Bed with Dog Underneath: 2026 Guide for Labs

You've seen the setup: a human bed frame raised high enough to tuck your Lab's sleeping nook underneath. Smart space-saving meets real canine comfort. If you refuse to exile your pup from the bedroom but can't afford to lose floor space, this arrangement solves the "Where does the dog sleep?" question without tripping over a bulky bed at 2 a.m.

A bed with dog underneath works like this: your mattress sits elevated on a platform frame, creating a dedicated den below for your dog. You can buy ready-made frames with built-in compartments, convert IKEA storage pieces, or build a simple platform using basic lumber. Labs love it because they stay close to your scent while claiming a retreat of their own.

What Is a Bed with Dog Bed Underneath and Why Dogs Love It

The Setup: Raised Frame + Cozy Den Below

Raise your bed frame 18 to 24 inches off the floor. Slide a cushioned dog bed--like those in Rubyloo's dog beds and mats collection--into the space below. Some designs include a pull-out drawer or trundle mechanism. Others keep the sides open so your dog can enter from any direction.

Queen and king frames work best. They give a 70-pound Lab room to sprawl. Most under-bed spaces measure 40 to 50 inches wide and 12 to 18 inches high--plenty of headroom for a dog who prefers to curl up or stretch out.

Why Your Lab Craves This Spot

Dogs are den animals. A covered, enclosed space taps into their instinct to seek shelter. When that den sits directly beneath your bed, your Lab can hear you breathe, smell your familiar scent, and feel part of the pack--without claiming your pillow.

This proximity reduces nighttime anxiety. Labs prone to separation stress settle faster when they hear you overhead. Less whining at the door. Fewer midnight laps through the hallway.

What We've Seen on the Road

An Austin owner told us her rescue Lab stopped chewing furniture after she set up an IKEA hack version. Her dog finally had a space that felt like hers, not a hand-me-down corner of the living room.

Space-Saving Tips for Small Bedrooms and Multi-Dog Homes

Murphy and Trundle Designs

Murphy beds fold against the wall. Some designs leave a usable nook below when the bed is down. Trundle frames slide a dog bed out like a drawer--perfect for tight rooms where a permanent under-bed setup blocks walkways. Both styles shine in apartments or shared kids' rooms where every square foot counts.

For multi-dog families? Try a queen frame with two side-by-side dog beds underneath, or a king with a single extra-large cushion. Separate entry points reduce squabbles.

Keep It Fresh: Weekly Cleaning Routine

Vacuum the under-bed area weekly. Labs shed year-round, and fur collects fast in enclosed spaces. Wash your dog's bedding every two weeks--hot water and a pet-safe detergent do the trick. If your frame has a removable bottom panel, wipe it monthly to prevent dust buildup.

Pair your setup with Washable, Waterproof & Stink Proof Dog Leashes for muddy-paw days. The polymer-coated nylon dries fast and resists odors. Keep grime out of your dog's sleep zone after rainy walks.

Ready to give your Lab a cozier bedtime routine? Every purchase from Rubyloo supports our "Every Dog Should Have a Home" initiative, funding shelters and rescue organizations nationwide.

Ready-Made Beds with Built-In Dog Spaces You Can Buy Today

Where to Find Queen and King Options

Several makers sell human beds with integrated dog compartments. Look for solid-wood frames with pull-out trundle sections or recessed platforms at the foot. Etsy hosts custom builders who craft queen and king frames with built-in dog nooks--often oak or pine with non-toxic finishes. Prices range from $800 to $2,200 depending on wood grade and included cushion quality.

Sizing for Labs and Large Breeds

Adult Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds. Aim for a dog bed at least 36 inches long by 28 inches wide--your dog needs room to stretch fully. Confirm the under-bed clearance before ordering. Most standard frames sit 12 to 18 inches off the floor. If your Lab is tall, choose a frame with extra clearance or use a thinner dog mattress to preserve headroom.

Where to Shop (No DIY Hassle Required)

Custom Etsy builders often deliver nationwide and include waterproof liners. Most builds take four to six weeks. Big-box furniture retailers rarely stock integrated dog beds, so online marketplaces and specialty pet-furniture sites offer more choices. Budget an additional $100 to $200 for a quality orthopedic dog mat with a washable cover--like those in Rubyloo's collection--to complete your setup.

Simple DIY Builds and IKEA Hacks for Under-Bed Dog Beds

DIY Queen Bed Build Using Basic Tools

Start with a standard queen platform frame. Cut four 2x4 lumber pieces to fit the interior width. Secure them parallel to the side rails using L-brackets--this creates a ledge. Place a plywood sheet across the ledges, sand the edges, apply a pet-safe sealant, then add your dog's cushion. You can finish a basic version in an afternoon with modest materials.

IKEA Storage Box Conversions

IKEA SKUBB or KOMPLEMENT fabric boxes slide under most bed frames. Line the bottom with a waterproof mat and add a folded blanket. For sturdier options, try TROFAST bins. Drill ventilation holes along the sides, attach furniture sliders to the base for easier pull-out cleaning, and cushion with a cut-to-fit pad.

Lab-Proof Material Picks

Labs that love water and mud need materials that tolerate frequent washing. Choose durable covers you can launder, and keep a Washable, Waterproof & Stink Proof Dog Leash near the bedroom. The quick-dry polymer coating and rust-resistant hardware handle lake swims and sandy trails without staying funky.

Make It Last: Durability and Safety Checks

Materials That Survive Chewers and Climbers

Labs are enthusiastic chewers, especially during their first two years. Choose chew-resistant fabrics like ripstop nylon or heavy-duty canvas for cushion covers. Avoid exposed foam edges. Look for double-stitched seams. Inspect wooden components monthly for splinters or gnaw marks. If your dog targets the frame, use pet-safe deterrent spray on exposed corners.

Monthly Safety Checks

Check for sharp edges or protruding screws in the under-bed structure. Test stability by pressing down on the platform--it shouldn't wobble or shift. Confirm ventilation by checking airflow in the space. If it feels stuffy, drill additional air holes or use a thinner dog mattress to increase clearance.

The den instinct in dogs explains why Labs prefer an under-bed nook. The enclosed, secure space mimics their natural drive to seek shelter during rest.

If you own a Labrador Retriever, understanding breed behaviors and needs helps you design the perfect under-bed sleeping arrangement for their size and temperament.

Some dogs show separation anxiety, which proximity at night can ease. Learn more about managing separation anxiety to help your Lab feel calm and secure in their under-bed den.