This post was inspired by a reader who reached out about a frustrating decorating dilemma: her dog crate clashed with her home’s decor and she couldn’t find a way to make it look intentional. To help, we brainstormed a few practical and attractive solutions. Below you’ll find a simple DIY idea we use at home plus a selection of attractive crate approaches worth considering if you want a crate that complements your living space.

First, a quick note about our setup: we tucked our dog’s crate into an empty guest-room closet, which works perfectly for our tiny pup. The closet door remains open most of the time so the crate feels integrated rather than hidden — we only close it when we have guests and need the extra room. This approach is a great example of how a little creative placement can make a crate feel like part of the room instead of an eyesore.

If you don’t have a spare closet or your crate is larger, a skirted dog crate that doubles as a side table can be an elegant DIY solution. Fabric slipcovers made specifically to fit around crates are available, but creating your own skirted cover is an achievable project for many crafters. Choose a fabric that complements your bedroom, living room, or whichever room houses the crate, and sew or attach a skirt that hides the crate’s base while leaving an opening for your dog.

For those less inclined to craft, professional tailors can make a custom cover that fits precisely and matches your decor. Inside the crate, add a coordinating cushion or pillow for comfort and style. To convert the top of the crate into usable furniture, cut a piece of plywood to size and stain or paint it to act as a tabletop. This creates a handy surface for a lamp, a plant, or decorative objects, turning the crate into a discreet and functional piece of dog-friendly furniture.

When designing a fabric cover, think about practical details: include a subtle fabric flap or overlapping skirt for easy dog entry, or leave one side partially open so the crate appears less like a kennel and more like an integrated furniture piece. Angling the opening slightly can reduce the visual prominence of the crate entrance while keeping it accessible for your pet.

If DIY isn’t your preference, there are stylish ready-made crate covers and furniture-style crates designed to look at home in modern interiors. These options range from fabric slipcovers to fully enclosed wooden crate cabinets that function as end tables or media cabinets. While higher-end dog furniture can be more expensive than basic metal crates, consider it an investment: a well-designed piece can stay in your home for many years and won’t compete with your decor the way an unattractive metal crate often does.

To help your decision, prioritize these features:

• Durable materials that stand up to chewing and frequent washing.
• Ventilation and visibility for your dog’s comfort and safety.
• Easy access for cleaning and bedding changes.
• Design that complements your existing furniture—neutral tones or coordinated patterns work well.

Whether you choose a custom skirt, a plywood-topped tabletop crate, or a ready-made designer crate, the goal is the same: make your dog’s space look intentional and integrated with your home. Thoughtful choices in fabric, finish, and placement can transform a practical necessity into a polished piece of dog-friendly furniture.

We hope these ideas inspire you to give your pup a more attractive and comfortable crate. If you try a DIY cover or buy a stylish crate, we’d love to see before-and-after photos—especially ones with your dog showing off their upgraded space.