Indoor dog house ideas for small dogs came to mind the moment I realized my tiny dog acts like royalty. Mine claims every pillow in my house like he pays rent. So I started hunting for options that would give him his own little kingdom—something cute, cozy, and space-saving, because I definitely don’t live in a mansion. Ever felt the same way and wondered where to even start? You’re in the right place.

I tried dozens of setups for my small dog over the years, so you’ll get real opinions here—not that boring generic stuff. Let’s dig into some ideas that actually work for real homes, real dogs, and real budgets.

Why Indoor Dog Houses Matter for Small Dogs

Small dogs love comfort more than any roommate I’ve ever had. They want warm corners, soft beds, and personal spaces that feel safe. And honestly? I get it. If someone offered me a cushioned mini-house to escape the chaos of daily life, I’d jump in.

A great indoor dog house does more than look adorable—it offers structure, comfort, and boundaries. Ever noticed how your dog hangs out under the table or squeezes into tiny spaces? They naturally crave those cozy “dens.” So why not create one that fits your home and matches your vibe?

1. Small, Stylish & Space-Saving: Furniture-Style Dog Houses

Furniture-style dog houses are a lifesaver when you want your dog to have a private spot without sacrificing your living room aesthetics. I bought one that doubled as a side table, and honestly? It changed everything.

Why These Work So Well

They blend into your home decor.
They save space.
They offer a cozy hideaway your dog instantly loves.
They keep your home looking organized.

If you want a reliable option, the Fable Crate is one of the best-looking furniture-style dog houses I’ve tried.

Great Places to Use Them

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways
Offices

Ever walked into someone’s home and noticed an ugly crate sitting in the middle of the room? I used to be that person. A furniture-style design fixes that instantly.

2. Soft-Sided Indoor Dog Houses: Cozy & Budget-Friendly

For small dogs, soft-sided houses feel like warm little caves. My dog gets obsessed with them, especially when winter hits. They’re lightweight, easy to move, and surprisingly durable.

Best features to look for:

Thick cushioning for warmth.
Washable materials so cleanup isn’t a nightmare.
Sturdy structure that doesn’t collapse after a month.

A soft favorite in my house is the Best Friends by Sheri Pet Hut, because it feels like a little plush retreat.

Ever wondered why soft-sided houses feel so safe for dogs? The enclosed shape mimics the natural den environment. Dogs love that stuff.

3. Convert Furniture You Already Own

This one is my personal favorite, mostly because it made me feel like some kind of DIY genius. If you’ve got a small dog and a small space, you sometimes have to improvise. And you know what? It works.

Some clever DIY ideas that don’t require you to be a carpenter:

Transform an old nightstand into a dog cave.
Hollow the bottom section of a bookshelf.
Convert a lower cabinet into a dog nook.
Turn part of an entryway bench into a built-in dog house.

I once used the bottom of a shoe cabinet—yep, a shoe cabinet—and my dog treated it like a VIP lounge. Who knew?

If you want more DIY inspo later, check out the DIY Dog Food Meal Prep guide on Loyal Paw Club—same vibe, same creativity.

4. Indoor Dog Houses Made From Crates (But Make Them Cute)

Crates get a bad rap because people picture those cold metal cages. But you can turn a crate into something adorable and stylish with just a few touches.

How to upgrade a plain crate:

Add soft bedding
Toss in washable blankets
Cover the top with a decorative wood board
Add a curtain or privacy cloth
Stick fairy lights above to warm up the space

A simple way to elevate this look is using the MidWest Homes iCrate—it’s sturdy, easy to style, and perfect for crate makeovers.

Ever thought a crate could look like a tiny chic home? It can.

And if you want to turn it into a full dog bedroom setup, peek at this guide

5. Under-the-Stairs Dog House: The Hidden Gem

If you’ve ever stared at that weird empty space under your staircase, you can turn it into the cutest dog nook ever. It keeps the footprint tiny while giving your dog a fully enclosed den.

Why this setup works:

You save major space.
Your dog gets their own “secret room.”
It looks incredibly stylish if you decorate it a bit.

Adding a soft mat like the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed instantly makes these small spaces feel cozy.

I once saw someone install tiny curtains and wallpaper inside their under-the-stairs dog area. It looked like a dog-sized apartment.

6. Modern Minimalist Indoor Dog House Ideas

If your home leans modern, you’ll love these. Minimalist indoor dog houses use clean lines, neutrals, and simple materials like wood and felt.

