Dog crates are incredibly useful for training, safety and giving your pet a secure space, but they don't always blend easily into a well-designed home.
The good news is that with a few simple styling choices and the right practical accessories, you can turn a standard crate into a comfortable and attractive part of your living space. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a dog mat or dog rug to frame the crate area, protect your floors and make the whole setup feel more intentional.
Why Make Your Dog Crate Look Nice
A dog crate doesn't have to feel like a piece of equipment you've tried to hide away. When it looks neat and fits in with your home, it becomes part of your interior rather than something you want to cover up.
This is especially important in shared living spaces like living rooms, kitchens or hallways where the crate is always visible. A well-presented crate area helps reduce visual clutter while still giving your dog a safe, familiar space.
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate for Comfort and Style
Your dog’s crate should be a comfortable fit that respects their size and habits. It’s important that your dog can stand, turn around, and stretch out easily without it being too big for them at the same time.
Beyond size, consider the crate’s materials. Soft, washable inner padding and non-slip bases add comfort and practicality. Avoid absorbent materials that trap odour and be wary of placing crates near heat sources or cold floors for your dog’s well being.
Ways to Make Your Dog Crate Look Stylish
There are many inventive ways to upgrade your dog’s crate from a wire cage to a beautiful part of your home:
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DIY Wooden Covers or Furniture-Style Crates: Adding wooden panels or building a crate that doubles as furniture, like a side table, brings warm, natural textures that blend well with modern interiors.
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Crate Toppers: A crate topper can serve as a table, giving you extra surface space while hiding the crate’s frame.
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Decorative Curtains or Covers: Using breathable crate covers with stylish prints adds softness, hides metal bars, and creates a den-like feel for your dog.
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Built-in or Custom Cabinetry Crates: Incorporating crates into built-in shelves or cabinetry allows them to be part of the furniture and keeps rooms uncluttered.
Use Accessories to Make Dog Crates Look Nicer
When a dog crate looks soft and comfortable, it makes it look more suitable in your home. More like a normal dog bed, where you know that your dog can relax and get some rest in their own private space.
But some crates are too small for full-size dog beds to fit in them. Or if they do fit, then some dogs can find it awkward to walk on them within the crate boundaries.
Dog rugs are a great fit for crates, as they cover the hard plastic bottom and don’t take up too much real estate within the crate. This makes your dog’s crate more comfortable and look more visually pleasing in your home.
For the perfect fit, consider using a cut to size dog rug that can be made to fit seamlessly into their crate without bunching up in the corners.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Crate Clean and Odour-Free
A visually attractive crate is also one that stays clean and fresh. Remember these tips for keeping your dog’s crate clean:
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Opt for washable rugs, liners or pads that can be easily cleaned.
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Choose crates with removable trays to simplify cleaning even further.
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Ventilate the crate area well to prevent mustiness.
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Regularly clean the crate frame and bedding to keep it hygienic and welcoming.
Do Dogs Prefer Covered or Uncovered Crates?
Some dogs like to have covered crates that make them feel secure in their enclosed space, whereas other dogs might prefer a more open crate where they can still feel involved in what’s going on in the home.
Try both with your dog and see what makes them relax more. You may find that while crate training puppies, using a cover helps them settle down easier by reducing visual distractions, but when they are adult dogs they can self-regulate better so don’t need a cover anymore.
Whether or not you decide to cover their crate, you should still leave room for ventilation so that your dog is comfortable, has fresh air, and to avoid a build up of smells in their crate.
Upgrade Your Pet’s Space with Functional Style
Your dog’s crate can be both a safe haven and a beautiful part of your home. Whether you choose to invest in stylish commercially available crates, customise a DIY project, or decorate an existing crate, there are solutions that offer comfort, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.
Combining soft, washable materials like mats and rugs offers protection against muddy paws and stray hair to keep both you and your pet happy.
Explore options that suit your lifestyle and home layout to create a cosy retreat for your dog that also fits your living space. Your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind go hand in hand when dog crates look nice.
