My Word with Douglas E. Welch

Cats enjoy sleeping in enclosed spaces—it’s why they love to snuggle in a good box. But while cozy, the cardboard containers are lacking in style. If you’re looking for something that’s more quirky than the conventional shipping package, tune into this quirky trend in feline bedding. People are upcycling retro television sets—think from the 1960s–and removing their components to replace them with all the cushy comforts of a cat bed. The result is a comfy spot for a feline to nap in that doubles as a playful piece of home decor.

This is one kitty creation that’s easy to DIY, and you can find directions online via the Instructables website. There, user davee930 shares how he made a TV cat bed. The first step is to find the television you’ll want to use. Scour your favorite places to find vintage furniture (like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace), or visit a local antique shop. Once you have a television set, you can then disassemble it—making sure that you discharge its electricity first. (One simple tool will help you do that.) After the TV is hollow, you can decorate it with paint, wallpaper, or a patterned fabric to fit your style.