Every pet is totally unique, so it only makes sense to furnish their lifestyle with products made especially for them. Upholstery is a great opportunity to do this.
If you’re an animal lover and want to apply your upholstery skill to create something truly unique, here’s some pet-centred upholstery projects that you can DIY.
Project ideas
Whether you’re looking to streamline bed-time or make road trips run a little smoother, these projects will help your pet feel more at home.
Pet bed
While sharing a bed with your pet seems like a nice idea, every pet owner knows it’s not always practical. You begin sharing, but at some point in the night, you inevitably lose your bed to a pomeranian.
Avoid this by making them their own bed, personalised just for them. You can upcycle some used furniture or make your own with upholstery foam.
Pet ramp
For older pets with mobility issues, a pet ramp is an ideal solution. Place it near their favourite position on the sofa, or line it up next to your bed – if you’re willing to ‘share’. And your pets can walk up it instead of needing to jump.
Using high density foam you can create a steady ramp for your pets to use. If you work long hours and have an older pet at home this gives them mobility around the house without the need for assistance.
Pet stairs
For smaller, more spritely dogs, pet stairs are a great alternative to the pet ramp. Especially ideal for puppies and kittens too small to jump up to higher surfaces, these stairs protect their joints and prevent falls.
They’re also relatively easy to make, just stack different sized blocks of foam on top of each other to create a steady staircase progression. Then simply cover them with a soft material to keep them comfortable to use.
Travel cushion
Anyone that has travelled with their pets knows it can be stressful at times. Away from home, pets can grow anxious. But making them a travel cushion that smells and feels familiar helps to keep them calm.
You can even add borders around the cushion to make it more of a car seat. This helps them stay in one place, keeping them safe and preventing motion sickness.
Window cushion
Window cushions are easy to make and are great for all the window-watchers out there. From the guard-dog chihuahuas to the sun-lounging tabbies, a custom window cushion is for everyone.
Using fabric scraps from leftover projects or old clothes, stitch them together, pad out with some foam for upholstery, and your pet has a perfect perch for their favourite look-out spot.
What’s the best material to use for pet projects?
Which material you use for your project should be designed for use. Avoid delicate, hard-to-wash fabrics and prioritise practicality, while considering comfort.
Microfibre & microsuede
Naturally resistant to stains and odours, microfibre and microsuede are great choices for pet furniture. Their dense, synthetic weaves prevent snags from claws and pet hair from becoming embedded. They’re also comfortable for your pets, and stay breathable in hot weather.
Performance velvet
Because it lacks that woven feel that pets love to dig their claws into, modern blend and performance velvet is a highly durable option for pet furniture. Its plush feel lets your pet get stuck in without damaging the fabric. While traditional velvet blends hold onto pet hair and stains, performance velvet is easier to clean-up.
Heavy duty canvas or denim
Tightly woven fabrics like canvas and denim are durable and easy to clean. Some denims are even specially treated to make them more stain resistant. So whether your dog slobbers in their sleep or your cat has come in from a muddy garden, your choice of material will stay fresher for longer.
Final thoughts
Applying your upholstery skillset to making furniture for your pets is a great way to mix practicality and sustainability. Because these pieces are usually smaller in size you can use scrap or pre-loved fabric and materials.
Their small scale makes them suited for beginners, as well as experienced upholsterers. Just make sure you’re choosing your fabric with care and consideration to make sure it doesn’t only look and feel good, but stands the test of time as well.