Finding a dog bed that's both good-looking and affordable is harder than it should be. A lot of dog beds made with good quality, attractive fabrics run $100 and up, which seems absurd for something that's going to get covered with fur and other likely dog-associated messes. That's why local artist Lena Reynoso's DIY dog bed is so inspiring; she transformed a $35 Craigslist find into an adorable throne for her beloved pooch, Sidonia...
Doesn't the Gothic vibe of the revamped bench suit Sidonia so very well? Lena painted the bench black (duh), re-covered the cushion with inexpensive black velvet (a good choice with a black dog), and painted the little portrait herself. The supplies cost her about $16, so for a total of around $50, we'd say this is a great alternative to an overpriced pooch pad!
Incidentally, Lena's artwork, as you might imagine, is gorgeous and strange (in a wonderful way), and her website, with its many nooks and crannies, is a lot of fun to explore. You can also browse her Etsy shop, which is full of fun things, including more portraits (of slightly more famous figures than little Sidonia).
Seeing as the "pampered pet" industry can be so frustrating, we'd love to hear about other DIY pet projects. Anyone have a good one to share?
(Images: Lena Reynoso)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Cute! Our dog has to settle for a used crib mattress, covered with an old oriental rug.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
lucky dog
view jasminerose's profile
Well done!!
view hollandstudio's profile
Being the cutest dog in the world, Sidonia deserves the best.
view rosenatti's profile
Is that a modified kneeling bench? Like, for Catholic prayer?
view Tobiaty's profile
You didn't mention that it was already obviously a DIY! That was clearly a bedframe in its original incarnation. (The footboard was split in half to make the sides.) Neat idea, and the revamped version looks so much better than the original.
view Liana's profile
Yes, Sidonia won my heart. The bed is cute too.
I did a diy dog feeder thing last year that made it to ikea hacker. I emailed AT about it, because I was inspired by one they had done a post on but was far out of our budget. The post never made it here though. For anyone interested:
http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2008/10/elevated-dog-bowl-feeder-for-22.html
view rebeldress's profile
Adorabuls! Both the throne and the poochy!
view prettypirate's profile
I have that exact same bed! the reincarnation as a dog throne is absolute fab. I love love LOVE IT!! we done.
view larchgirl's profile
That was my childhood bed and it is out in the shed. I've seen this bed to seat conversion in a thrift store and loved it. You did an over the top wonderful job with the black decoration. I am inspired to make one for my mom's little king of a terrier.
view Kate (NC)'s profile
Is it just me, or does everything painted in a glossy black just look absolutely perfect?
view ellearRVA's profile
Fantastic! It really turned out beautifully.
view queenbee1230's profile
Above and beyond what I expected. So very chic!!!
view Seaside's profile
Sidonia is indeed a pampered pet. So lucky too to have a brilliant design artist at her disposal. I give this project 10 stars!!!
P.S. I forgot to say that I absolutely adore Sidonia, so very cute!!!
view TheHeaddog's profile
Wow, I didn't even notice that it used to be a bed! So funny. Thanks for pointing that out, Liana!
- Susie
view susiekn's profile
Awesome!
view yeti3a's profile
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Patricia
http://largepet.info
view patricia01's profile