10 Dog Cage Ideas Indoor for Apartments
Living in an apartment with a dog is a joy, but finding the right spot for a crate can feel like a puzzle. I’ve been there myself. You want your pup to have a safe, cozy den without it taking over your whole living space or clashing with your decor.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a dog cage doesn’t have to be an eyesore or a space hog. With a little creativity, you can tuck it away, dress it up, or make it a multi-purpose piece of furniture. Here are ten of my favorite apartment-friendly ideas that keep both you and your dog happy.
1. The Under-Desk Hideaway
If you work from home, this is a game-changer. Measure the space under your desk and find a low-profile crate that slides right underneath. Your dog will be right at your feet, which most pups love.
I recommend using a soft-sided crate for this spot. They are lighter and easier to move when you need to clean. It keeps your pet close without taking up any extra floor space in the room.
Just make sure your dog has enough headroom to stand and turn around comfortably. A cozy bed inside makes it their perfect little office.
2. The Side Table Stunner
Turn your dog’s crate into a functional piece of furniture. You can buy a wooden crate that doubles as a side table, or simply place a sturdy wooden board on top of a standard wire crate.
Top it with a lamp, a small plant, or a stack of books. This trick works wonders in a small living room. It hides the cage and gives you a useful surface.
I’ve found that painting the crate to match your existing furniture makes it blend in even more. It stops feeling like a cage and starts feeling like part of the room.
3. The Closet Cave
Do you have a walk-in closet or a deep reach-in closet? This is prime real estate for a dog crate. It gets your dog out of the main living area and gives them a quiet, dark space to nap.
Leave the closet door slightly ajar with a small gate, or keep it fully open if your dog likes to check on you. Inside, add a soft blanket and maybe a shirt that smells like you.
Since the closet is already a contained space, the crate feels less like a cage and more like a cozy den. It’s the ultimate space saver.
4. The Corner Nook
Every apartment has that awkward corner that doesn’t seem to fit furniture well. That corner is perfect for a dog crate. A triangular or square crate can nestle in nicely.
I like to drape a decorative blanket or a piece of fabric over the top and sides. This softens the look and makes it feel like a built-in nook. Add a small rug underneath to define the space.
This idea works especially well if you place a tall plant next to it. The greenery draws the eye away from the crate itself.
5. The Bench Entryway
If you have a small entryway or mudroom, use a crate as a bench. You can find crates that are designed to be sat on, or you can build a simple wooden top for a standard wire crate.
Place a cushion on top and you have a spot to sit while putting on your shoes. Your dog gets a cozy spot right by the door, which many dogs enjoy because they can see who is coming and going.
It’s a clever way to combine two needs into one piece of furniture. Plus, it keeps the crate out of your main living space.
6. The TV Console Companion
If your TV console has an open bottom shelf, measure it to see if a small crate will fit. Many low-profile crates are perfect for this. It tucks the cage right under the television.
This works best for smaller dogs. You can hide the crate behind a decorative basket or a piece of fabric that matches your console. It becomes almost invisible.
Your dog gets to be in the middle of the action without being underfoot. I’ve seen this look very sleek and modern in many apartments.
7. The Plant-Lover’s Hideout
Surround your dog’s crate with indoor plants. Place a couple of tall potted plants on either side and maybe a hanging plant above. This creates a natural, green barrier that softens the cage’s look.
You can also place a small shelf above the crate for more plants. It turns the whole corner into a mini indoor garden. Just make sure all plants are safe for dogs.
This idea makes the crate feel intentional and beautiful. It’s one of my favorite ways to blend function with style.
8. The End-of-Bed Solution
If your bedroom has enough space at the foot of your bed, place the crate there. It’s a natural spot because many dogs like to sleep near their owners. It also keeps the crate out of the living room.
Drape a nice throw blanket over the top to make it look like a piece of bedroom furniture. You can even stack a few decorative pillows on top if the crate is sturdy enough.
This gives your dog a safe space at night and a quiet retreat during the day. It feels more like a cozy bed than a cage.
9. The Multi-Purpose Ottoman
There are beautiful ottoman-style dog crates available that look like high-end furniture. They have a cushioned top and wood panels that hide the wire inside. Your dog gets a den, and you get a footrest or extra seating.
These are pricier, but they are worth it if you want something that truly blends in. You can find them in various colors and wood finishes to match your decor.
I love that guests never even know it’s a dog crate until you open the door. It’s the ultimate disguise for small apartments.
10. The Wall-Mounted Shelf Idea
This one is for the adventurous DIYers. If your apartment allows it, you can mount a sturdy shelf high on the wall and place a lightweight crate on it. This is only for very small, lightweight dogs who are comfortable with heights.
Make sure the shelf is securely anchored into studs. Your dog will feel like they have a special lookout spot. It frees up all your floor space.
This isn’t for every dog, but it’s a creative solution for tiny apartments. Just be sure your dog can safely get in and out, or use a ramp.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect spot for your dog’s crate in an apartment doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little thought, you can make it work for both of you. It’s all about using the space you have and making the crate feel like part of the home, not an afterthought.
Your dog will love having a cozy, safe spot that’s all their own. And you’ll love how much more open and stylish your apartment feels. Try one of these ideas, and I promise you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to put a dog crate in an apartment?
The best place is a quiet corner or a spot where your dog can see you but isn’t in the middle of foot traffic. Bedrooms, living room corners, or under desks work great.
Can I cover my dog’s crate with a blanket?
Yes! Many dogs love a covered crate because it feels like a den. Just make sure there is good airflow and that your dog doesn’t chew on the blanket.
How do I make a wire crate look nicer in my apartment?
You can drape a decorative fabric over it, place a wooden board on top, or add a cushion. Matching the crate to your furniture helps a lot.
What size crate do I need for my apartment dog?
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog’s height and length, then add a few inches to find the right size.
Is it okay to put a dog crate in the bedroom?
Absolutely. Many dogs love sleeping near their owners. A bedroom crate is a great option for apartment living, especially if you want a quiet space for your pup at night.
