Dog crates are typically used whenever there’s no one else in the house to keep an eye on your pet. It also serves as their sleeping quarters, a safe place for them – especially when travelling – or a place for house training or preventing destructive behaviour.
With the growing needs of people wanting to have an aesthetically pleasing home with dog crates, dog accessories shops are responding well by providing modern dog crates that go well with the house’s interior.
To complement that, let us help you find ideas on creating an indoor dog crate that looks perfect in your home!
How to turn an indoor dog crate into a natural part of the house
There are an infinite number of ways to make your pet’s cabin appear perfectly at home in the heart of your house – exactly where your pet likes to be – with just a little ingenuity.
Shared by interior designers, here are some indoor dog crate ideas you may want to consider!
Turn it into a table
You can make a modest DIY table if your dog cage idea has to fit in a tiny area. You have two alternatives for this – either build a table with legs where you can insert the dog crate in the middle or just get a wide blanket to cover the top and sides.
You may also opt only to cover the top to allow more airflow for your dog. Additionally, your pup can see everyone in the house while inside the crate. It’s a win-win for everybody!
Create an island out of your dog’s crate
Consider using a high-top alternative to camouflage your dog’s crate if you have a huge dog that requires a lot of space. In the middle of your chosen room, you could want to think about installing a dog crate that a central island can cover that you build.
Seating area that doubles as a dog crate
Why not construct a cage for your pet in the middle of the living room if your beloved is the kind of dog that likes to follow you wherever you go? Whenever you hang out, and your dog is restricted to sitting beside you, a dog crate below you will feel that they are near you.
When placed in a location with a nice view, it can also serve as a window seat for your fur buddy so that they can monitor their surroundings.
Transform a cabinet into a dog crate
A lower cabinet in the kitchen is a great area to turn into a comfy bed for little dogs since it’s simple and provides plenty of storage space.
The most important thing is to check that the cabinet has sufficient room for air to circulate. And you should ensure it is kept far away from any cabinets keeping home cleaners or any other possible hazards.
Remove a cabinet door from a kitchen cabinet and dedicate the space for your dog. Install a curtain that can be lowered or pulled back as required.
Put the crate at the centre of things
Building a shelf unit around a crate and painting it a bright colour is one method to soften the look of a dog crate when placed in the most visited part of the house. The shelves not only offer visual interest but also create exhibition areas.
When your pup is exhausted and needs to rest, or when you wish to conceal the dog crate from view, you can lower a roll-down cloth shade by untying it.
Create a colour scheme complementary to the kennel by hanging artwork above it, adding accent cushions and a blanket to decorate a nearby sofa or chair. It will ensure that the crate is thoroughly integrated into the room’s design.
Furnish a crate as if it were furniture
You can include a dog crate into the design of a bedroom or living area by selecting an attractive, ready-made furniture-type item.
Mount a hanging shelf over it to showcase treasured artwork and complement it with pet-safe indoor plants of various sizes for a tailored wall display with natural touches.
Types of dog crates from which to choose
Now that you already have some ideas on blending your indoor dog crate with the rest of the house, it’s time to know the dog crate styles from which you can choose.
Remember that the material is just one factor in having attractive dog crates for your home. It’s still up to you how you design it and transform it into an aesthetic item.
Dog crates made of folding wire
The most common and widely used folding crate that you can buy nowadays is constructed from wire. These dog crates are long-lasting and may be collapsed down flat for convenient storage.
The good thing with this type of dog crate is its portability and travel-friendliness. It also includes a metal or plastic bottom that you can remove for easy cleaning and maintenance. You can also choose one that fits your dog because they’re available in different sizes.
However, basic wire cages don’t provide enough comfort for pets; thus, you should be prepared to spend additional money on a soft dog bed or crate cushion. And while it’s functional, you may not like it if you’re looking for stylish dog crates.
Dog crates with soft sides
A variation to the wire-made crate is the use of dog crates with soft sides typically made of canvas. This type is convenient for transport because of its low weight and the ease with which they can be assembled.
However, it’s less resilient than plastic wire or metal crates. And because a canvas cage isn’t as durable as other designs, you shouldn’t use it for dogs who have chewing and clawing tendencies or for larger hounds that can damage them from the inside.
Dog crates made of plastic
Plastic carrier crates are designed for easy travel with your canine companion, but they may also serve as a kennel in your house if you want.
Crates made of plastic typically have a solid plastic exterior and a door that locks and has metal struts for reinforcement. These carriers, much like canvas crates, provide a dimly lit environment, which is something that some dogs prefer.
These cages are ideally suited for small canines – to medium-sized dogs, but even larger dogs should have no trouble fitting inside.
Carriers made of plastic are available in a dizzying array of colours, sizes and functionalities. However, this may not be your best option if you’re particularly interested in indoor dog crate ideas that will look great in your home.
Dog crates made to last
Purposely made to last, heavy-duty crates are often only used as a last option since they’re both bulky and not very appealing to the eye. They’re usually manufactured out of steel, so they have the strength necessary to restrain strong, aggressive or destructive dogs.
They’re helpful for dogs who tend to destroy things or who love to escape, however, they won’t remedy the underlying issue producing these undesirable behaviours. Assembly is also required for heavy-duty containers, which may be challenging for some.
Because heavy-duty crates are often designed for larger dogs, finding ones that are suitable for smaller dogs may be challenging. Some versions could feature additional securing mechanisms or reinforcements to make the cage even more secure than it already is.
Speaking of destroying things, you may also need to know how to prevent and repair magnet screen door damage caused by pets. A dog crate may not be the only solution because there are also direct ways to deal with the repairs.
Dog crates made as furniture
Indoor dog crates ideas are inspired by furniture – functional and go well with the interior design of the house. And so, among these dog crate materials, furniture dog crates are closest to what you are looking for!
Traditional crates provide many advantages, but furniture crates combine those benefits with the style and functionality of side tables or bedside tables. You may also recall that this is one of the indoor dog crate ideas previously discussed to furnish a crate as though it were a piece of furniture.
We also recommend that these crates be used for house-trained dogs – those who don’t have any tendencies towards chewing or scratching furniture. This is because most furniture dog crates are constructed from wood or a combination of wood and plastic.
Looking for a minimalist dog crate?
The five types of dog crates mentioned in the previous section have their respective pros and cons, and we acknowledge that you may be looking for a different one – perhaps a minimalist dog crate for a modern look.
If that’s the case, a clear dog crate may be the perfect thing for your pup! It’s a modern dog crate made of acrylic plastic for a transparent look, with the bonus of being collapsible.
Final thoughts
Your dog loves you and constantly seeks out opportunities to spend time with you. However, if you want to create a particular look with your interior design, you won’t want to plonk an unattractive plastic and wire cage where your dog sleeps in the middle of your living area.
Keep in mind that appearance follows functionality, and before you get started on a crate makeover, you need to choose a design that will still provide your dog with a warm and secure environment in which to live.
For a stylish yet purposeful dog crate designs and other dog accessories and needs, feel free to check out our products – with a guaranteed high-quality companion for your furry best friend!
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