Furniture-style dog crates have become increasingly popular among pet owners who care as much about their home decor as they do about their furry companions. But with options ranging from $200 flat-packed models to handcrafted custom pieces, one question remains:
Are furniture-style dog crates really worth it?
Let’s dive into the benefits, the pitfalls, and why not all furniture-style crates are created equal.
What Is a Furniture-Style Dog Crate?
At its core, a furniture-style dog crate combines the functionality of a traditional kennel with the aesthetics of home furnishings. They’re often designed to double as end tables, credenzas, or TV stands—offering a stylish solution for pet containment that doesn't clash with your home’s vibe.
Why People Love Furniture-Style Crates
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Blends Into Your Decor – No more plastic or wire eyesores. These crates enhance your space instead of detracting from it.
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Multi-Functional – Use it as a side table, coffee table, or entryway bench while giving your dog a comfy home base.
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A Sense of Permanence – Unlike wire crates, furniture-style options feel like part of the home.
But Not All Furniture-Style Crates Are Created Equal
Here’s where things get real.
Many pet owners start with budget options from Amazon or Wayfair—drawn in by a low price and decent photos. But we’ve rebuilt crates for families whose dogs literally chewed through those models in under a month.
The Problem with Cheap Furniture Crates:
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Thin MDF or particle board that can’t hold up to wear and tear
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Flimsy doors and hardware that break or warp over time
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Paint that chips and exposes harmful chemicals
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Poor ventilation or unsafe bar spacing
If you’re investing in your pet’s safety and comfort, a low-cost crate is often too good to be true.
The Problem with Wire Kennels
Wire kennels have been the go-to choice for decades, mostly because they’re affordable, collapsible, and easy to find at big box stores. But for many dog owners, especially those who value aesthetics, comfort, and safety, wire crates come with some serious drawbacks.
1. They’re an Eyesore
Let’s be honest—wire kennels aren’t winning any design awards. They clash with your furniture, dominate your living space, and often become something you try to hide behind a curtain or shove in a corner.
2. They Can Feel Like a Cage
While some dogs adapt fine to wire crates, others feel exposed and anxious. The open metal design offers no visual shelter, leading to stress for dogs who crave security and den-like comfort.
3. Not Built to Last
Over time, wire crates can bend, rattle, or even rust—especially if your dog likes to paw or chew at the bars. We've had customers come to us after their dog managed to warp or expose sharp wires that can poke/scratch your dog.
4. Limited Protection for Your Home
Wire kennels don’t offer any barrier between your dog and the surrounding furniture, walls, or floors. If your dog kicks up water, chews on something, or has an accident, the wire crate offers little in the way of containment.
5. Zero Style, Zero Functionality
Unlike furniture-style crates, wire kennels serve only one purpose—and they take up space while doing it. There’s no surface to set down your coffee cup, no extra function in your living room. You sacrifice both style and utility.
What Makes a Quality Furniture-Style Crate Worth It?
When built right, a furniture-style crate isn’t just worth it—it’s a long-term investment in your dog’s comfort and your home’s style.
Look for these features:
✅ Solid Wood Construction – Durable, chew-resistant, and built to last
✅ Safe, Secure Latches – Designed to contain even determined dogs
✅ Non-Toxic Finishes – Especially important for chewers and sensitive pups
✅ Ventilation and Visibility – So your dog feels calm and connected
✅ Waterproof Floors – For easy cleaning
Real Talk from a Builder
At Dog & Crate, we’ve worked with customers who bought two or three mass-produced crates before finding us. By the time they upgrade, they’re frustrated, out hundreds of dollars, and still in need of a safe, attractive solution.
Our crates are handcrafted from solid wood, designed to blend beautifully into your home, and built to withstand real life with real dogs. You’re not just buying a crate—you’re investing in a lasting piece of furniture that works as hard as it looks good.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Yes—if you get the right one.
A thoughtfully made furniture-style dog crate offers safety, comfort, durability, and aesthetic value. But cheap alternatives can be more headache than help. Like most furniture, quality matters.
So before you click “Add to Cart” on a flimsy MDF crate, ask yourself:
Would you buy your own bed from the cheapest seller with the prettiest pictures?
Your dog deserves better—and so does your home.
Ready to Upgrade?
Explore our designer dog crate furniture, designed with both style and strength in mind. Built for your dog. Designed for your home.
