DIY Litter Box Covers: Creative Ways to Hide the Box

If you’re a cat parent, you know the struggle: the litter box is essential, but it’s rarely attractive. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a spacious home, the desire for a hidden litter box solution is universal. The good news? There’s a world of clever, stylish, and highly functional options-DIY and ready-made-to fit every space and taste.

Why Hide the Litter Box?

A visible litter box can disrupt your home’s look, spread odors, and invite litter scatter. Hiding it with a DIY litter box cover, an upcycled cabinet, or a premium enclosure solves these problems and gives your cat more privacy. The best solutions blend seamlessly with your décor, making your cat’s bathroom a discreet, even beautiful, part of your home.

What Makes a Great Hidden Litter Box Solution?

Before diving into ideas, let’s clarify what to look for:

• Easy access for cleaning and your cat
• Odor control (ventilation, filters, or odor-resistant materials)
• Litter scatter management
• Design that fits your space and style
• Durability and safety for both cats and humans

DIY Litter Box Cover Ideas: Inspiration from Real Homes

1. Upcycled Furniture Litter Box

Transforming old furniture into a homemade litter box furniture piece is a favorite among DIYers. Dressers, nightstands, or cabinets can be repurposed by removing drawers, adding a cat-sized entrance, and painting or staining to match your home. This approach is sustainable and cost-effective, and you can customize the look to suit any room.

Tip: Add a hinged door for easy cleaning access and consider lining the interior with waterproof material for durability.

2. IKEA Hack Litter Box Enclosure

IKEA furniture is a top choice for DIY litter box enclosure IKEA projects. Besta units, Hol tables, and storage benches are frequently converted into stylish litter box enclosures. Cut an entrance hole, line the inside, and place a litter tray. Many cat owners on Reddit and Pinterest share success stories with these hacks, highlighting their affordability and adaptability.

3. Curtain-Covered Table

A simple table with a curtain around the base makes a quick cheap DIY hidden litter box. Attach fabric panels with Velcro or a tension rod, leaving an opening for your cat. This is one of the easiest cat litter box ideas DIY projects and works well for renters or anyone on a budget.

4. Basket or Chest Conversion

Large baskets or storage chests become airy, attractive litter box covers with just a few modifications. Cut an access hole, insert a litter tray, and you have a hidden litter box that doubles as storage or a side table.

5. Under-Stairs or Built-In Hideouts

Unused spaces under stairs, inside closets, or built into cabinetry are perfect for a hidden litter box. Cut an entrance, add ventilation, and your cat gets a private bathroom while you reclaim valuable floor space.

6. Planter-Style Litter Box

A hidden litter box plant enclosure uses a large faux planter or pot, with an entrance cut in the side and a litter box inside. Top with artificial plants for a natural look that conceals the box and adds greenery to your home.

7. Patterned or Painted Covers

Personalizing a basic plywood box with paint or stencils turns it into a statement piece. Add legs so it doubles as a side table or cat bed. This approach lets you match your litter box cover to your home’s color scheme and style.

Comparing DIY vs. Ready-Made Hidden Litter Box Furniture

Premium Hidden Litter Box Solutions: The Refined Feline

DIY is rewarding, but sometimes you want a solution that’s ready to go, beautifully crafted, and built to last. Hidden litter box furniture from The Refined Feline stands out for its thoughtful design, durability, and style.

Premium Hidden Litter Box Solutions: The Refined Feline

DIY projects can be rewarding, but sometimes you want a solution that’s ready-made, beautifully crafted, and built to last. Hidden litter box furniture from The Refined Feline stands out for thoughtful design, durability, and seamless integration into any home.

Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box

View Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box

• Material: Solid wood, available in four colors to match your enclosure
• Dimensions: 20″ wide x 12″ deep x 2″ high
• Function: Sits at the entrance of the Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe (large or xlarge). Its slotted wooden design catches stray litter as cats exit, reducing mess on your floors.
• Features: Easy to empty-just hold over the litter pan and slide the trap door to pour litter back in.
• User Feedback: Hundreds of reviews praise its effectiveness and appearance, noting it’s “way better than a rubber mat” and “looks like furniture and hides the litter box well.”
• Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $60, typically ships within 1 business day, with average delivery in 2–5 days.
• Guarantee: 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee for returns if your cat doesn’t adjust.

Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe Furniture

View Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe Furniture

• Materials: Real oak veneer over ply and solid wood (no MDF or particle board), resists odor and moisture
• Colors: Dark Espresso, Mahogany, Smoke Gray, White
• Sizes:
  • Large: 27.5″ W x 27″ H x 20″ D (internal: 25″ W x 20″ H x 18″ D)
  • XL: 33.5″ W x 28″ H x 22.75″ D (internal: 31″ W x 20.5″ H x 21″ D)
• Features:
  • Sliding storage drawer for litter supplies
  • Litter liner included for easy cleaning
  • Wall with entry hole can be placed on either side
  • Ventilation slots fit carbon odor filters
  • Reversible entryway and customizable feet
  • Adjoining Litter Catch (sold separately) for extra scatter control
• Fits: Most large and jumbo litter trays; XL fits many electric litter boxes
• Assembly: Required, with clear instructions and all hardware included
• User Feedback: Highly rated for quality, sturdiness, and aesthetics. Many use it as a TV stand or side table.
• Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.

Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet

View Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet

• Materials: Oak veneer over ply and solid wood
• Colors: Dark Espresso, Mahogany, Smoke Gray, White
• Dimensions: External: 30.5″ W x 34.5″ H x 28″ D; Internal: 28.5″ W x 32.5″ H x 26.5″ D
• Fits: Most self-cleaning litter boxes, including UBPET Pro, Litter Robot 3 and 4, Casa Leo Loo, PETKIT, and Neakasa M1
• Features:
  • Large reversible entryway for left or right access
  • Hole in back for power cord
  • Ventilation slots for optional carbon odor filters
  • Durable, moisture-resistant construction
  • Designed for easy assembly and cleaning
• User Feedback: Customers praise its fit for large automatic boxes, ease of assembly, and stylish appearance.
• Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.

UBPET Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App & Camera

View UBPET Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App & Camera

• Dimensions: 20″ W x 21″ D x 22″ H; Entrance: 9″ x 11.5″
• Features:
  • App connectivity-control cleaning, monitor usage, and track your cat’s weight from anywhere
  • High-definition internal camera
  • Automatic cleaning after each use or on-demand
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Works with most clumping litters (less than 0.6″ long)
  • Waste bin fits a standard 2-gallon bag
  • Integrated safety: operation pauses if motion or weight is detected, cats can’t get trapped
  • Low entry for easy access, especially for senior cats
• User Feedback: Loved for its whisper-quiet cleaning, convenience, and suitability for apartments.
• Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.

All Refined Feline products are made from high-quality, cat-friendly materials and are designed for both cat comfort and your home’s style. Each comes with a 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee, free shipping on orders over $60, and support from a USA-based team. Assembly is straightforward, and replacement liners, filters, and accessories are available for ongoing maintenance.

These premium solutions offer a polished alternative to DIY, blending seamlessly with your décor and delivering features that address odor, scatter, and cleaning challenges-making them a top choice for anyone looking to hide the litter box with style and ease

How to Hide a Litter Box in a Small Apartment

• Furniture enclosures: Cabinets, benches, or side tables that double as storage or seating.
• Curtain solutions: Hide the box under a table with fabric for privacy and flexibility.
• Vertical spaces: Use built-in shelves or under-stair nooks to maximize floor space.
• Plant covers: Place the box inside a large faux planter for a natural look.
• Closet or bathroom placement: Tuck the box behind a curtain or inside a closet with a cat door for discreet access.

Odor and Litter Control: Best Practices

• Scoop daily: Clean boxes keep cats happy and reduce smells.
• Ventilation: Ensure airflow with slots or holes in enclosures to prevent odor buildup.
• Odor filters: Use carbon filters or baking soda in the box or enclosure.
• Litter catchers: Place a mat or the Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box at the entrance to trap stray litter.
• Quality litter: Use low-dust, clumping litter for easy cleaning and less tracking.
• Deep clean: Wash the box weekly with vinegar or enzymatic cleaner to neutralize ammonia.

How to Make Your Litter Box Attractive

• Choose furniture-style enclosures that look like cabinets or benches.
• Paint or stencil DIY covers to match your décor.
• Add greenery (faux or real, cat-safe plants) for a fresh look.
• Accessorize: Hang art, use stylish storage, or add a matching litter scoop holder.
• Keep it clean: A tidy, odor-free box is always more attractive.

FAQ: Hidden Litter Box Covers

How do you hide a litter box creatively?
Use upcycled furniture, IKEA hacks, curtain-covered tables, or planter-style covers. Ready-made enclosures like The Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe offer a polished, customizable look that blends with any home24567.

What can I put under my litter box?
Use a waterproof mat, boot tray, or the wooden Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box to catch stray litter and protect your floors.

How can I make my litter box attractive?
Opt for a stylish enclosure, paint or decorate a DIY cover, add greenery, and keep the area clean. The Refined Feline’s cabinets are designed to look like fine furniture, with customizable panels and colors.

How to hide litter box smell?
Scoop daily, use odor-absorbing litter, add carbon filters or baking soda, and ensure good ventilation. Self-cleaning boxes and sealed waste bins offer advanced odor control.

What’s the best hidden litter box for large cats?
Choose a spacious enclosure with a large entry, like the XL Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe or the Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet, both designed for comfort and easy access.

Additional FAQs

Can I use a real plant on top of a hidden litter box?
Yes, but pick non-toxic varieties and ensure stability.

How often should I clean a hidden litter box enclosure?
Wipe down weekly, scoop daily, and replace liners/filters as needed.

Will my cat use a covered or hidden box?
Most cats adapt well, especially with gradual introduction and ensuring the box is always clean and accessible.

What’s the easiest DIY option for renters?
Curtain-covered tables or IKEA hacks that don’t require permanent changes.

Can I buy replacement parts for ready-made enclosures?
Yes, The Refined Feline offers replacement liners, filters, and accessories for their cabinets.

Final Thoughts

The quest for the perfect hidden litter box is as much about your cat’s comfort as it is about your home’s style and cleanliness. Whether you build your own DIY litter box cover, hack IKEA furniture, or invest in a premium enclosure from The Refined Feline, you can achieve a solution that’s functional, attractive, and tailored to your needs. Focus on ventilation, easy cleaning, and a design that fits your space. With so many creative options, your litter box can finally blend in-and maybe even become a conversation starter for all the right reasons.