Dog Room Ideas: Considerations for Dog Bedrooms + Inspo Pics!

For the pampered pup that has everything, why not gift them their very own bedroom? Here they can express their personality with posters of squirrels and interesting poops, invite their canine chums over for slumber parties and hide away when they’ve chewed up something they shouldn’t… But where should you set up your dog room, and what do you need to consider when doing so? Let’s take a look at some dog room ideas in this article!

Setting aside an area for your pet can be a pretty good shout. It doesn’t have to be an entire room, just a space they can call their own. This gives them a place to retreat if they need a little alone time. You might also choose to leave your pup here either overnight or when you are away from the house.

A designated dog room can also be a great place to keep all your fur-baby’s belongings together. Between beds, crates, toys, and grooming accessories, these can start to pile up. Some people even choose to make this spot the place for every doggy-related activity: feeding, brushing, bathing…

Where to Make Your Dog Room

When it comes to allocating space for your pup, it will all depend on what you have available to you and your pet’s specific needs (mostly their size). While the area doesn’t need to be large. If you plan to leave your pet there for hours at a time, you will want to make sure there is enough room to do this. Here are some possible options:

Double Up Your Laundry Room

The laundry room is one of the more common picks for a designated dog space. Many houses already come equipped with one. Plus, they tend to be free from soft (read chewable) furniture and other belongings, so you can keep your pal out of mischief. Everything in there is likely to be wiped-down clean as well. With plumbing and sometimes even a sink already installed, you could even set up an at-home puppy beauty parlor too.

Here is a cute example of this by @artisansignaturehomes on Instagram.

Choose Your Mudroom

The great thing about mudrooms is their design as gateways between the outside world and your home means they are both close to the door and relatively easy to clean. This makes them another potentially perfect option for housing your pooch. You won’t have to worry about tracking dirt throughout the house, and the set-up could give your friend easy access to the yard. Hooks, cupboards, and shelves you likely already have here can be super for storage or even for creating a snug little bedtime shelter.

Here is a cute example of this by @rejuvenation on Instagram.

Make a Dog House Under the Stairs

Another possibility for a little puppy palace is that often wasted spot beneath the stairs. Don’t let low ceilings faze you any. The cave-like feel of a cupboard under the stairs might make it the perfect place for your mutt to feel cozy and safe while they sleep. Replace solid doors with mesh or set up a gate to keep it ventilated and allow your pet not to feel shut in. Further benefits of repurposing this area mean you can finally get to throwing out the junk that has undoubtedly accumulated there.

Here is a cute example of this by @r_h_u_m_the_f_o_x_red on Instagram.

Use an Extra Bedroom

If you do have an extra bedroom going spare that you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause, this could be the best option for a larger dog or multiple pets that are happy to share space. Here you can let your creativity run wild while setting up the perfect place for your pal or pals. Otherwise, a few simple switchouts can easily make a room practical and functional. Just be sure to remove anything you don’t want your Dood wrapping their jaws around if chewing happens to be one of their favorite vices.

Here is a cute example of this by @harrythegoodestgoodboy on Instagram.

Create Space in Your Garage

If room in your house is in short supply, outhouses such as a garage are another possibility. However, these do tend to come with a specific set of issues. You may have items stored here that you wouldn’t want a curious puppy to get into, and temperature control could be a problem if you live in a place with extreme seasons. Dog gates and pens could be used to create a space within this space if you’re sure your pet won’t get too hot or too cold there.

Here is a cute example of this by @johnwick_theblackgsd on Instagram.

Include a Dog Zone in Your Office

Adding a little doggy den beneath your desk or in the corner of your home office enables your best friend to be in their favorite place – near you – while you’re working. If your pal is in the habit of muscling in on your Zoom calls or otherwise distracting you, you can block off a portion of the room with a gate or pen. Just make sure it’s well out of the way of wires, cables, or anything else you wouldn’t want anywhere near eager teeth.

Here is a cute example of this by @spencerandcompanydallas on Instagram.

Go with an Attic or Basement Space

If you have areas of your home that typically serve as flex spaces, such as the attic or basement, and they have fairly easy access, they can be a good alternative. You might dedicate the entire area to your dog or section off a small portion of the room to convert into puppy daycare. Either way, you’ll likely be able to include some serious storage options here. Be sure to store potentially harmful items well out of reach.

Here is a cute example of this by @petietheshihtzu on Instagram.

Pick a Corner or a Closet

Spaces that are otherwise unused as they are too tucked away to get to or fit any of your furniture into could also happily serve as little doggy nooks. The same goes for large closets, which again could mimic the den-like feel of your pup’s ancestor’s sleeping arrangements. Just be sure that your pet has space to move around. While closets make great bed spaces, they aren’t ideal for keeping your dog in during the day.

Here is a cute example of this by @alexandriaparis on Instagram.

Opt for a Tent!

We’re not talking about a camping tent out in the garden. Rather a play tent in the style of the teepees and play forts that typically decorate small children’s bedrooms. Doubling up nicely for Fido, they often look creative and cool in just about any space. Not only does a tent offer your furry friend a little sleeping privacy, but they are great for stashing those toys that would otherwise be underfoot. Obviously, a tent will not be a secure place for your pup to hang out, so again it’s better just for sleeping/storage purposes.

