Hallway & Under-Stairs Guide
Bespoke Dog Dens: Building a Luxury Built-In Pet Bed Under the Stairs
A built-in dog den under the stairs is a detail that dog owners in Berkshire increasingly request — and when designed thoughtfully, it integrates seamlessly with the hallway joinery composition while giving the family dog a dedicated, comfortable, and architecturally appropriate sleeping space.
Sizing the Den for Your Dog\'s Breed
A dog den should be sized to allow the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down fully stretched in their natural resting position. For a medium dog (Cocker Spaniel, Labrador), a den of 900mm wide × 700mm deep × 700mm high is comfortable. For large breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever), 1100mm × 900mm × 900mm is the minimum. The opening should be wide enough for the dog to enter without ducking, and the floor base should be removable in full sections for washing — a feature that is essential for practical use.
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Design Integration With Hallway Joinery
The dog den is designed as one section within the overall hallway joinery composition — aligned in height and panel style with adjacent boot room storage or coat hooks. The den opening is finished with a doorstep detail to contain bedding. A timber arch or simple square-framed opening both work aesthetically. The den interior is painted in a hardwearing finish, and the removable floor panel is fitted with a flush-lift handle. A small ventilation slot at the rear prevents the den interior from becoming humid.
FAQ
Common Questions
Can the dog den have a door that closes?
Yes — a hinged or barn-door style door can be fitted. Most clients choose to leave the opening open, but a door can be useful for containing the dog during meal times or when guests arrive.
What is the cost of a built-in dog den?
A built-in dog den as part of an under-stairs or hallway joinery project typically adds £400–£800 to the overall cost, depending on size and specification.
Can a dog den be built into an existing under-stairs cupboard?
Yes — converting an existing under-stairs cupboard into a dog den is a popular brief. We assess the existing space and design the conversion at the measuring visit.
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