Get Your Nook On: Tips to Create a Cozy Corner For Your Pet
Giving your pet its own space at home can make it feel loved and extra special. And it doesn’t even need to be a large space. A little dog nook in some unused space is enough. This project is a win-win for you and your pet. The nook lets you release some of your creativity while transforming the space. Plus, it gives your dog space to rest and reset when it’s overwhelmed.
What’s in a Nook?
A pet or dog nook is one of the most popular trends today among pet owners. A pet nook is a space dedicated to your pet. It can be any unused or infrequently visited area of your home. You can use this space to store your pet’s toys and essentials or to lounge and escape your home’s chaos.
These days, most opt to use the space under their stairs as a dog corner. Since this area is usually just left with no purpose, it works well as additional storage and is a practical hack to save space.
The Best Places For Dog Nooks
Aside from under your stairs, here are some other places you can transform into your dog’s nook. You’ll be surprised to discover how a once useless space could become your dog’s new favorite spot.
#1. Unused Fireplace
This is one of the most effortless spaces to convert as a lounge for your dog. There’s already an internal space, so you only need to set your dog’s things on the side and add a bed or fluffy cushion in the middle.
Despite being slightly hidden, your dog can still observe and be part of your home’s activities and retreat into the space whenever needed.
#2. Large Cabinets with Bottom Drawers
If one of your kitchen cabinets and drawers has been accumulating dust bunnies and has been home to unused things, it’s time to give it a new purpose. Declutter what’s not needed and use the drawer above to store toys, grooming products, treats, and clothes.
At the bottom, fit a dog’s bed. This creates a functional area for all your pet’s supplies, including a space for your dog to relax and hide.
#3. At The End of The Hall
In most homes, the ends of the halls are left bare or hanging with a mirror or some wall decorations. Make the most of that space by allotting that area as your pet’s nook.
You can set up some of your dog’s favorite pillows and toys there so your dog has another corner in the house.
#4. Beside Your Main Door
You can set up a dog nook near the kitchen or main door. This is one promising area, especially if your dog loves going outside through its dog door or flap.
You can also set aside some wipes for its feet and toys that are everyday needs when going out. Your dog will love the opportunity to do what it likes best—stay alert and guard the house.
#5. Inside Your Laundry Room
If you don’t have much space in your kitchen, you could try the laundry room instead. You can simply set up your pet’s bed in the laundry cabinet. Since the room gets busy only once or twice a week, it’s an excellent hideout for your furry friend.
The laundry room also has limited foot traffic, so it would be a good place to reinforce potty training for your dog. To make it aesthetically pleasing and convenient for you, skip the regular pee pads and consider disposable grass. Learn about these alternatives with this Doggielawn review.
#6. Under Your Patio’s Chair
Your dog will enjoy being outdoors and involved when you are on the porch with the morning sun. Dogs love being close to you, so setting a dog nook just under the bench or sitting area will definitely make your pet happy.
Make the Nook Functional and Artistic
● Upcycled Things
That old cabinet with drawers may be used to stash your knick-knacks and other dust-accumulating things. Repurpose this by painting it with vibrant colors and fitting a mattress or dog bed at the bottom for an instant pet nook.
You can use this as a dedicated cabinet for all your dog’s needs. Aside from cabinets, you can also use old luggage, racks, and night tables—any furniture that you don’t use anymore.
● Hang Frames and Pictures
Your dog may not understand it or appreciate it, but you’ll definitely love a wall full of small picture frames in that particular nook. You can print wallet-size photos or repurpose old frames and creatively set them against the wall. Make it more personalized by using cut-out letters or cardboard boxes.
● Make it Comfortable
Your dog will appreciate this space when you ensure it is comfortable and safe. Prop up a dog bed or cushions in that area so your dog has somewhere to nap. Set aside several soft blankets in case your dog wants to cuddle and bury itself in something soft.
And to make it feel and look like your pet’s crib, hang some battery-operated fairy lights around the area for a cozy and warm vibe.
● Set Accessible Food and Water
Create a multi-purpose corner by setting up a feeding area within or near your dog’s corner. You can take inspiration from elevated food and water bowls set in customized drawers or use your dog’s typical dishware on the side. The goal is to achieve a dog nook that can provide everything your dog needs.
● Keep Toys Within its Reach
Use an old basket to keep and organize all your dog’s toys and set it on another side of your dog’s corner. It’s better if your dog can reach the storage bin to pick up any toy as needed.
This is also a win for you because you don’t need an array of toys scattered throughout your house. Carving that space for your pet can be a fun DIY project for you and the rest of the family. And thanks to these dog corner ideas, your pet will soon have that area that it can call its own!
