10 Dog Crate Ideas That Are Big on Style, Not Just Function

Crate life just got an upgrade. These dog crate designs are equal parts practical and Pinterest-worthy.

If your pup’s crate clashes with your cozy home vibes, it might be time for a stylish upgrade. With a little creativity—and a dash of dog mom flair—you can turn that kennel into a chic, comfy retreat that works for your décor and your dog.

Before you break out the throw pillows and wood stain, though, one thing’s non-negotiable: comfort and safety come first. A crate should always be a restful, secure space your dog wants to hang out in—not just a pretty piece of furniture.

Dog crates aren’t just basic wire boxes stored in an unused room anymore—they can now be stylish furniture like end tables or consoles. So whether you’re shopping for a furniture-style crate or DIY-ing your way to something fabulous, here are some crate glow-up ideas your pup (and your Pinterest board) will approve of.

Dog Crate Smarts Before the Style

Before you break out the paint swatches or start styling like you’re on HGTV, let’s talk basics. A beautiful crate means nothing if it doesn’t meet your dog’s needs first.

Your dog should be able to stretch out, sit up, and turn around without bumping into the sides. Good airflow is a must, especially if your pup tends to overheat. And if you’ve got a chewer on your hands? Make sure those bars or slats are close enough together to keep curious snouts out of trouble.

Once the comfort and safety boxes are checked, you can dive into the fun stuff—like picking a crate setup that blends in beautifully with your space and keeps your pup exactly where they want to be: right by your side.

1. Double Duty: Turn Your Dog’s Crate Into a Table

Let’s be honest—floor space is precious, especially when you’ve got dog toys, treat jars, and a rogue sock or two in the mix. So why not let your pup’s crate pull double duty? With the right design (or a little DIY magic), a sturdy crate like this furniture-style dog crate can moonlight as an end table, nightstand, or even a console. Toss on a lamp, a plant, or maybe a framed photo of your favorite four-legged—and boom, it’s functional, stylish, and totally dog-mom-approved.

Crate table inspiration via Pinterest – functional and fabulous.

2. Slip It, Style It, Calm It

Want to make a wire crate disappear into your décor and create a cozy den your dog wants to hang out in? Enter the slipcover. A custom-fit fabric cover can instantly soften a crate’s look—think tailored, not temporary. Bonus? Covered crates can help soothe anxious pups by blocking out distractions and creating a safe, quiet space.

Pick a fabric that matches your vibe (hello, neutral linen or fun pattern), and if you’re crafty, sew one yourself with roll-down flaps or tie-backs. Add a sturdy tray or wood top, and just like that—you’ve got a calming hideaway that doubles as a side table.

Function meets flair in this crate setup.

3. Dog Crate Island: The Mudroom MVP

If you’ve got a big dog with an even bigger crate, don’t hide it—highlight it. A high-top crate setup can work wonders in busy spaces like mudrooms, giving your dog a chill spot while doubling as a drop zone for the whole family.

Think of it as a stylish island with purpose. Add a butcher block or wood surface on top for stashing keys, tossing mail, or lining up treat jars. Bonus points if your flooring is easy to clean (because wet paws happen) and if you’re feeling fancy, hang a pendant light or two to give it that “built-in” look.

Functional, tidy, and dog-inclusive—this setup keeps your pup nearby but out of the chaos when backpacks start flying.

Mudroom goals with built-in crate charm

4. Built-In and Beautiful

Ready for crate goals? If you’re remodeling or reworking a space, consider building your dog’s crate into the design. Whether it’s your home office, hallway nook, or mudroom, a custom-built crate can look like it was always meant to be there—and your dog gets a prime hangout spot right near the action.

Design it to fit your dog’s size and habits (snugglers need space!), add front panels for airflow, and match the finishes to your existing cabinets or shelves so they blend seamlessly. You can even install discreet latches or hidden hardware to secure the space.

The best part? You no longer have to drag a giant crate out of the room whenever guests come over—it’s already part of the plan and the aesthetic.

5. Add a Dash of Farmhouse Charm

Love that modern farmhouse look? Your dog’s crate can get in on the vibe too. Think beadboard accents, soft whites or muted sage, and repurposed touches that feel one-of-a-kind. Built into a cabinet base or tucked beneath a console, a farmhouse-style crate can blend right into your kitchen or hallway without missing a design beat.

