How to Match a Pet Barrier to Home Decor

Pet barriers are used inside a home to keep pets out of, or alternately, inside of, a specific area. Most often, they are used with dogs. Pet barriers are similar to, or sometimes exactly the same as, baby gates. They are often placed at the head or foot of stairs, at a kitchen door, or blocking the entrance to a formal living or dining room. While necessary, they can also be quite unattractive. Use the tips below to make your pet barrier more attractive by matching it to your home's decor.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden baby gate or dog gate
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Other accessories and items depending on your decorating style
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Instructions

  1. How to Match a Pet Barrier to Home Decor

    • 1

      Consider the use of the pet barrier. If you are trying to keep a pet out of an area or part of the home, such as out of a fireplace or formal living room, consider using a non-traditional barrier. For example, you can use a decorative fireplace screen to block access to the fireplace --- this is much more attractive than a plastic gate. You can also use a large room divider in the form of a beautiful folding screen to block access to areas.

    • 2

      Look at the style of your home, and choose a gate accordingly. For most people, a swinging gate is the best way to create a pet barrier. If your home is casual, then you might not be bothered by the look of a standard plastic gate. For more formal homes, however, choose a wooden gate.

    • 3

      Stain or paint the wooden gate. After you have chosen a wooden gate to match the style of your home, paint it to match your decor. You can sand wooden gates and paint them to match the paint on your walls, or the wood color of your furniture.

    • 4

      Use a removable barrier. If a wooden gate is still just too ugly for your tastes, consider purchasing a removable version. These are usually held in place by pressure bars and you can easily remove it and tuck it away under a bed or in a closet. Others are built on stands that are wide enough to resist the weight of a dog.

    • 5

      Be creative. Make your own barrier by starting with a plain wooden gate, and adding unique details such as wooden shingles or premade white wainscoting.