How to Choose a Modern Dog Bed for Your Home

A dog bed has two jobs: give your dog a comfortable place to settle and feel at home in the room around it. Start with fit and daily use, then choose the shape, fabric and finish you want to live with.

Measure the resting space, not just the frame

Watch how your dog sleeps. A curled-up sleeper and a dog that stretches onto its side need different amounts of usable space. Measure your dog in their usual resting position and compare that with the sleeping-surface dimensions. Bolsters, arms and curved frames can make the usable cushion smaller than the overall footprint. Manufacturer weight ranges are helpful guides, but do not replace measurements.

Choose a shape for the way your dog settles

An open mattress gives a sprawler room to stretch. A low-sided sleeper offers a defined edge without a tall entrance. A furniture-style sofa creates a more enclosed outline and a deliberate place in the living room. Check the entry height as well as the cushion dimensions, especially for dogs that find climbing difficult.

Let the room guide materials and color

Wood frames can echo a coffee table or sideboard, while velvet, corduroy and bouclé introduce texture. You do not need an exact match: repeat a warm wood tone or an upholstery color already in the room. Compare product photographs with the written materials, since wood veneer, solid wood and wood-look finishes are different constructions.

Plan for cleaning before you buy

Check which parts are removable and which are washable. A washable cover does not necessarily mean the entire cushion can go in a machine. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and consider where the bed will sit, how much your dog sheds and whether a spare cover is available.

Give the bed a place in the room

Mark the footprint on the floor before ordering. Leave room for doors and walkways, and position the bed where your dog already likes to spend time. A beautiful piece works best when it is also easy for your pet to use.

Explore our modern dog and cat beds, including the Chester and Lee Velvet Sleeper and Mafé Haven hardwood dog bed. If a measurement or material is unclear, ask us before you order.