How to Make a Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed
![Vintage Suitcase Turned Dog Bed DIY Craft: Old Luggage as Dog Bed](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_7043cover_shot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956078392.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- vintage plastic, metal, fiberglass or wooden suitcase
- 4 furniture legs
- screwdriver
- drill
- tape measure
- pliers
- marker
- lag bolt
- washer
- cushion
- notepad
Loosen Top
Using screwdriver or drill, loosen rivets or screws from hinges which hold the top and bottom suitcase pieces together. TIP: If rivets prove problematic to loosen, try using a flat-head screwdriver tucked underneath the head of the rivet, then try to pop it off.
![Loosen Top Loosening Suitcase Top](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5561Step_1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400953267378.jpeg)
Remove Top
With rivets or screws loose and/or completely removed, carefully separate the top and bottom suitcase pieces from one another. TIP: Consider keeping the suitcase top to create an additional pet bed.
![Remove Top Separate Suitcase Top](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5563Step_2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400978610718.jpeg)
Measure Suitcase Interior
Use a tape measure to determine the interior dimensions of the suitcase bottom: width, length and height. Jot dimensions down on a notepad.
![Measure Suitcase Interior Measuring and Notes](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5568Step_3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400979700089.jpeg)
Remove Extra-Long, Double-Sided Studs
Most furniture legs come with double-sided studs which are too long and may poke through the cushion once put in place. To ensure the proper fit, remove double-sided stud from furniture leg with pliers.
![Most furniture legs come with double-sided studs which are too long and may poke through the cushion once put in place. To ensure the proper fit, remove double-sided stud from furniture leg with pliers.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5591Step_4a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400979833870.jpeg)
![Most furniture legs come with double-sided studs which are too long and may poke through the cushion once put in place. To ensure the proper fit, remove double-sided stud from furniture leg with pliers.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5594Step_4b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400978609350.jpeg)
Position and Mark Leg Position
Turn suitcase bottom upside down, place furniture legs in proper positions, then trace or mark with marker.
![Position and Mark Leg Position Tracing Furniture Leg](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5572Step_5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400979725047.jpeg)
Mark Center Points of Legs
Use tape measure to determine the center point of each furniture leg, then mark with marker. TIP: The center point should be directly in the middle of the traced leg.
![Mark Center Points of Legs Measuring Center of Furniture Leg](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5576Step_6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400953252112.jpeg)
Drill Hole in Suitcase Bottom
Using marked center point of leg as a reference, drill hole directly through bottom of suitcase. Repeat as needed for all furniture legs.
![Drill Hole in Suitcase Bottom Drilling Hole in Suitcase](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5581Step_7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400979725067.jpeg)
Add Lag Bolt
Hold furniture leg in place, insert lag bolt directly through suitcase bottom and into furniture leg, then slide on washer and tighten with pliers.
![Add Lag Bolt Adding Lag Bolt to Suitcase](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5598Step_8a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400978655996.jpeg)
Place Cushion
Ensuring that all legs are tightly fastened and held sturdily in place, insert cushion. TIP: When choosing a cushion, opt for one slightly larger than the dimensions of the suitcase interior.
![Place Cushion Tightening Legs of Pet Bed](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/4/9/0/IMG_5602Step_8b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400978609583.jpeg)