How To Make: Pet Bed Out of a Suitcase

Just a warning that this is probably going to be the longest post ever. Lots and lots of pictures! I tried to write the "Read More" into the CSS into my layout, but couldn't get it to stick.

But I don't think you'll mind, because this is a fun project. I've seen these in a few boutique pet shops all over. So I figured I try my hand at creating one.

Today, we're going to make Kenya a cat bed out of a old, hard suitcase. You know the old ones that maybe Don Draper would use {while he flies off to California to disappear for 3 weeks.} How might we do this, you ask? Let's take a look!

I got mine for $5.99 at a thrift store.

I didn't open it until I came home and was tickled pink to find the lining was so stinking cute! I loved it so much I decided to keep it as a part of the bed.


I had to cut the lid off the hinges because this guy was so sturdy. I broke out my Dremel with the metal grinder tip and cut off both ends that encased the pin that held the hinges together. With some WD-40, and a screw driver, I tapped each pin out.


I taped off the edges that I wanted to keep shiny and clean and gave it a good coat of spray primer. Here's a tip {the text in the little arrow that you can't see} I used Vaseline to protect the little logo plate. I just smeared it on and sprayed right over it. Easy peasy.

I even painted the handle and just wiped off the Vaseline/paint with a rag.

I picked out a cute fabric, because I knew Kenya would totally appreciate it. You know being a cat and all...


I decided to also add some lace on the edge for fun. I measured and cut the fabric to fit perfectly into the suitcase. This was my first time sewing on lace and I think it turned out alright!


Here it is! You can either leave it this way {which I sort of like better} or you could add legs like I did. Don't mind the dead dog in the background.


I went to Lowe's and found 4 little stool legs that were about $2/leg. I think shorter legs would have looked better but oh well.


I wasn't a fan of ALL of the ridges, so I decided to fill in the ridges with some wood filler.

I just used my finger, smushed it in and let it dry.

After dry {which was about 30 minutes} I sanded it down a bit by hand.

Primed and painted.

The I drilled 4 holes in each corner. Using some all purpose caulk/adhesive I dabbed some on where the leg would make contact with the suitcase and twisted it on.



I let it dry over night until I set it in the window for Kenya. She knew this was made for her and loved it from the start.


You could do this with any style of hard cased suitcases. If you have a medium sized dog, you could even find a trunk {or the like} and make one for your living room.