Step 5: Repair Any Damage

Now inspect the drawer again.

If you find small cracks or holes, use wood filler.

For loose joints, use suitable wood glue and allow it to cure fully.

Don’t proceed with a drawer that’s structurally weak.

Remember: once your pet climbs onto the finished bed, the drawer will experience movement and weight. The four legs also create leverage against the drawer bottom, so the structure needs to be strong.

Step 6: Decide Whether You Need an Entrance

This is an optional step.

Some drawers can be used exactly as they are.

Others have a relatively high front panel that could make getting in and out difficult for a small, elderly, or mobility-limited pet.

One established upcycling guide recommends cutting a small access opening into the front of the drawer when necessary, while keeping enough material around the opening to preserve the drawer’s strength.

If you make an opening:

1. Measure the front panel.
2. Mark the center.
3. Draw the opening.
4. Make sure the opening is large enough for the pet.
5. Leave sufficient wood around the opening.
6. Carefully cut the shape.
7. Sand every edge thoroughly.

Never leave a freshly cut edge exposed.

Step 7: Attach the Legs

Now comes the transformation that makes the project look completely different.

Turn the drawer upside down.

Position four furniture legs near the corners.

The exact mounting method depends on the type of legs you purchase.

Some furniture feet screw directly into mounting plates, while others attach directly through the drawer bottom.

A good general process is:

1. Measure and mark the position of each leg.
2. Make sure all four positions are symmetrical.
3. Drill appropriate pilot holes.
4. Install the mounting plates if your legs require them.
5. Attach the legs.
6. Tighten everything securely.
7. Turn the bed upright.
8. Check for wobbling.

Some published drawer-bed designs attach four furniture feet directly through the drawer bottom, while others use dedicated leg plates for a sturdier connection.

Don’t make the legs unnecessarily tall

The goal isn’t to turn the pet bed into a table.

A relatively low bed is generally easier for a pet to access, particularly for older animals or animals with mobility problems.

Step 8: Give It a New Color

This is where you can really make the project your own.

The beds in the image demonstrate several different styles:

Turquoise

Perfect for a coastal or farmhouse-inspired room.

Pink

A fun choice for a playful “Princess” bed.

Dark brown

Excellent for a rustic or traditional interior.

Natural wood

Ideal if you want to emphasize the character of the original drawer.

Black or charcoal

Works beautifully in modern interiors.

White

A classic option that can make an old drawer look surprisingly elegant.

You can use paint, stain, or another appropriate furniture finish depending on the material and the look you’re after.

Apply thin, even coats rather than one very thick coat.

Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9: Add a Protective Finish

Once the paint or stain has completely dried, consider applying an appropriate protective finish.

This is especially useful because pet beds experience:

• Scratching
• Hair
• Dirt
• Occasional spills
• Cleaning
• General wear

A furniture wax or suitable clear finish can help protect the surface, depending on the paint and material you’ve chosen. One documented drawer-bed project used furniture wax to finish areas expected to experience wear.

Make sure the finish is fully cured according to its manufacturer’s instructions before allowing your pet to use the bed.

Dry to the touch doesn’t necessarily mean fully cured.

Step 10: Add the Decorative Hardware

Now bring back the “dresser” character.

Install a decorative handle on the front.

You could use:

• A vintage drawer pull
• Ceramic knob
• Brass handle
• Black metal handle
• Rope handle
• Wooden knob

The hardware can completely change the appearance.

For example, a turquoise drawer with a distressed brass pull can create a vintage farmhouse look, while black hardware on natural wood gives the bed a more modern appearance.