If your dog’s bed looks like a bit of an afterthought, you’re not alone. Most pet beds are purely functional, but a well-made wicker dog bed does something different. It looks good in your home, it’s built from natural materials, and for a lot of dogs, the raised, structured sides make it genuinely comfortable to curl up in.
Here’s what to think about before you buy.
Size: Start With Your Dog, Not the Bed
The most common mistake is going too small. Measure your dog from nose to tail when they’re lying stretched out, then add roughly 30cm. That gives you a working minimum. For larger breeds like labradors or golden retrievers, it’s worth sizing up again, since a cramped bed gets ignored.
If you have a smaller dog, a raised wicker basket style tends to work well. The enclosed sides create a natural den feeling, which most dogs find reassuring.
Material: What Wicker Actually Means
Wicker is a weaving method, not a material in itself. The basket can be made from willow, rattan, seagrass, or bamboo. At Garden Wonders, our pet beds are handmade using natural rattan, which is both durable and sustainable. It holds its shape over time without cracking or splitting, and it looks considerably better than a moulded plastic equivalent sitting in the corner of your living room.
Comfort: The Cushion Matters as Much as the Basket
The basket provides structure; the cushion provides comfort. A removable, washable cushion is worth looking for, since dogs being dogs, it’s going to need cleaning. Look for a fill that holds its loft rather than flattening out after a few weeks.
Practical Things People Overlook
A wicker dog bed on legs lifts your dog off cold floor surfaces, which matters more in older dogs with joint stiffness. It also makes cleaning underneath easier. If you have a dog that chews, a wicker bed is probably not the right fit, since natural materials and determined teeth don’t mix well. For most dogs though, once they’ve settled in, they tend to leave it alone.
Our Pet Bed Range
The Charles pet bed is our most popular option and comes in two styles: the Kaboo, which has a higher back, and the Kettle, which sits a little lower. Both are handmade, naturally finished, and available in sizes to suit most breeds.