20+ DIY Dog Bed Ideas: From Sizzling to Simple & Stylish

Who says dog beds can't be a fantastic DIY adventure? You don't need a toolbox or pro skills to make your furry friend's dream bed. It's all about having fun and getting creative. From simple 'no-sew' scrap masterpieces to fancy outdoor sun-and-rain shelters, I've got 20+ DIY dog bed ideas to spark your crafty genius. Let's get those tails wagging!

Amazing DIY Dog Beds

These beds may feel complex at first, but I just love how stylish and elegant they look. If you're more of a newbie (like me), don't worry, I've got some great DIY dog beds for beginners farther down.

No-Sew Braided Bed

Rope beds are actually really easy to make, are super comfy, and have a unique look. And the best part — no sewing! It may seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be done in no time.

Outdoor Weather-Proof Dog Bed

An outdoor dog bed can give your dog a luxurious place to chill out on sunny days. Simply build the structure around your chosen dog bed. With this custom-made haven, your dog will have their very own spot to unwind under the blue sky.

Old Chair Turned Dog Bed

If you have old chairs gathering dust in the garage, it's time to grab one to repurpose into a chic dog bed. It's a fantastic way to upcycle, and it adds a quirky yet adorable piece of furniture to your home.

Stylish and Modern Dog Beds

If you have a dog bed that clashes with the design of your house, it's time to give it a refresh. From a simple throw blanket that can add a splash of color to some cool DIY hacks for a complete transformation, there's a solution to turn any misfit bed into your room's new highlight.

Mid-Century Modern Dog Bed

If you like a classic, old-fashioned look for your home, making a vintage-style dog bed could be a great idea. The bed will not only be a comfy spot for your dog but also a stylish addition to your decor.

Ikea Hack Dog Bed

I stumbled upon this fantastic video that's jam-packed with tips on how to add some pizzazz to your out-of-date IKEA dog bed. It doesn't take too much extra work, but you will have to flex your creative muscles to get the job done.

Minimalist Industrial Dog Bed

If you're all about that minimalist lifestyle where less is more and every item needs to have a purpose, this sleek dog bed design is right up your alley. It's the kind of bed that blends seamlessly with your clean, uncluttered decor, while still offering your furry friend the ultimate nap spot.

Rustic Platform Dog Bed

This platform bed adds a touch of charm to any farmhouse.  

Bed on a Budget

You can still make a dog bed if you're on a budget. Check out this DIY bed that you can make yourself for less than it costs to go to the pet store.

Recycled and Upcycled Dog Beds

These fun projects are still super stylish, but have the added bonus of keeping trash out of landfills and allowing you to repurpose old or meaningful items to give to your furry friend.

Old Suitcase Turned Stylish Sleeping Quarters

Upcycling an old suitcase as a dog bed is perfect for keeping your furry friend off the ground and providing them with a comfortable, squishy place to sleep.

Materials:

• Old suitcase
• Old blanket or pillow

Instructions:

1. If you have a few suitcases lying around, choose the one that best fits your dog.
2. Open the suitcase and place a comfortable blanket or old pillow inside.
3. See what your dog thinks!

A suitcase with low sides is best, as it's easier for your dog to climb in. Putting an old pillow or blanket inside means your dog's bed will be easy to clean when the time comes, too. In just a few minutes, you have a perfect place for your pooch to sleep!

Laundry Basket Turned Circle Bed

If you have an old laundry basket lying around, it could make a great dog bed. A taller basket can work for larger dogs, but if your dog is shorter, you can turn the basket on its side so they can climb in.

Materials:

• Circular laundry basket (wicker looks great, but any material can work)
• Old pillow
• Blanket

Instructions:

1. Wipe the laundry basket down with a wet paper towel if it hasn't been used in a while.
2. Place a pillow inside that will fill up the basket.
3. Add an old blanket for extra comfort.

End Table Turned Den Bed

Upcycle an old end table by removing the legs and adding a cushion or pillow to the bottom. This will create a unique and stylish dog bed that will fit in with your decor. Here's how to get started:

Materials:

• End table
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint or stain
• Foam cushion or pillow
• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Staple gun
• Decorative trim or ribbon (optional)

Instructions:

First, choose an end table that is large enough for your dog to lie down in. Then, take these steps:

1. Remove the door from the end table if necessary.
2. Measure the top of the end table and cut a piece of foam cushion, or add a pillow to fit.
3. If you're using foam, cover the foam with a soft, washable fabric and wrap your filler with it (if you're feeling ambitious, you can sew the edges together too).
4. Staple the fabric-covered cushion to the bottom of the end table, making sure it is secure and centered (you can also leave the bedding loose for easier cleaining later, if desired).
5. Place the pillows or cushions along the edges of the end table to create a cozy border for your dog to snuggle up against.
6. If desired, add decorative trim or ribbon to the edges of the cushion or pillows to give the dog bed some extra flair.

