Most dog beds are beige, forgettable, and destined to sit awkwardly in the corner of the living room. These six are worth considering on both counts — comfortable enough for the dog, and considered enough for the space they’re going into.
6 Cute Dog Beds Worth Buying
NICE DIGS Cord Dog Bed – Rust
NICE DIGS · From $229 · Made in Melbourne
A Melbourne-made bed in a rust-toned corduroy finish that fits easily into modern interiors without looking like it came from a pet shop. Durable cotton cord construction with vegan leather details and a removable inner cushion for washing. One of the more considered Australian options at this price point. View on NICE DIGS →
Dog Cave Bed by HAPPYSDOGGYBEDS
HAPPYSDOGGYBEDS · From $99 · Handmade in Queensland · 92cm x 70cm
A handmade cave bed from a Queensland maker — faux fur lining, lightweight enough to use as a travel bed, and generously sized at 92 x 70cm. Good for dogs that burrow under blankets or like an enclosed space to sleep. View on Etsy →
Andy Travel Dog Bed by BaileyandTed
BaileyandTed · From $60
Handmade from 100% cotton with light quilting — rolls up into a drawstring bag for easy transport. A practical option for café visits, road trips, or dog-friendly holidays where you want the dog to have a familiar spot without lugging a full bed. Machine washable. View on Etsy →
Eco-Friendly Handwoven Dog Basket
MmabiaBaskets · From $201 · Handwoven in Ghana from elephant grass
Ethically made in Ghana from elephant grass with natural dyes — fair trade and vegan-friendly. The most visually distinctive option on this list and easily the most at home as a piece of interior décor. Factor in shipping time from overseas. View on Etsy →
Personalised Cosy & Calm Puppy Box Bed
LordsandLabradors · From $114
A handmade crate bed with a reversible cushion and customisable fabric prints — choose the fabric and size to match. A neat option if you want the crate to feel more intentional than a wire box with a mat in it. View on Etsy →
Natural Rattan Woven Japanese-Style Pet Kennel
GrandmaWeaving · From $487 · Cotton mat included
A handwoven rattan kennel-style bed with a cotton sleeping mat — minimalist, well-crafted, and genuinely beautiful. At this price point it’s a considered purchase, but for a dog that uses a crate-style bed daily in a visible part of the home, it’s hard to match aesthetically. View on Etsy →
Why a Good Bed Matters
🛏️ Beyond the Aesthetic
Comfort and Joint Support
Soft, cushioned surfaces reduce pressure points during sleep — important for older dogs, large breeds, and dogs with arthritis or joint conditions. A quality bed is genuinely different from a cheap one in this regard. See our orthopaedic bed guide if support is the priority.
A Dedicated Space
Dogs benefit from having a consistent place to retreat to — somewhere that’s unambiguously theirs. A dedicated bed helps with settling, reduces anxiety, and gives you somewhere to direct the dog that isn’t your couch.
Cleanliness
A bed contains hair, mud, and moisture in one place that can be washed rather than distributed across every soft surface in the house. A removable, machine-washable cover makes this significantly easier in practice.
Seasonal Comfort
The right bed helps regulate temperature — insulated cave beds for winter, elevated or cooling mat options for Australian summers. One bed year-round often isn’t the optimal solution in climates with significant seasonal variation.
Types of Dog Beds
🐾 Common Types and What They’re For
Traditional Flat Beds
Cushion or pillow-style beds with no raised edges — good for sprawlers and dogs that like to stretch out fully. Wide variety of styles and prices. May lack joint support for older or larger dogs.
Orthopaedic Beds
Memory foam or high-resilience foam construction designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. The standard recommendation for senior dogs, large breeds, and any dog with arthritis or hip issues. More expensive but meaningfully different in quality.
Elevated Trampoline Beds
Raised mesh or fabric surface on a frame — allows airflow underneath, keeps the dog off hot or cold ground, and is more weather-resistant than padded beds. Good for outdoor use and hot climates.
Donut and Bolster Beds
Beds with raised edges that form a rim around the sleeping surface — good for curlers and dogs that like to rest their head against something. The raised edges provide a sense of enclosure without fully covering the dog.
Cave and Nest Beds
Hooded or enclosed beds where the dog sleeps inside. Built for burrowers, dogs that feel the cold, and dogs that seek enclosed spaces. Not suitable for dogs that overheat easily or prefer airflow. See our full cave bed guide for options.
How to Pick the Right Dog Bed
✅ Buying Checklist
- Match the bed type to how your dog sleeps — curlers need edges or enclosure, sprawlers need open surface area. See our full dog beds guide for a detailed breakdown
- Size for a full stretch — measure nose to tail and add 15–20cm. Don’t size just for a curl-up
- Prioritise a removable, washable cover — this single feature makes more practical difference than almost anything else
- Consider support for older or larger dogs — memory foam or orthopaedic foam is worth the extra cost for dogs with joint issues
- Check reinforced seams and quality zippers — especially if buying for a dog that’s hard on their gear