Here is a cute example of this by @styletrolley on Instagram.

What to Put in a Dog Room

Whatever space you decide on, chances are you’ll have to make a few modifications to make it comfortable, functional, and completely dog-safe. This will likely be easier with an older, calmer Dood who is unlikely to be up into everything. However, if you’re dealing with a young, rambunctious puppy, you’ll have to approach it in a way similar to if you were toddler-proofing your place. Identify anything and everything that could represent a potential hazard, and you won’t go far wrong.

Flooring and Walls

In the interest of keeping the walls and floors of your dedicated dog space safe and functional, you’ll want to avoid having any hanging wires or cables that your mutt could catch themselves on. This is true of hanging lead and collars too. Keep all these well out of harm’s way, tape down any electrical cords, or play them behind large furniture items where you can. Regarding the floor, rubber or foam flooring is easy to put down, durable and quick, and simple to clean.

Lighting

While dogs do have better night vision than us, it wouldn’t be right to leave your pup in the dark unless it’s just at night time when they’ll be sleeping. For daytime areas, spaces with windows or mesh doors will be fine, but darker areas could benefit from a bit of light – especially if your pet gets anxious. You might choose to leave a light on in another room, providing low lighting throughout the day. Alternatively, there is such a thing as a dog night light that could help keep your pooch calm both day and night.

Storage

If you’re using your new dog zone for storing canine-related accessories, you’ll also want to think carefully about how and where you’ll put everything. Boxes and bins are perfect for keeping toys organized while allowing easy access for your pup. Hooks on the wall are great for leashes, harnesses, and collars. If you’re thinking about having food, treats, cleaning materials, shampoo, and other items within easy reach, you’ll need to get a little creative to ensure your hound isn’t able to get their paws on them. Up high or behind closed doors is best. If not, doggy-proof containers and bins can work well too.

Bedding

As dogs spend at least half their time sleeping, you’ll want to think about a bed and bedding. If your pet hasn’t already got one, it’s a good idea to get one to help them feel good about their new safe space. You’ll have to factor in their size (or potential adult size), weight, and preferences (whether they like to sleep cuddled up or spread out). A bed needs to offer a good level of support. That is especially true if your pup is getting on in years. Here are a few of our favorite dog beds for Doodles. If your pal is crate trained, you can simply pop this in their new space with a nice, comfy blanket.

Door or No Door

Depending on the intended purpose of your doggy space, you might want to allow your pet to come and go as they please and/or have a way to keep them securely contained. See-through door options with windows or mesh don’t make your pup feel too shut off from everything if the latter is the case. This is especially important if you use a basement or cupboard without windows. Gates are an excellent alternative to a regular door. They can be used to secure spaces without doors and left open while you’re home so your pet can access the area as and when they want.

Dog Room Ideas: Safety Considerations

Décor

While the only limits to what you can do with a doggy space are those of your imagination (after all, your pooch is not going to mind whatever they end up with – dogs are so agreeable that way!), it is good to think about function as well as design. Consider easy-clean flooring as you’ll be dealing with muddy paws and maybe even the occasional unfortunate accident. Darker colors are also preferable for soft furnishings such as their bed, so you don’t need to constantly have them in the washing machine.

Dog Bath

If possible, a dog wash station is an excellent addition to any designated dog space – especially if there’s space for grooming. When adapting an area such as a utility or laundry room, you might strike it lucky and not just have plumbing installed but an old sink you could convert for the job. This enables you to deal with all dog care in one specific place, keeping your own bathroom shiny and dog hair free. Plus, if you have shampoo and brush storage, you’ll have all the tools you need right there.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Room Ideas

What should be in a dog’s room?

The space you dedicate to your dear pooch can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. However, there are a few things you will want to definitely keep there, especially if you’re planning to confine your pet to this space at certain times of the day or night. These include a comfy place for them to sleep, toys and chews to keep them entertained, and access to fresh water. You might want to store their other accessories there, too. Just make sure they are kept securely out of reach.

How do you make a dog room in your house?

The great thing about setting up a dog room, or should we say ‘dog space,’ in your home is that you can get creative with it. Most modern houses and apartments have areas people aren’t making the most of. They tend to simply sit there accumulating assorted bits and bobs. Why not have a clear-out and work on creating something eye-catching that all your friends (not to mention their dogs) will swoon over, and that will make your life that much easier to boot?

Is it OK to keep a dog in a room?

While there are significant benefits to carving your pup out their own space in the house, dogs are pack animals, and, as such, they will most often prefer to spend time with their family. So, having a dedicated space to leave your pal overnight or while you’re away from the house can be great for keeping them out of trouble; when you’re home, it’s important you allow your pet the opportunity to be with you and your family when you can.

Adding a dog space to your home might seem like an extravagance, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to put much time or effort into creating something pretty and practical. Not only will it benefit your pup to have a space of their very own where they can rest and relax away from the chaos of the main house, but it could work to your advantage to have a fenced-off area to put your pet when needed, i.e., if they are bothering visitors, or you want to keep them (and/or your belongings) safe while you are away from the house. Either way, there are plenty of options, and we hope the above ideas have provided a little inspiration for you.