5 DIY Cat Beds Ideas So Cozy You’ll Want One Too

Your cat already thinks every cardboard box in the house is a luxury suite, so imagine what happens when you actually put a little effort into making them a real bed.

The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy pet furniture.

With a few simple tools and some creativity, you can whip up a bed that’s cozy, stylish, and totally cat-approved.

Here are 5 DIY cat bed ideas so good, you’ll probably wish they came in human size.

5 DIY Cat Beds Ideas

1. Cat Hammock Bed

This hammock is perfect for cats who love lounging by a sunny window. The unique part is the suspended design that makes cats feel cozy while still giving them a view.

What you need: Strong wooden frame, thick fabric or canvas, and sturdy rope.

How to make: Build a simple wooden frame shaped like a low stand. Cut the fabric so it hangs slightly loose in the middle, then thread the rope through the edges and secure it to the frame. Make sure it’s tight enough to support your cat’s weight but loose enough to create that hammock dip.

By the way, if you're into DIY Hacks stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: 5 Hidden Cat Litter Box Benches That Double as Stylish Furniture

2. Vintage Fringe Bed

This one stands out for its retro look. It’s basically an upcycled chair or lampshade frame with long fringes that create a cozy hideaway.

What you need: Old lampshade or round frame, fringe fabric, padding, and glue/staple gun.

How to make: Strip down an old lampshade, attach the fringe fabric around the edges, and fit a soft cushion or pillow at the base. The fringe not only looks stylish but also gives cats a semi-private nook to curl into.

Oh, and speaking of DIY Hacks, here’s another one you might like: 7 DIY Cat Wall Furniture Ideas That’ll Make Your Cat Climb With Joy

3. Elevated Shelf Bed

This is a clever hack for cats who want the high ground. It’s a soft cushion mounted onto an adjustable arm stand (like a monitor stand).

What you need: Adjustable arm mount, wooden plank or small shelf, foam cushion, fabric cover.

How to make: Attach the plank securely onto the arm stand. Add foam padding and wrap it with fabric to make it comfy. Place it near a desk or window for the ultimate cat perch.

Also, just throwing this in—this DIY Hacks post is a fun read too: 7 DIY Cat Outdoor Enclosure & Catio Ideas for Happy, Safe Cats

4. Mini Wooden Bed

This idea copies a human-style bed, just mini-sized for cats. It’s unique because it looks like furniture you’d actually keep in your living room.

What you need: Small wood pieces, nails/screws, wood glue, mattress padding.

How to make: Build a simple rectangular frame with a headboard and footboard. Sand it down for smooth edges. Add a small cushion or DIY mattress, and you’ve got your cat its very own bed frame.

5. Patchwork Cushion Bed

This colorful bed is all about comfort and creativity. The patchwork design makes it unique since you can personalize it with any fabric scraps you like.

What you need: Fabric scraps, sewing machine, stuffing, and batting.

How to make: Cut your fabric into square patches, stitch them together to form a circle or oval shape, and fill with soft stuffing. Sew the edges into a raised ring to make it supportive and snug.

6. Retro TV Bed

This one is the showstopper. Turning an old TV cabinet into a cat bed blends nostalgia with functionality. It’s unique because it doubles as decor and a hideout.

What you need: Old TV cabinet, screwdriver, paint or varnish, cushion.

How to make: Carefully remove the TV’s inner parts while keeping the outer shell intact. Clean and repaint or polish the cabinet. Slide in a comfy cushion inside the screen area, and your cat gets a quirky vintage lounge.

7. Retro TV Bed With Built-In Light

This version turns a full vintage TV cabinet into a roomy cat den with a ceiling light. It looks premium and doubles as statement furniture.

What you need:

• Old wood TV cabinet with intact frame and legs.
• Screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, safety gloves.
• Thin plywood or MDF for a new back panel.
• Small LED puck light or strip light with switch.
• Sandpaper, wood filler, stain or paint, brush.
• Soft pillow or foam cushion sized to the opening.

How to make:

• Unplug and remove all electronics and glass safely, keeping only the shell.
• Sand, fix nicks with filler, then stain or paint the cabinet.
• Cut a plywood back panel, drill small vents, and screw it in.
• Mount a puck light at the top inside and route the cable out the rear.
• Add a soft cushion that fills the “screen” area snugly.
• Optional: glue a round wall decor piece on the back panel for style.
• Place it against a wall, switch on the light, and invite your cat to “go on air.”