Decorating a dog kennel is a beautiful way to make your dog feel secure, comfortable, and at home. Whether the kennel sits in your living room, bedroom, garden, patio, or balcony, the right décor transforms it from a basic structure into a cosy retreat that reflects your home’s style.
Essential Safety Rules Before Decorating
- Use non-toxic, pet-safe materials: Paint, wood, fabrics, finishes everything should be safe if chewed or licked.
- Keep proper airflow: Décor must not block ventilation.
- Avoid small or fragile objects: No items that can be swallowed or shattered.
- Ensure lighting and heat sources are safe: Only low-heat, chew-proof lighting near the kennel.
- Choose easy-to-clean décor: Beddings, covers, mats, and walls should handle dirt, hair, and accidents.
Interior Dog Kennel Decoration Ideas
These ideas apply to crates, indoor kennels, built-in furniture kennels, and modular kennels.
Comfortable Bedding Setup
Start inside the kennel with comfort-driven choices.
Ideas:
- A supportive mattress (orthopedic for older dogs)
- A warm blanket for softness
- Seasonal bedding rotation (light for summer, plush for winter)
- A waterproof liner to protect the base
This creates a welcoming interior your dog naturally gravitates toward.
Interior Wall
The inside walls set the visual tone.
Decor Options:
- Stick-on dog-safe wallpaper for crates with solid walls
- Light-coloured wooden panels for built-in kennels
Choose designs that match your room’s colour palette.
Mood-Boosting Ambient Lighting (Exterior-placed only)
Lighting should never be inside the kennel, only outside the frame.
Safe Lighting Options:
- Battery LED puck light above the kennel
- Warm-tone LED strip behind or around the kennel
- A soft night-light nearby for anxious dogs
These provide an atmosphere while staying 100% safe.
Personalised Touches
Options:
- Nameplate on the front
- Custom blanket with initials
- A neatly framed photo outside the kennel
- A personalised feeding mat nearby
These small touches make the kennel feel intentional and loved.
Exterior Dog Kennel Decoration Ideas
Outdoor kennels offer more visual flexibility.
Exterior Paint & Colour Styling
Painting is the quickest way to refresh an outdoor kennel.
Options:
- Soft neutrals for modern homes
- Charcoal or dark green for sleek, bold garden looks
- Rustic browns for natural wood kennels
- Muted blues for cottage-style yards
Always use weatherproof, dog-safe paint.
Exterior Wall Enhancements
These make the kennel feel premium and polished.
Ideas:
- Wooden trim detailing
- Vertical slat panels
- Faux window frames
- A small decorative awning above the door
Just one or two features can completely change the look.
Make the Entrance a Highlight
The entrance is naturally eye-catching, and it is intentional.
Entrance Styling Options:
- A contrasting door frame
- A clean arch or geometric shape
- Rope-style or wooden name sign
- Simple slatted accent panels
This creates a focal point without overwhelming the structure.
Greenery & Garden Styling Around the Kennel
Nature instantly softens the kennel’s look.
Dog-Safe Plants:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Lemon balm
- Basil
Placement Ideas:
- A pair of planters flanking the entrance
- A small herb border near the kennel
- Raised pots to prevent chewing
Greenery makes the kennel look like part of the landscape.
Fence Decoration Around the Kennel
Fence décor works especially well for garden setups.
Fence Décor Ideas:
- Garland across the top rail
- Solar lights along the fence line
- A high-hung sign (e.g., “Dog House”)
- Seasonal ornaments placed well out of reach
This frames the kennel beautifully while keeping everything safe.
Roof & Top Enhancements
Subtle roof details add big charm without altering structure.
Options:
- Decorative shingles
- Trim edging
- A small decorative sign
- A contrasting roof colour
Simple upgrades make even basic kennels feel premium.
Dog Kennel Theme Ideas
Minimalist Modern Theme
- Neutral colours
- Clean lines
- Slim metal accents
- Smooth textures
Works best in apartments and contemporary homes.
Rustic Cabin Theme
- Wooden textures
- Earthy colours
- Carved signage
- Soft flannel-style bedding
Perfect for outdoor wooden kennels or farmhouse gardens.
Boho Chic Kennel Theme
- Woven baskets
- Natural fabrics
- Earth-toned accessories
- Greenery touches
Great for patios and indoor crates.
Coastal Theme
- Light blues, whites and sandy neutrals
- Rope details
- Light wood tones
- Breezy fabrics
Ideal for yard kennels or garden huts.
Urban Industrial Theme
- Matte black metal
- Grey, brown and concrete-effect mats
- Minimal décor
- Sleek organisation
Suited for modern homes with dark interior
Functional Decor That Improves Comfort
Noise-Reducing Décor
- A thick blanket draped over part of the crate (for privacy)
- Acoustic panel placed on the wall behind the kennel
- Soft fabrics around the area to absorb sound
Great for anxious dogs or loud households.
Climate Comfort Add-ons
| Season | Items |
| Summer | Cooling mat, Elevated bed, Shade sail for outdoor kennels |
| Winter | Insulated bedding, Wind-blocking cover, Warm fleece liner |
Odor & Hygiene Enhancements
- Washable rugs
- Odour-absorbing under-bedding pads
- A wipeable feeding mat
- Rotating toys to reduce clutter
A clean space always looks better.
Decorative Accessories Dogs Enjoy
These are safe ways to bring personality without repetition.
Dog-Friendly Decorative Additions:
- Plush toys in matching colours
- Natural rope toys for rustic styling
- A hanging chew toy placed outside the kennel
- A calming lavender sachet placed far out of reach
These incorporate visual and sensory enrichment.
Decorating a Dog Kennel is ultimately about creating a space where style and comfort work together to support your dog’s daily life. From soft bedding and thoughtful interior touches to exterior accents, greenery, and themed styling, every element you add shapes how peaceful, welcoming, and secure the kennel feels. With the right materials, safe lighting, organised surroundings, and purposeful decorative choices, a kennel becomes more than just a resting area, it becomes a familiar, cosy corner that your dog naturally connects with.
FAQs
1. How can I decorate a kennel if my dog chews everything?
Choose décor made from chew-resistant materials such as thick canvas, rubber, or solid wood. Avoid loose fabrics and keep decorative items outside the kennel rather than inside. This allows you to style the space without leaving your dog at risk.
2. How can I decorate a kennel in a small room?
Use light colours, slim-profile décor, and minimal accessories. Vertical elements such as a nameplate or wall hooks help maintain floor space while still making the kennel look intentional and stylish.
3. How can I maintain a decorated kennel when my dog sheds heavily?
Choose décor in fabrics that trap less hair, such as tightly woven cotton or canvas. Keep a small lint roller or soft brush near the kennel for quick daily cleanups to prevent buildup on bedding and mats.