Vintage Suitcase Cat Bed Upcycle Idea

There is something wonderfully satisfying about turning an old suitcase into something useful again—especially when the finished project is immediately claimed by a cat who behaves as though the whole thing was made entirely for their convenience.

This vintage suitcase cat bed originally appeared on CraftGossip back in 2008 as a short feature directing readers to an external tutorial. The original post showed a very contented kitty curled up inside a floral-cushioned suitcase, but it did not include the full instructions readers need to make one themselves. The original photograph is still a lovely example of how cosy this simple upcycled pet bed can look.

So, I thought it was time to give this old favourite a proper update.

This DIY vintage suitcase cat bed is a great way to reuse damaged luggage that is no longer suitable for travel. It can be made with the suitcase standing open, as shown here, or with the lid removed entirely for a simpler low-sided bed.

Before you begin, please read the safety section carefully. Vintage luggage is charming, but wobbly lids, rusty metal and musty fabric are considerably less charming when your cat is involved.

Supplies You Will Need

One vintage hard-sided suitcase
Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
Mild dishwashing liquid
Warm water
White vinegar, optional
Soft cleaning cloths
Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
Screwdriver
Pliers
Fine-grit sandpaper
Rust-resistant metal paint, optional
Clear water-based sealer, optional
A sturdy pillow or foam cushion
Washable cushion cover or fabric
Polyester cushion filling, if making your own insert
Non-slip drawer liner or rubber furniture pads
Decorative fabric, trim or ribbon, optional
Heavy-duty lid support, safety chain or small furniture stay
Screws and washers suitable for the suitcase shell
Drill, optional
Pet-safe fabric spray, optional

A basic upholstery cushion, washable pillow protector and non-slip mat can all be found on Amazon. I would choose a cushion cover with a zipper because, delightful as cats are, they are not famous for keeping their bedding spotless.

Choosing The Right Suitcase

A small or medium hard-sided suitcase works best for a cat bed. The case needs to be large enough for your cat to turn around and curl up comfortably without being so deep that climbing in becomes difficult.

Look for a suitcase with:

A solid base
No sharp broken edges
Working hinges
No strong mould or chemical smell
A reasonably clean interior
Enough room for a padded cushion
A lid that can be safely secured

Avoid luggage with badly crumbling lining, extensive water damage, exposed nails or sharp metal fittings.

If the suitcase is genuinely rare or valuable, it may be better preserved than converted. There are plenty of slightly battered cases hiding in thrift shops that have already travelled their last mile and are ready for a quieter retirement.

For more inspiration, take a look at these DIY upcycled beds your pet will appreciate. It is amazing what can become a pet bed once you add a cushion and receive feline approval.

Important Safety Notes

The lid must never be able to fall closed while your pet is inside the suitcase.

You have three safe options:

Remove the lid completely.
Secure it open with a strong furniture stay or safety chain.
Fix the lid permanently in an open position.

Do not rely only on the original hinges or fabric straps. Old suitcase fittings can fail unexpectedly.

Check the finished bed regularly for loose screws, sharp edges, unstable feet and damaged lining. If your cat chews fabric or trim, leave off tassels, buttons, pom-poms and other small decorations.

A vintage suitcase should also be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before it is brought into the house or used by a pet.

Step 1: Inspect The Suitcase

Place the suitcase on a sturdy work surface and inspect it inside and out.

Check:

Hinges
Locks and latches
Handle fittings
Metal corners
Interior lining
The bottom of the case
Any old straps or pockets

Run your hand carefully around the inside to feel for protruding staples, screws or sharp edges.

Remove anything loose or unsafe. Old elastic straps and brittle pockets can usually be unscrewed or carefully cut away.

If the suitcase smells strongly of mould even after airing, choose another one. A little old-cupboard smell can usually be cleaned, but a deeply mouldy case is not worth risking for a pet project.

Step 2: Vacuum Away Dust And Debris

Open the suitcase outdoors and vacuum the interior thoroughly using the brush attachment.

