DIY Dog Crate Cover

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6. Farmhouse Crate Table

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7. DIY Dog Crate Covers

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8. Floral Quilted Comfort Crate

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Conclusion

Your dog’s crate can be both a den-like retreat for your dog and an attractive and functional part of your home.

With a DIY cover, a crate built into furniture, or well-hidden hocus pocus, you can have a crate that your dog will love and that will fit your decorating style.

The main thing is to have fun and come up with a solution that will make your dog’s crate a convenient, unobtrusive, and beautiful part of your home.

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Further Reading:

50 Stylish DIY Dog Crates For Comfort & Functionality