Features you’ll want:

Neutral colors
Geometric shapes
Sturdy structure
Easy-to-clean surfaces

Ever feel like clutter follows you everywhere? A minimalist dog house keeps things neat and stylish without adding visual noise.

7. Luxury Indoor Dog Houses for Spoiled Small Dogs

Listen… we all spoil our dogs a bit. And some luxury indoor dog houses are straight-up insane—in a good way.

Things you can add for a luxury feel:

Faux-fur bedding
Plush pillows
LED soft lighting
Mini framed photos
Personalized name signs

If you want a truly luxe upgrade, the ViviPet Luxury Pet House looks like something straight out of a magazine.

Ever seen a dog house nicer than your actual bedroom? I have. It hurt my feelings a little, ngl (this is your one slang use).

If luxury pet spaces are your thing, check out this for inspo:

8. Multi-Level Indoor Dog House Ideas

Tiny dog but big personality? You can build or buy multi-level houses that give your dog different “floors” to perch on.

Why dogs love these:

Elevated spaces help them supervise everything.
Lower sections feel safe and cave-like.
They get more stimulation in a tiny footprint.

For multi-level fun, the Petyella 2-Story Pet House gives small dogs that “loft living” feeling they love.

It feels funny watching your dog act like they live in a loft apartment, but they truly love having different levels to explore.

9. Corner Indoor Dog House Ideas for Maximizing Space

Corners are underrated. An indoor dog house tucked into a corner creates a soft, peaceful environment where your dog feels protected while saving you space.

My favorite corner setups include:

Angled wooden dog huts
Plush igloo-style beds
Corner crate builds
Corner shelves converted into dens

For corner comfort, the Pet Tent by Little Dove fits perfectly in tight spaces and looks adorable.

Ever noticed how your dog curls up in corners naturally? A corner house replicates that instinct.

10. Indoor Dog House Ideas for Apartments & Small Spaces

If you have limited space, the key is to multitask.

Best space-saving options:

Furniture-style houses
Crate-table combos
Built-in closet dens
Collapsible soft houses
Under-desk setups

I once used the space under my work desk as a mini dog zone. My dog snored through my Zoom calls, but honestly? Worth it.

And if you want to pair these setups with homemade healthy treats, check this out:

11. Themed Indoor Dog Houses: Cute & Creative

If you want to add serious personality, themed dog houses are incredibly fun. Your dog won’t care about the theme, but you definitely will.

Popular themes include:

Farmhouse
Beach hut
Glam boutique
Cabin lodge
Boho chill tent

Ever seen a miniature farmhouse dog house in someone’s living room? Instant conversation starter.

12. Matching Your Dog House to Your Home’s Aesthetic

Here’s where your creativity kicks in. I always try to make my dog’s space fit the rest of my home. It just pulls everything together.

Match your home style by choosing:

Wood tones that compliment your furniture
Color palettes that match your walls or decor
Bedding that fits your home’s vibe
Minimalist or bold shapes based on your style

Ever walked into a home where the pet stuff feels “off”? Matching the style fixes that instantly.

13. Creating the Perfect Interior Setup Inside the Dog House

The outside matters… but the inside is everything.

Essential items to include:

A soft bed
Washable blankets
A safe chew toy
A calming scent spray (optional, but my dog loves lavender)
A water bowl only if it doesn’t spill

I once added a tiny memory foam pillow in my dog’s house, and he acted like he upgraded to a luxury hotel suite.

14. Safety First: What to Avoid

Not all indoor dog house ideas are good ones. Some materials or setups can be unsafe.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Unstable structures
Toxic paints or finishes
Sharp corners inside the house
Cramped spaces with poor airflow
Heat sources too close

Ever had your dog chew something and immediately regret your life choices? Yeah… choose safe materials.

15. Indoor Dog House Ideas That Pair With Training

Here’s something people forget: a good indoor house helps with training too. When dogs feel they have their own place, they relax more. They bark less. They feel confident.

If you want to expand that routine, you can check the Dog Training category anytime:

Conclusion: Build a Space Your Dog Will Actually Use

Indoor dog houses for small dogs don’t need to be big, expensive, or complicated. They just need to be cozy, practical, and designed with love. When you create a little home-within-your-home, you give your dog a personal sanctuary—something they’ll use every single day.

So which idea are you leaning toward? A furniture-style side table? A luxury faux-fur mini mansion? A cute under-the-stairs hideaway? Whatever you choose, remember one thing: your dog just wants a comfy spot close to you.

If you decide to build or buy a new setup, send your dog my love—they’re about to live their best life.

Indoor Dog House Ideas for Small Dogs | Cute & Space-Saving