Pay particular attention to:

Seams
Corners
Under pockets
Around hinges
Beneath loose lining
Grooves around the edge of the case

Use an old toothbrush to loosen dust trapped in tiny corners.

Vintage suitcases have an extraordinary ability to hold onto crumbs from journeys nobody remembers taking. Remove everything before introducing water.

Step 3: Clean The Interior

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid.

Dampen a cloth, wring it out well and gently wipe the interior. Do not soak cardboard-based suitcase shells or old glued linings, as excess moisture can cause warping and lifting.

For musty odours, wipe hard interior surfaces with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Test a hidden area first, especially on coloured fabric.

Allow the suitcase to dry fully in a well-ventilated place. Sunshine can help freshen it, but avoid leaving delicate vintage fabric in harsh sunlight for hours because fading may occur.

If the original lining is badly stained or coming away, remove it and replace it with new fabric rather than trying to disguise the damage with a cushion.

Step 4: Clean The Exterior

Wipe the exterior using a damp cloth and mild soap.

Use a toothbrush around:

Locks
Handles
Seams
Metal corners
Hinges
Textured surfaces

Dry the suitcase immediately after cleaning.

For rusty hardware, gently rub the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper or a small wire brush. Mask the surrounding suitcase and apply a rust-resistant metal paint if needed.

Do not paint over functioning hinges or locking mechanisms.

Step 5: Repair Or Cover The Interior

If the original lining is sound, you can leave it in place. That lovely old-fashioned fabric is part of the appeal.

If it is torn or unsightly, create a simple new lining.

Lay a sheet of paper inside the suitcase and trace the bottom shape. Use this as a pattern to cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the base.

Turn the raw edges under and glue or hand-sew the fabric into place. A water-based, low-odour adhesive is preferable for the interior, and it must be fully cured before your pet uses the bed.

You can also cut a thin piece of foam board or sturdy cardboard to fit the base, wrap it in fabric and place it inside as a removable panel. This is much easier to replace later.

Step 6: Secure The Lid

This is the most important step.

Option One: Remove The Lid

Unscrew the hinges and lift the lid away.

This creates the safest and simplest version of the suitcase pet bed. Sand or cover any exposed screw holes and make sure no sharp fittings remain.

The detached lid can be saved for another upcycling project rather than added to the craft-room pile of Things I Am Definitely Going To Use One Day.

Option Two: Add Lid Supports

Open the suitcase to the angle you want and install a strong furniture stay or safety chain on both sides.

Use screws with wide washers so the fittings cannot pull through the suitcase shell. Thin or brittle cases may need a small timber reinforcement block behind the fitting.

Test the lid firmly before adding bedding. It should not move forward, backward or sideways when gently pushed.

Option Three: Fix The Lid Permanently

For a display-style bed, the lid can be fixed permanently in an open position using brackets.

This works especially well if the suitcase will remain in one location. Again, test the construction carefully and make sure all screws are covered.

Never leave the lid open without a mechanical support.

Step 7: Stabilise The Base

Suitcases can slide, tip or rock, especially when an enthusiastic cat launches into them at speed.

Place a piece of non-slip drawer liner underneath the case or attach rubber furniture pads to the bottom.

If the suitcase has small metal feet, make sure they are level and secure. Remove or replace any that wobble.

For elderly cats, place the suitcase directly on the floor. Avoid tall furniture legs unless the bed is professionally reinforced and extremely stable.

Step 8: Measure For The Cushion

Measure the inside length and width of the suitcase.

The cushion should fit snugly without bulging dramatically at the sides. Leave enough room for your cat to settle into the bed rather than balancing on top like a furry loaf on an overfilled sandwich.

You can use:

A small bed pillow
A chair-pad cushion
Upholstery foam
A handmade cushion insert
A folded old quilt
Several layers of washable batting

Using an old quilt or blanket is another lovely way to make this project even more sustainable. Just make sure the bedding is washable and free from loose threads.

Step 9: Make A Removable Cushion Cover

A removable, washable cover will make the bed far easier to maintain.