Old Pallets Turned Bed on Wheels

You know those pallets you see up for grabs pretty much everywhere? I've got a bit of a hobby of snagging those whenever I can because, honestly, they're like gold for DIY projects like this DIY pallet dog bed.

Old Mattress Topper Turned Cozy Bed

Got an old mattress topper gathering dust? Don't let it go to waste — it's actually the perfect starting point for creating an ultra-cozy sleeping spot for your four-legged friend.

Old Scraps Turned Small Dog Bed

Don't toss those leftover fabric scraps just yet. They could be your ticket to crafting the cutest little bed for your small canine buddy. We're talking about the perfect snug spot for those pint-sized pooches like shih tzus or pomeranians. Imagine your fluffy little friend curled up and cozy in a bed made by you — it’s totally doable and will add that personal touch to their naptime

Old Foam Mattress Turned Giant Dog Bed

If you've been thinking about getting a new foam mattress, use your old one to make a couple dog beds to put around the house. This can be super helpful if you have more than one dog needing a bed or if you're looking to add beds in a couple different rooms.

Old Couch Cushion Turned Cozy Spot

If you are throwing out an old couch, or know of someone who is, grab a cushion to repurpose as a dog bed.

Materials:

• Old couch cushion
• Blanket (optional)
• New stuffing (optional)

Instructions

1. Grab the old couch cushion to place on the floor for your pup.
2. If desired, you can leave it as is or wrap it in a blanket for added comfort.
3. Remove old stuffing and add new material — anything soft can work, including pillow filler or even old T-shirts.

Your couch cushion might be worn out, so don't hesitate to open it up and pull out the old stuffing. That way, you can customize your dog's comfort.

Projects for Beginners

If you're like me and you're not top-notch at DIY projects, you might want to lean more toward these simple dog beds. I mean — don't get me wrong — I totally want to be the cool Pinterest mom, but it's just not where I am at in my DIY journey yet. That being said, these are totally simple and don't require you to be super crafty.

Stuff an Old Sleeping Bag for a Large Dog Bed

If you have a large dog, an old sleeping bag can do the trick. Bonus: your old sleeping bag probably has some of your smell left on it, and it's already super soft. Your dog will love it.

Materials:

• Old sleeping bag
• Old clothes or pillows

Instructions:

1. Lay the old sleeping bag out on the floor or a table.
2. Zip up the sleeping bag.
3. Fill up the sleeping bag with old clothes or old pillows to make the bed softer.
4. Lie it down on the floor and wait for your dog to get comfy.

Build an Elevated PVC Dog Bed

Beds made out of PVC can hold up pretty well, and you can grab the pipes fairly cheap at Home Depot. But before you run out to the store, check the garage to see if there's anything lying around. Some people have extra pieces from old home projects.

No-Sew Fleece Dog Bed

Fleece can keep your dog cozy and warm. Plus, with this DIY dog bed, you can pick out what theme you want your dog's bed to have.

Snuggle Bed for Burrowers

Snuggle beds are perfect for the cold months or dogs who love to dig, and they're super simple to make. All you need is a fleece blanket and a pillow. 

4 More DIY Dog Bed Ideas

If you're looking for something different, check out these ideas:

1. Try your hand at a DIY Sweatshirt bed to create a cozy round dog bed like Sniff Design Studio
2. Repurpose your old dresser drawers for this DIY dog bed that Liz Marie developed
3. Try a no-sew fleece dog bed for dogs of any size by Luigi and Me
4. Create your own DIY Plywood dog bed for any dog breed by Our Nerd Home

Tips for Making Your DIY Dog Bed

There are a few things to keep in mind when you're creating your own dog bed:

• Make sure the dog bed is large enough for your pet. If it's too small, they may not be able to stretch out or turn around comfortably.
• The bed should be comfortable and soft enough for your dog's liking. Some dogs prefer firmer surfaces, while others like softer ones. Create a bed based on your dog's preferences.
• Choose a material that's easy to clean — modern synthetic materials are highly washable.
• Make sure the bed is sturdy and won't tip over or collapse.
• Check the materials you're choosing to make sure they aren't hazardous.

Get Started

Before you get into creating your dog's bed, take a look at your individual dog. Make a dog bed that's their size, works with their sleeping habits, and is as soft as they need it to be. If you have a senior dog, you may elect for something that's closer to the floor so they can get in and out easily. Play around with your options. Get creative, and you'll find you can repurpose and upcycle any soft coverings or appropriate containers into excellent dog beds.