The Kensington Houndstooth Bolster Dog Bed is a luxury nest bed made from upholstery-grade houndstooth check fabric, with plush raised bolster walls around a deep, reversible faux fur cushion and handcrafted leather handles. It is for owners who want a houndstooth dog bed in the UK that makes a design statement in a modern living space, and for dogs who love to rest their head, curl up and relax in a secure, enclosed bed.
Read on for what sets it apart, who it suits, how to choose a size and how to care for it.
Why houndstooth works for a luxury dog bed
Houndstooth is one of Britain's most recognisable fabric patterns, with its bold, broken check giving a tailored, fashion-forward feel. It works beautifully in contemporary interiors, alongside monochrome schemes, velvet sofas and brass or black accents, where a traditional tweed might feel too rustic.
There is a practical side too. A busy, high-contrast pattern is more forgiving of the odd hair or mark between washes than a plain, flat colour. The Kensington uses upholstery-grade fabric, the kind of heavier fabric made to be sat and lain on every day.
Key features of The Kensington
From the product details by Ralph & Co:
- Premium upholstery-grade houndstooth check fabric with a contemporary, tailored finish.
- Calming bolster walls: high cushioned walls create a secure, den-like space.
- Reversible cushion filled with high-bounce virgin fibre and topped with deep faux fur.
- Handcrafted leather handles for moving the bed easily between rooms.
- Fully removable, machine-washable covers.
- Non-slip base to keep it in place on hard floors.
- 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Designed in Great Britain and handcrafted in Europe.
Which dogs suit a faux fur bolster bed?
The Kensington is a lovely match for:
- Head-resters. Dogs who like to prop their chin on something will use the raised walls as a built-in pillow.
- Nesters and curlers. The enclosed shape and soft faux fur give a cosy, den-like feel.
- Dogs who share the living room. If the bed is going to be on show, the houndstooth helps it blend with your furnishings rather than stand out as "the dog's bit".
- Owners who move the bed around. Leather handles make it easy to carry from the lounge to the bedroom at night.
For dogs who sprawl fully flat, a pillow bed is often better; the Balmoral Herringbone Flat Pillow Dog Bed is a good alternative. If you want a high-walled bed with memory foam, take a look at The Cotswold High Wall Bouclé Dog Bed.
How to choose the right Kensington size
The Kensington comes in four sizes. Compare your dog with the sleeping area rather than the overall size.
- Small: 55 x 40 x 22cm, sleeping area 42 x 28cm. Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian. £75.99.
- Medium: 65 x 45 x 25cm, sleeping area 48 x 34cm. Miniature Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles, Pug, French Bulldog. £87.99.
- Large: 70 x 55 x 28cm, sleeping area 50 x 42cm. Springer Spaniel, Cockapoo, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Staffie. £106.99.
- X-Large: 90 x 70 x 32cm, sleeping area 72 x 55cm. Golden Retriever, Vizsla, German Shepherd, Labrador. £115.99.
Measure your dog in their usual sleeping position, nose to base of tail and across the widest point, then add a little room. Because dogs often drape their head over the bolster, you have a bit of flexibility in length, but they should be able to turn and lie down comfortably. If in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger.
Styling tips: where to put a designer dog bed
- Against a wall or in a corner. Dogs often feel more settled with something solid behind them.
- Near, but not in, the walkway. Close enough to the family to feel included, out of the way of busy feet.
- Coordinate, do not match. Houndstooth pairs well with plain cushions and throws in one of its two tones.
- Keep it out of direct sun. Prolonged strong sunlight can fade most fabrics over time.
Care tips to keep it looking sharp
- Vacuum regularly with an upholstery tool to lift hair from the faux fur and check fabric.
- Flip the reversible cushion now and then to spread wear evenly.
- Machine-wash the covers when needed. They are fully removable; always follow the care label.
- Dry completely before refitting the covers.
- Care for the leather handles by wiping with a dry cloth and keeping them away from heat sources.
The Kensington at a glance
- Type: bolster (nest) dog bed
- Brand: Ralph & Co
- Fabric: upholstery-grade houndstooth check
- Cushion: reversible, virgin fibre filled, faux fur topped
- Handles: handcrafted leather
- Covers: fully removable, machine-washable
- Base: non-slip
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Price: from £75.99 (Small) to £115.99 (X-Large)
- Warranty: 1 year
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kensington houndstooth dog bed washable?
Yes. It has fully removable, machine-washable covers. Follow the care label on the cover.
What is inside the cushion?
The reversible cushion is filled with high-bounce virgin fibre and has a deep faux fur surface.
Which size is right for a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs are listed under Medium (sleeping area 48 x 34cm). If your Frenchie is on the larger side or likes to stretch, consider the Large.
Does it have handles?
Yes, it has handcrafted leather handles for easy carrying.
Will it suit a large dog like a Labrador?
Yes, the X-Large size (90 x 70 x 32cm) is suggested for Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Vizslas.
A dog bed that belongs in your living room
If you want a bed your dog will love and you will be happy to have on show, The Kensington brings bold British pattern and everyday practicality together. Shop The Kensington Houndstooth Bolster Dog Bed and find your dog's size.