Cut two fabric pieces approximately 2.5 cm or 1 inch larger than your cushion on all sides.

Place the fabric right sides together and sew around three sides. On the fourth side, add a zipper, hook-and-loop closure or envelope-style opening.

Turn the cover right side out, press it and insert the cushion.

Cotton canvas, upholstery fabric and quilting cotton backed with interfacing all work well. Avoid heavily textured fabrics that trap claws.

A floral print gives the bed a cheerful cottage look, while ticking stripe, velvet or vintage-look barkcloth can make it feel like a miniature piece of furniture.

Step 10: Add The Cushion

Place the finished cushion inside the suitcase.

Press around the edges and make sure it sits flat. The cushion should not cover sharp fittings or interfere with the lid supports.

For extra protection, place a non-slip mat between the suitcase and cushion.

Add a familiar blanket or one of your cat’s toys to make the new bed smell reassuring. You may lovingly create the entire project only for your cat to sleep in the cardboard box beside it for the first three days. This is normal cat behaviour and not a reflection of your crafting ability.

Optional Decorative Ideas

Once the bed is safe and functional, you can add a few decorative touches.

Try:

Lining the lid with coordinating fabric
Adding a small fabric bunting banner
Painting the outer shell
Stencilling your cat’s name
Adding a removable bow to the handle
Covering the cushion in vintage floral fabric
Using an old embroidered pillowcase
Tucking a small toy into the original luggage pocket

Keep decorations firmly attached and out of chewing range.

You could also coordinate the bed with other thrifted home projects. Our restored vintage Singer sewing machine table tutorial is another good example of giving an old, forgotten piece a useful new life.

How To Make A No-Sew Suitcase Cat Bed

For a quick version, clean and secure the suitcase as described above, then place a ready-made pillow inside.

Cover the pillow with a zippered pillowcase or washable cushion cover and tuck the excess fabric underneath.

The no-sew version still requires the lid to be properly secured or removed. “No sew” does not mean “let the ancient hinge make its own decisions.”

Making A Suitcase Bed For A Small Dog

This same project can work for a small dog, provided the suitcase is large and sturdy enough.

Choose a low-sided case and remove the lid completely. Add a firm foam cushion rather than a very soft pillow, as dogs often need more support.

Make sure the opening is easy to step over, particularly for puppies, dachshunds or older dogs with mobility issues.

For a heavier pet, reinforce the bottom with a piece of plywood cut to fit beneath the cushion.

Cleaning The Finished Cat Bed

Wash the cushion cover regularly according to the fabric instructions.

Vacuum the suitcase interior to remove fur and dust. Wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap, then allow everything to dry before replacing the cushion.

Check the lid supports, hinges and screws each time you clean the bed.

If the suitcase develops a musty smell, remove the cushion and air the case in a dry, shaded space. Do not spray strong fragrances or essential oils around pet bedding.

Where To Place Your Suitcase Cat Bed

Most cats prefer a warm, quiet location where they can see what is happening without being in the middle of it.

Try placing the bed:

Near a sunny window
Beside your favourite chair
In a quiet corner of the bedroom
Under a console table
In the craft room
Away from noisy appliances
Somewhere slightly sheltered

Avoid placing it near heaters, open fireplaces or direct drafts.

A cosy suitcase bed is particularly sweet in a craft room, where your cat can supervise your work without sleeping directly on the fabric you were about to cut. Whether they choose the bed instead of the fabric remains entirely up to them.

Why This Upcycled Cat Bed Is Worth Making

This is one of those projects that manages to be practical, decorative and delightfully nostalgic all at once.

You save an unwanted suitcase from being discarded, create a washable sleeping space for your pet and end up with a piece that looks far more charming than a standard plastic cat bed.

More importantly, it can be adapted to suit what you already have. Use a floral pillowcase, an old quilt, leftover upholstery fabric or even a thrifted cushion. The finished bed does not need to look perfect. Vintage luggage already comes with scuffs, scratches and stories—and cats are not known for demanding showroom finishes.

Just make that lid safe, add something soft and wait for the inspection committee to arrive.