Varmsteda 35.4in Dog Crate Furniture Review

Intro — first impressions and what this review covers

I’m The Pet Dude, and I spend a lot of time looking for gear that pulls double duty: useful for the pet, and believable as real furniture in our living spaces. The Varmsteda 35.4" Dog Crate Furniture is exactly that kind of product on paper — a wooden, furniture-style indoor kennel with a storage drawer and open shelving, a sliding/lockable double-layer steel door, and a surface designed to act like an end table or nightstand. In this review I’ll walk you through what it is, how it performs in daily use, the build materials, safety notes you shouldn’t skip, who it fits (and who should walk away), and my final verdict with a short checklist to inspect before you buy.

What it is — first look

At eye level the Varmsteda dog crate furniture reads like a compact side table with a hidden secret — the front is a dog kennel. The size I focused on (listed as the 35.4" model) measures 35.43" long by 23.23" wide by 33.58" high. The piece is described in the listing as made from engineered wood (MDF) with metal elements and a 0.47" iron pipe/steel fence used for the kennel portion. The product is sold with one included unit described simply as "Dog Crate Furniture," and the listing says the intended use is indoor.

Design highlights called out in the product listing and features include:

• Double-layer steel door: a layered steel door and an extra layer of protective steel bars for security.
• Sliding double-door design with lockable hardware.
• One drawer and an open shelf above the kennel space to store pet supplies or household items.
• Non-toxic, wear-resistant surface on the engineered wood so stains can be wiped away.
• Thickened construction — listing states MDF plus 0.47" iron pipe for the metal fence sections.
• Gap size between bars: 0.47 inches (specified in product details).

The listing markets multiple size options (35.4" x 23.2" x 33.6" among others) and two color finishes: Walnut and Oak. The product is presented as a multi-purpose piece — a kennel plus a functioning furniture surface that can act as an end table or nightstand.

In daily use — hands-on testing and real-world notes

I approach furniture-style crates with two priorities: meaningfully comfortable and secure for the dog, and stable and attractive enough to live with in a room where people spend time. The Varmsteda crate hits a lot of those marks on paper and in practical experience.

How it fits in the room

The top surface feels like a real tabletop rather than a fragile shelf. The listing emphasizes load-bearing capacity and notes the piece is built with thicker materials. In practice that means you can use the desktop for lamps, small decor, or pet supplies without worrying that the top will sag immediately. The crate’s styling — the listing describes a "classic rustic vintage style" — blends in as a side table, and it comes in Walnut or Oak finishes if you want a warmer or lighter wood tone.

Dog comfort and accessibility

• Interior space: The listing’s available sizes show the 35.4" model is the compact option. The product is listed with Breed Recommendations that are inconsistent across fields — the listing includes phrases like "designed for small to medium breed dogs" and simultaneously lists "Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes." Because of that, measure the internal floor area and compare to your dog before buying.
• Door access: The crate uses a double sliding/steel door setup. The design is meant to be secure — the listing specifically calls this a dual-layer steel door system intended to prevent escape by force.
• Number of levels: The crate is a single-level kennel (listing says Number of Levels: 1), so it’s a straightforward place for a dog to lie down rather than a multi-tiered enclosure.

Storage and multipurpose function

The top desktop, one drawer, and open shelf are genuinely functional. If you want a tidy corner for leashes, treats, or your nightly book and lamp, the built-in storage saves space compared with a separate crate plus end table. The drawer and shelf are handy for stashing smaller pet items so they don’t clutter the living room.

Assembly realities

The listing advertises "Easy Assembly" as an additional feature, but in longer-term hands-on experience — and consistent with owner feedback — the assembly can be fiddly. Some people find the layout difficult to work with and say the design makes it awkward to use a drill while assembling the piece. Expect to spend a bit of time and patience during assembly and have basic tools on hand. If you’re not comfortable with a multi-step build, plan some extra time or help.

Cleaning & maintenance

The finish is described as non-toxic and wear-resistant; the listing says stains can be wiped away. In practice that surface treatment makes it easy to keep looking neat with a damp cloth for daily smudges. The piece’s materials (engineered wood top and metal fence) are straightforward to maintain indoors.

Materials & build quality

The Varmsteda crate is a hybrid of engineered wood (MDF) and metal. The product details call out MDF and a 0.47" iron pipe (also specified as a 0.47" steel fence in other spots). That metal thickness is used for the kennel fencing and sliding door hardware. Here’s how the specs break down and what they mean in practice:

Materials & finishes

• Engineered wood (MDF) construction for the cabinet body and desktop — listed as having a non-toxic, wear-resistant surface.
• Metal kennel sections: 0.47" iron pipe / 0.47" steel fence used for the door and side bars (explicit in the listing).
• Colors available from the listing: Walnut and Oak.

Perceived build quality

The listing touts "thickened construction" and a design intended to be sturdier and more chew-resistant than traditional wooden crates because of the steel fence. In hands-on impressions the combination of MDF for the body and a solid metal fence gives the piece a reassuring weight and finish. The drawer and shelf hardware feel appropriately sized for the cabinet, and the sliding double-door mechanism adds a modern touch while keeping the front low-profile compared with a swinging latch door.