Want to really level it up? Swap the standard door for something with character—like a vintage floor grate or repurposed wood panel. Finish it off with a washable cushion in a ticking stripe or cozy neutral, and you’ve got a space that’s equal parts Joanna Gaines and tail wags.

6. Treat That Dog Crate Like Real Furniture (Because It Is)

Who says your dog’s crate can’t be as chic as the rest of your furniture? Skip the clunky wire eyesore and opt for a sleek, furniture-style crate that actually adds to your room instead of distracting from it.

Tuck it in as a side table or low console, then style the space around it like you would any other cozy corner. Hang a floating shelf above it, layer in some framed art, and add a few pet-safe plants for texture. Boom—instant upgrade. Your pup gets their personal retreat, and you get a look that says “intentional design,” not “temporary dog zone.”

7. Create a Bench With Built-In Pup Appeal

Got a little shadow who insists on being wherever the action is? Turn that loyalty into a design win with a built-in kennel bench. Whether it’s nestled in the family room or perched under a window, a crate-bench combo gives your pup a comfy, secure spot—and offers extra seating or storage for the humans.

Add some pretty paneling on the sides, swap in metal bars for airflow, and top it with a soft cushion or a few throw pillows. Bonus: It makes the perfect front-row seat for squirrel-watching, mailman-monitoring, or just napping in the sun.

Just be sure the space is roomy enough for your pup to stretch and shift comfortably—style always follows safety.

8. Make the Dog Crate Part of the Main Attraction

Instead of hiding the crate, why not spotlight it—stylishly? Build a shelving unit around your pup’s crate and turn it into a true focal point. Think bold paint (hello, cheerful orange, or sage green), open shelves for plants or books, and a few fun accents that draw the eye up instead of straight to the crate bars.

Need a quick hideaway? Add a roll-down fabric shade you can tie up when it’s open and drop down when your dog needs quiet time—or when guests are on their way over. A few finishing touches, like the artwork above and cozy textiles nearby, help it feel like part of the room, not a separate add-on.

It’s a little crate, a little display wall, and a lot of personality.

9. Tuck the Crate Into a Window Seat Nook

If your dog is basically the breakfast nook MVP—always nearby and forever hopeful for a dropped crumb—why not give them a front-row seat and tidy up your space at the same time?

By integrating your pup’s crate into a built-in window bench, you create a multifunctional spot that works for the whole family. The crate becomes part of the seating area, a side table, or even storage—all while looking completely intentional. Match the trim to your cabinetry or wall color for a seamless finish that says custom, not makeshift.

And the best part? You get to ditch the clunky old metal crate in favor of something that blends in and brings your dog closer to where they want to be—right next to you (and your breakfast).

10. Turn a Cabinet Into a Cozy Crate Hideaway

Small dog? Small space? No problem. A lower cabinet in your kitchen, laundry room, or mudroom can become the perfect built-in retreat for your pup—if you plan it right.

Start by ensuring plenty of airflow and enough room for your dog to turn around and stretch out. Skip any cabinets near cleaning supplies or chemicals, and choose a safe, quiet spot. Cut out one side for an entryway, add a comfy bed, and hang a little curtain for privacy (and cuteness).

With just a few tweaks, you’ve created a tucked-away kennel that feels intentional, cozy, and right in the heart of your home—exactly where your dog wants to be.

Style Meets Snuggles

A dog crate doesn’t have to be something you hide—it can be something you highlight. Whether you’re working with a basic wire-frame or a custom-built nook, there’s real magic in turning a crate into a place your dog chooses to go, not just where they must stay.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about decor—it’s about love. About creating a space that says, “You belong here.” A cozy corner that feels like home for the dog who makes your house feel whole.

So whether you’re adding a farmhouse twist, tucking it into your mudroom, or giving it a name like “Carly’s House,” just know this: you’re doing crate time the dog-mom way. Stylish, thoughtful, and filled with heart.

📸 Tag me @savvydogmom with your crate glow-up—I’d love to see how you made your pup’s space feel like home.