Pets – no matter how much we spoil them and give them the finer things in life, chances are they’ll choose a cardboard box over a plush bed any day. But for those hard to please pets, we have a solution – in the form of some very inspirational and imaginative methods of upcycling household items into their new favourite furnishings.
While a standard box may not carry the charm of their very own fortress, at least with your repurposed designs you can get creative and not have to worry that the fortune you spent on a luxurious cat bed will get scratched to shreds and leave you short of money (as well as leave you short-tempered).
So get ready to roll your sleeves up for some inventive DIY projects, without the fear of your beloved pets destroying your hard work:
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Pet bowl stand. While older pets will have been well-trained in the home, younger animals tend to be more mischievous and clumsy – so avoid any spillages and broken bowls by making your own pet bowl stand for your kitten or puppy. Using two pieces of wood, design a template for the feet and legs of the table, then with the second piece of wood, place the bowls for where you need them to be and outline the edges. Cut out the legs using a jigsaw, screw holes into the feet so you can fix to the table, sand, then prime and paint away!
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Oilcloth food mat. If making a pet bowl stand is out of your DIY depth, then keep it simple by fashioning a food mat from some unwanted oilcloth. Personalise it especially for your pet either in the shape of a fish for your cat, or a bone for your dog – and while there might be more food spilt onto the mat, at least you can enjoy less mess on your clean kitchen floor.
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Crate coffee table. Looking for a creative container that also serves as a coffee table? Then look no further, by building your own modern pet crate coffee table! We recommend plywood for this structure, and ensure a raised lid (as well as holes) for maximum air flow – and if you’re thinking of catering for two, then add a crate divider. Worried about safety? Then use magnets instead of a latch – allowing your animals easy access. Next, customise it as you wish – with your own painted patterns.
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Upcycled side table pet bed. Don’t just give your pet a bed – give them a side bed! This is DIY with a difference, crafting a bed thanks to an abandoned side table. Detach the top and doors, remove any support pieces, sand down any rough edges then apply the coat of your choice to bring out the best of your space (or pet, for that matter). Last but not least, add a soft pillow for your pet to rest its head on.
Have you found any other uses for your unwanted furnishings that you’ve transformed into a pet paradise? Share your suggestions with us now!