Quick answer: choose dog crate furniture by your dog first and the room second. Measure your dog lying down with the front legs stretched out, from the tip of the front paws to the back of the hindquarters, and add about 6 in (15 cm) of room; that is the minimum inside length. Then check the exterior footprint against the space you have, pick a material that stays flat and wipes clean, and make sure the crate has real ventilation, a secure door and a floor you can take out and clean.
This guide walks through each of those steps, with the sizes we use for our own designs as a worked example.
What is dog crate furniture?
Dog crate furniture is a dog crate built to look and work like a piece of furniture: a side table, an end table, a console or a small cabinet. Instead of a wire cage in the corner, your dog gets an enclosed den with a door, and you get a surface you can use for a lamp, books or a plant. Most designs are made from wood or engineered wood panels, with either a slatted, barred or clear front.
It suits dogs that already sleep in a crate or like a covered space of their own, and homes where the crate lives in a living room or bedroom all year.
Step 1: measure your dog, not the room
A crate that is too small is uncomfortable. One that is far too large can feel less like a den and makes the footprint harder to place. Two measurements cover almost every dog:
- Length: dogs lie with their front legs stretched forward, so measure your dog lying down, from the tip of the front paws to the back of the hindquarters, and add about 6 in (15 cm) of room. A nose-to-tail measurement comes out too short. The inside length of the crate should be at least this.
- Height: with your dog sitting, measure from the floor to the top of the head. Your dog should be able to sit up without ducking.
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie flat on its side. If your dog is between two sizes, or is a puppy that is still growing, choose the larger size.
Weight is a useful shortcut
If you cannot measure right now, weight gets you close. These are the bands we use for our designs:
| Size | Lotus designs (Mid, BCL, SB CTL, FOD) | Classic series | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5-12 kg (11-26 lb) | 3-25 lb (1.4-11.3 kg) | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pug |
| Medium | 12-22 kg (26-48 lb) | 25-50 lb (11.3-22.7 kg) | French Bulldog, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi |
| Large | 22-40 kg (48-88 lb) | 50-80 lb (22.7-36.3 kg) | Border Collie, Labrador, Golden Retriever |
| X-Large | 40-52 kg (88-115 lb) | - | German Shepherd, Husky, Boxer |
Breeds vary a lot, so treat the breed column as a starting point and confirm with the tape measure. Our Size Guide lists the exterior dimensions of every model.
Step 2: check the footprint in your room
Exterior dimensions tell you whether the crate fits the space. Measure the wall, alcove or bedside where it will go, and leave a few centimetres behind it for air and for the door to open fully. As an example, our Mid design in Large is 30.6 in wide, 33.9 in high and 27.3 in deep (78 x 86 x 69 cm), which is close to the size of a small sideboard.
Also check the height against what you want on top. A crate that is meant to work as an end table should sit near the height of the sofa arm or bed next to it.
Step 3: choose a material that suits daily life
| Material | Good at | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered wood (MDF) with a painted or wood-look finish | Stays flat and stable, smooth finish, wipes clean, consistent colour | Keep it away from standing water and outdoor use; heavier than it looks |
| Solid wood | Natural grain, can be refinished | Can move with humidity; usually the most expensive option |
| Plywood | Light and strong | Exposed edges need sealing to look finished |
| Wire crate inside a wooden shell | Maximum airflow and visibility | Looks more like a cage; more parts to assemble |
All of our houses use engineered wood (MDF) panels with a non-toxic finish. We chose it because it holds its shape and cleans with a damp cloth, which matters more day to day than the look of the grain. It is an indoor material, so our designs are made for indoor and covered spaces only.
Step 4: the features that matter for your dog
- Ventilation: look for openings on at least two sides, not only the door. Our designs have ventilation openings built into the panels, so air moves even with the door closed.
- Door and lock: a clear door lets your dog see the room, which many dogs find calming. Check that the latch cannot be pushed open from inside. Ours is shatter-resistant acrylic with a steel latch that opens only from the outside.
- Floor: accidents happen, especially with puppies. A removable, water-resistant floor panel is much easier to clean than a fixed base.
- Bedding: a cushion cut to the crate size stops sliding and gaps. Check that the cover comes off and can go in the washing machine.
- Top surface: if you plan to use it as a table, ask how much weight the top can hold. Ours hold up to 100 kg (220 lb).
- Assembly: flat-packed crates should come with pre-drilled panels and all hardware. Ours take about 15 minutes.
Is dog crate furniture right for every dog?
Not always. A wooden crate is a den, not a training tool for a dog that is still learning to settle, and it is not the right choice for a dog that chews its surroundings when anxious. For those dogs, a sturdy training crate and guidance from your vet or a qualified trainer come first. Once your dog is calm in a crate, moving to a furniture-style design is usually easy, because the layout inside feels the same.
Where to put it
- Somewhere your dog can still see or hear the family, such as a living-room corner or next to your bed.
- Away from radiators, fireplaces and direct afternoon sun.
- On a level floor, with the door side clear so it opens fully.
Our designs, if you are comparing
Every Lotus Dog House is made to order in our workshop in Gönen, Türkiye, and leaves within 1-4 business days. Shipping is free and tracked on orders over US$250 to the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, with duties included, and the cushion comes with every house.
- All indoor dog houses: modern, Classic and sculptural designs
- Large dog crate furniture: sizes for dogs from 22 kg (48 lb)
- Classic series: nine walnut designs in three sizes
- Mid Walnut: our best-selling design
Frequently asked questions
What size dog crate furniture do I need?
Measure your dog lying down with the front legs stretched out, from the tip of the front paws to the back of the hindquarters, and add about 6 in (15 cm) of room for the minimum inside length. Make sure your dog can also sit up without ducking. If your dog is between sizes or still growing, choose the larger size.
Can dog crate furniture be used as a side table?
Yes, if the top is flat and strong enough. Our tops hold up to 100 kg (220 lb), so a lamp, books or a plant are no problem.
Is MDF safe for a dog crate?
MDF with a non-toxic finish is widely used in pet furniture. Keep it indoors and dry, and do not use it for a dog that chews the crate itself.
How do I clean a wooden dog crate?
Wipe the panels with a damp cloth and mild soap, lift out the floor panel to clean underneath, and wash the cushion cover on a cold, gentle cycle.
How long does assembly take?
It depends on the design. Ours take about 15 minutes with the included hardware and illustrated instructions.
