Creating your own pet bed
In 2018, the pet furniture industry was valued at $2.1 billion – a figure that has largely been driven by the new levels of consumer demand for fashionable, innovative and sleek pet accessories. Focusing on both the multi-functional and stylish, pet accessories are designed with the owner’s tastes in mind and are now, more than ever, being made to accompany home décor. However, buying customised furniture is not an option for many – these pieces for your beloved pet can come at a significant cost. Now, we’re seeing a rise in pet furniture DIY, meaning that making your own pet bed could be the solution.
As pets are frequently treated as an additional family member, owners tend to spoil their furry-friends. Now, as the year draws to a close, these same owners are looking for the perfect Christmas gifts, yet many decide to turn their hands to DIY to create a new, hand-made pet bed.
You may be thinking, ‘But where do I start?’. It’s worth recognising that now, pet items come in a range of different materials and sizes, which means that your creative possibilities are endless. Many manufacturers are now supplying exclusive prints and premium fabrics – all of which are non-toxic to animals. Amongst the style conscious also comes the environmentally-aware pet owner, and as a result, there has been a shift towards using raw materials like jute and banana leaves within designs. However, making your own pet bed need not be this complicated.
Firstly, it’s best to choose the size of bed you wish to make and to select your desired material. Next, it’s time to consider what type of foam will be most appropriate. Closed-cell polyethylene is a suitable choice due to its antibacterial, anti-rot and mildew-resistant properties – all of which can be harmful to your pet. Furthermore, it is both highly resistant to wear and tear and is waterproof, meaning it can be easily cleaned with a cloth. As it is rigid foam, it does not need to be too thick. Alternatively, if you are looking to create a more luxurious product, egg crate foam may be a good option, particularly for pets that prefer cooler, softer sleeping environments or have joint/back issues.
Now it’s time to order your foam insert using our easy ‘cut to size’ online tool. Here, you can select your desired shape, ranging from square and rectangle cushions to rounded-edge cushions. When it comes to stitching your cover fabric together and stuffing the bed, the foam insert should seamlessly slot in. However, if you have decided on a pet bed with a supportive edge, be sure to order two separate foam inserts – one to fill the outer edge as the ‘bolster’ cushion, and another for the main body of the bed. Remember to stuff each component separately before stitching them together!
If you’re stuck for ideas or would prefer to work from a set template, there are a range of simple and unique patterns available online that can be used. Alternatively, if you require assistance with choosing and measuring your select foam insert, please contact one of our friendly advisers who will be happy to help.
