DIY Raised Dog Feeder from a Nightstand (Easy Upcycle Project)

Looking for a simple DIY project that’s both functional and stylish? This raised dog feeder made from an old nightstand is one of my favorite upcycles.

With just a few tools and some creativity, you can turn a thrifted or unused piece of furniture into a custom feeding station that keeps things organized—and looks great in your space.

Tools and Supplies

Tools:

• Drill
• Jigsaw (for cutting bowl holes)
• Sander
• Measuring tape

Materials:

• Old nightstand
• Dog bowls
• Paint or stain
• Wood filler

Step 1: Choose the Right Nightstand/Side Table

Look for a nightstand that’s the right height for your dog and wide enough to fit two bowls comfortably. Drawers can be removed or repurposed for storage.

Step 2: Measure and Mark Pet Bowl Placement

Measure your bowls and trace circles on the top surface where you want them to sit.

Step 3: Cut the Openings

Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the circles. Take your time here to ensure a snug fit.

Step 4: Sand and Prep

Sand the entire piece to smooth out rough edges and prep for paint or stain. Also remove the top of the nightstand by unscrewing the base from the top and take the bottom out of the top drawer. I’ll explain why on the drawer bottom shortly.

Step 5: Paint or Finish

Apply your chosen finish to match your space. A durable paint or sealant works best for easy cleaning. I applied a coat of primer and fresh coat of paint (color Grays Harbor by Sherwin Williams) to give it a modern look.

Step 6: Attach Hardware

Once the paint was dry, reattach your night stand top using two regular door hinges. Then, put the drawers back in place, the bottomless drawer going on top. Use L brackets and corner braces to secure the top two drawers to the nightstand base. These essentially become faux drawers meaning they can’t be accessed from the front. Inside will be a larger compartment, the size of two drawers, which can be used for food storage. I used this food storage container but you can use whatever suits the size of your piece of furniture. Lastly, I added these toy box hinges so the nightstand top would stay open while I access the food storage. It works perfectly!

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Place the bowls into the openings and style the surrounding area to match your home.

The end result is a beautiful, modern pet feeder station that my furry friend absolutely loves. Not only does it look great in my home, but it is also functional and practical for feeding my pet. Plus, it feels good knowing that an old piece of furniture gets a new life.

This is a great beginner-friendly DIY project that combines function and style. If you’re looking for a quick transformation with real impact, this is a perfect place to start.

FAQs

What height should a raised dog feeder be?
It should align roughly with your dog’s chest height for comfort.

Can you use any nightstand?
Most will work, but sturdy wood pieces are best.

Is a raised feeder better for dogs?
It can improve posture and reduce mess, depending on the dog.

If you are new to DIY, check out my Start Here page.