17 Stunning DIY Cat Tree Designs That Look Like Designer Furniture

If your cat rules the house (let’s be honest, they do), then a cat tree is basically their throne. But instead of buying an expensive one that doesn’t even match your décor, why not build your own? With these DIY cat tree designs, you can create a playground that’s stylish, budget-friendly, and tailored to your cat’s personality. From rustic wood towers to modern, minimal climbs, these ideas are purr-fect for both cats and their humans.

DIY Cat Tree Ideas

1. Scandinavian-Style Plywood Tree

If you’re a fan of clean lines and neutral palettes, this one is calling your name. Using high-grade plywood, you can create a tiered cat tree with smooth, curved platforms. Mount it on a minimalist base and stain it in natural wood tones to match your existing furniture. This design seamlessly fits into modern Nordic decor.

2. Wall-Mounted Floating Tree

Ditch the bulky footprint and go vertical. This wall-mounted design features floating steps and perches that create a modern climbing route along the wall. It’s ideal for small spaces or studio apartments. Stick with matte-finish wood and geometric shapes to maintain that decor-forward feel.

3. Mid-Century Modern Tree

Love tapered legs, warm wood, and retro flair? This DIY uses stained wood columns, rounded cubby holes, and a sleek profile that looks like vintage furniture. Add brass caps or hairpin legs for extra charm. It’s a statement piece that your cat and your Instagram feed will love.

4. Tree Branch Climber

Bring the outdoors inside with a tree branch-based design. Use a sturdy, real wood branch as the core and build platforms around it. Anchor it in a weighted base or pot filled with stones and finish it with wood polish. It’s rustic, raw, and totally charming for nature-inspired interiors.

5. Window Tree Lounge

This design combines a low-profile tree with built-in seating by a window. Cats love the sun, so this structure features a base with cubbies and a wide lounging platform at window height. Use foam cushions that match your curtains or upholstery for visual harmony.

6. Ladder-Style Climbing Tree

Upcycle an old ladder and transform it into a charming climbing structure. Secure the ladder at a slight angle and attach fabric platforms or wooden boards between steps. It’s got a laid-back farmhouse vibe and can be painted to match your wall color or distressed for a rustic look.

7. Bookshelf Combo Tree

Why not combine books and cats? Retrofit an old bookshelf by removing some shelves and replacing them with carpeted ramps and lounging spots. Add holes for climbing between levels. The outer structure looks like an ordinary shelf but it’s secretly a feline playground.

8. Cube Stack Modular Tree

If you love flexibility, go for modular. Stack painted wooden cubes in a pyramid or staggered format. Each cube can be a hideaway, a perch, or a step. You can paint them to blend with your accent wall or wallpaper, making it part of the decor rather than standing apart.

9. Sisal-Wrapped Tower with Planter Top

Combine greenery with utility. Create a narrow vertical tower wrapped in natural sisal rope and top it off with a faux planter box. Your cat climbs, your space stays fresh-looking. Choose planters that match your indoor pots for continuity.

10. Industrial Pipe Tree

For lofts or industrial homes, this design is an eye-catcher. Use metal plumbing pipes and reclaimed wood to build a sleek vertical tree. The exposed metal brings urban edge, while the dark-stained wood balances it out. Add Edison lighting nearby for drama.

11. Fabric Wrapped Stepped Tree

This stepped tree uses plywood boxes or shelves covered in durable upholstery fabric to match your furniture. Think of it like a mini fabric sculpture your cat can climb. It blends effortlessly into modern or transitional decor.

12. Tree with Faux Fireplace Base

Want something totally unique? Build the base of your cat tree to resemble a decorative faux fireplace. Stack climbing tiers on top and style the base with logs or fairy lights. It creates a cozy hearth look while functioning as a tower.

13. Hanging Hammock Tree Tower

Instead of just steps, build in hanging hammocks between vertical poles. Use wooden dowels or steel rods for support and string soft cloth hammocks. The vertical orientation saves space and adds a modern softness to your room.

14. Corner-Fitted Tower Tree

Maximize awkward spaces by creating a cat tree that fits right into a room corner. Custom-fit triangular platforms rise up the wall, perfect for climbing. Paint the tree in your wall color to make it disappear into the background.

15. Pegboard Wall Tree

Use pegboard panels to design a completely modular cat climbing wall. Attach pegs, shelves, or baskets where needed and rearrange as your decor or cat’s preferences change. It’s both modern and playful—perfect for dynamic spaces.

16. Tiered Plant Shelf Tree

Combine indoor gardening with cat play by building a vertical shelf tree with alternating planters and perches. Make sure to use only pet-safe plants. The natural textures and greenery give your home a serene, earthy feel.

17. Built-In Cat Tree Alcove

If you’re renovating or building custom furniture, create a cat tree built right into the wall or cabinetry. Use inset shelves, ramps, and cubbies to give your cat their own hideaway. It’s seamless, elegant, and totally design-friendly.

FAQs

1. How tall should a DIY cat tree be?

Most cats enjoy being elevated, so aim for at least 4-6 feet if possible. Wall-mounted or vertical designs allow for height without bulk.

2. Can I make a cat tree that looks like real furniture?

Yes, many designs use materials and finishes that match interior decor—wood stains, fabrics, and shapes can easily blend into modern, rustic, or minimal homes.

3. What materials are best for DIY cat trees?

Plywood, solid wood, sisal rope, and upholstery fabric are great. Always avoid toxic finishes and use pet-safe adhesives or screws.

Your cat tree doesn’t have to be an afterthought—it can be a centerpiece. These 17 DIY cat tree designs prove that pet furniture can coexist with home style, from earthy and rustic to sleek and modern. Whether you’ve got a tiny studio or a cozy farmhouse, there’s a decor-friendly cat tree waiting to be built by you. Your cat gets their kingdom. You get your style points. Everyone wins.