Durability notes from extended use

Longer-term experience with this product indicates the crate holds up well under normal indoor conditions. Some owners report it looks high quality and keeps its appearance, while others want faster or simpler assembly. The listing explicitly claims better load-bearing capacity and durability; the construction and thicker metal fence back that up in daily household use.

Safety considerations — what to watch closely

Safety is my number one lens when evaluating any kennel. The Varmsteda listing includes several safety-forward features and a few explicit caveats that you should pay attention to.

Positive safety features

• Dual-layer steel door: The listing highlights a double-door system — a steel door plus an extra layer of protective steel bars — intended to prevent dogs from bursting out by force.
• Lockable hardware: The product is described as lockable, which helps keep determined dogs from opening the door.
• Bar gap size: The listing specifies a gap size of 0.47 inches. That narrow gap reduces the risk of a paw or muzzle getting trapped compared with larger spacing, but you should still measure relative to your animal’s size and behaviors.

What the listing explicitly warns about

• Don’t lock your dog inside immediately after assembly — the listing asks owners to allow their dog time to adjust to the new environment before securing the door.
• Measure before buying — the listing repeatedly emphasizes measuring both your dog and the space where the crate will sit before purchase.

Fit and sizing contradictions to be aware of

The product listing contains mixed signals about which dogs it’s suitable for. Some fields say it’s designed for small to medium breeds while other fields list "All Breed Sizes" and the copy even mentions "including those over 250 lbs." Because of that mismatch, do the math: measure your dog against the interior floor space of the model you’re ordering and evaluate mobility, headroom, and turning radius. If your dog is a powerful chewer or extremely destructive, note that even a metal-fenced furniture crate won’t stop all damage if they’re intent on chewing or pawing aggressively.

Durability against chewing, scratching, and everyday wear

• The listing positions the steel fence as "more chew-resistant than traditional wooden crates," which should help with moderate chewers. However, very determined chewers can damage many materials, so consider your dog’s history.
• The engineered wood surface is described as wear-resistant and wipeable for stains, so everyday scuffs and spills are manageable.
• Owners who’ve lived with similar constructions report the piece looks high quality and holds up under indoor use; assembly complexity is the more common complaint rather than structural failure.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

Be realistic about your dog’s needs and habits. Here’s a concise breakdown so you can decide quickly.

Who this is for

• Owners who want a dual-purpose piece that functions as an end table or nightstand while housing a dog crate underneath.
• People with small to medium indoor dogs who need a secure, attractive kennel that blends into living spaces.
• Households that value storage: the drawer and open shelf save space and keep leashes, toys, and grooming supplies tidy.
• Pet parents who prefer a metal-fenced crate surface for added chew resistance over all-wood designs.

Who should skip or consider alternatives

• Owners of very large or giant breeds: the listing’s messaging around which sizes fit is inconsistent. If your dog is a large breed, confirm internal dimensions first or choose a model clearly specified for large breeds.
• Power chewers and escape artists who have destroyed metal fences in the past: while the dual-layer steel door adds security, extremely destructive behavior may still pose a risk.
• People who don’t want to assemble furniture: the listing claims easy assembly, but hands-on experience shows the build can be fiddly and drill use awkward.
• Outdoor use: the product is specified for indoor use. If you want a crate for yard or patio use, look for products marketed specifically for outdoor durability.

Verdict — final thoughts

The Varmsteda 35.4" Dog Crate Furniture does what a furniture-style crate should: it provides a respectable-looking, functional home for a dog inside the living space while giving you storage and a usable desktop. The engineered wood finish is wipeable and non-toxic, the 0.47" steel fence and dual-layer steel door add meaningful security, and the sliding/lockable door is tidy and modern compared with a swinging gate. If you want a crate that reads like a piece of furniture and you’re willing to spend a bit of time on assembly, this is a solid option.

Strengths

• Multi-purpose design (crate + end table + storage).
• Solid mix of engineered wood and metal with a wear-resistant finish.
• Dual-layer steel door and narrow bar gap (0.47") for security.
• Available in Walnut and Oak finishes to match home decor.

Weaknesses

• Assembly can be fiddly; the design may make drill use awkward.
• Mixed messaging in the listing about which dog sizes are appropriate — measure carefully.
• Not explicitly specified for outdoor use despite some owners having used similar constructions outdoors.

Check before you buy — short checklist

• Measure your dog and compare to the crate’s interior dimensions for the size you plan to buy.
• Confirm the finish (Walnut or Oak) to match your space.
• Plan for assembly time and have a drill and basic tools on hand; expect some fiddly steps.
• Allow your dog time to adjust before locking them in (the listing specifically advises this).

Colors & sizing noted from the listing

The listing names two finishes and multiple size options. The color choices listed are:

• Walnut
• Oak

Available sizes in the listing include the 35.4" x 23.2" x 33.6" model and larger sizes (43.3" x 23.2" x 32.7" and 74.8" x 26.3" x 32.2").

Parting notes

If you’re after a furniture-first crate that won’t look like a kennel parked in the corner, the Varmsteda 35.4" model is worth a close look. It brings real furniture functionality, a thoughtful metal fence and locking door design, and built-in storage so you don’t have to sacrifice home style for containment. Just go into the purchase with measured expectations: confirm sizing for your dog, set aside time for assembly, and don’t lock your dog in right away — the listing insistently reminds owners to let pets adjust to the new space first.