This $25 Amazon Find Turned a Dog Crate into a Gorgeous Table (It’s So Ingenious!)

Most New York City renters and homeowners understand the value of every inch of their homes. For most of us, our apartments are much smaller than homes in other cities, so getting experimental or exceptionally clever when designing a space is a trait developed early in metropolitan life. 

At least that was the case for Dalton Scott of Dalton Scott Studio and Dave Altshul in their 560-square-foot Manhattan apartment. It’s not just Dalton and Dave that share the home; they also live with their miniature labradoodle, Augie. Pet parents know that, regardless of what animal you have, our furry friends come with a lot of extra stuff — which isn’t always cheap. 

Dalton, an interior designer, wanted to create a space “to make a home that feels warm and inviting,” he said at the time of the tour. However, there was only one spot in the living room for Augie’s crate to fit — and unless you spend hundreds of dollars (like Dalton found out), crates are not always aesthetically pleasing, so Dalton got creative. 

Originally, it’s fair to assume that Augie’s crate from Amazon, which is metal and black, stuck out like a sore thumb in the tranquil living room. The space is white with pops of color that come from natural tones like in the wood television console or earth tones in the throw pillows. Dalton came up with the idea to disguise it. 

“I started researching crate covers and I found this one that looked like linen and bought it,” Dalton explains. “Once it got here, I placed a leather tray on top with a lamp and voilà! Augie’s bedroom also functioned as a side table. Small New York spaces force you to get resourceful and creative.”

The linen cover disguises the metal crate by blending in with the couch color. Additionally, the leather tray turns it into a functional space that doubles as storage. This type of hack proves that any piece of furniture can be transformed with a bit of creativity, and it doesn’t always require tools. “I’m a believer that everything, even utility items, can be beautiful on every budget,” Dalton says. 

Dalton has infused several clever design elements throughout his New York City apartment. To see more, visit the full home tour.