This DIY Dog Bed Looks So Much More Expensive Than It Is—Here's How to Make It

From House Beautiful

Of all the things that can throw off a living room aesthetic, an unsightly dog bed takes the cake. But we're not suggesting investing in a super high-end, ridiculously expensive dog bed. As it turns out, building your own dog bed that's just as comfortable and stylish as any store-bought version is a lot easier than it may sound. We put it to the test by building our very own midcentury modern-inspired dog bed. Keep reading to learn what supplies you'll need and then follow the step-by-step directions to make your own. We promise it's a win-win-win situation for your pet, bank account, and living room feng-shui.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

What you'll need:

  • A dog pillow

  • Plywood

  • Paint (we used Benjamin Moore's Hazy Blue in a matte finish)

  • Kilz Primer

  • Circular saw

  • Pencil

  • Measuring Tape

  • Paint Roller

  • Paint Brushes

  • Wood Filler

  • Sandpaper

  • Wood Screws

  • Drill

  • Hairpin Legs

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Step-by-step directions:

  • First, measure the cushion so you can use those dimensions to guide your wood-cutting.

  • Purchase and cut plywood to size, accommodating for sides, back and lip of the dog bed frame. (In our case, we used an 18" x 23" pillow, so the base is 18" x 23", the back is 10" x 23", the sides are 18" x 10" and lip is 3" x 22".) Novice DIYers should use a hardware store that offers cut-to-cut wood and to purchase sealed plywood for easier painting.

  • Once you cut your wood, prime and paint it your color of choice.

  • Using your wood screws and drill, mount each side to the base. Then mount the back to the base.

  • Secure the hairpin legs to the base using shorter screws and the drill.

  • Next, mount the lip to the front of the base.

  • Once everything is secure, plaster over the screws to even out the surface, and then touch up all those areas with paint.

  • And finally, once the paint dries, add the dog cushion.

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