Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? While machine washing your entire sofa is a bit of a stretch, you could opt for a couch with removable slipcovers that can simply be removed and washed whenever needed. Johnson adds that these durable fabrics are "able to be wiped with a damp cloth for soiled areas, and pet hair is able to be removed with a dry microfiber cloth, pet sponge, lint brush or tape. Any fabrics that are washable won't hold onto odors, but that doesn't mean you never have to worry about weird smells. ", It might surprise you to see leather on this list, but it's surprisingly pet-friendly for a few reasonsit's easy to clean, and it wears minor damage well. Just remember: tightly, woven fabrics and leather are your friends. To find out, I talked to some people who would know the makers of both dog beds and people furniture: Denise Eddy is the home and gift buyer and Jon Comeau is the pets product development specialist at Orvis. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Pick up a can or two of Scotchgard, or any other upholstery protector. Given the costs of professional cleaning or of upholstery and repair, you really want to get it right the first time. We Found the Best Slipcovers to Keep Your Couches Clean, The Best Slipcovered Sofas to Customize Any Space, How to Remove Stains and Keep Your Leather Sofa Soft and Supple, Avoid Using These 4 Fabrics If You're a Pet Owner, How to Clean Couch Cushions (From Most Stains), The Best Upholstery Cleaners to Freshen Up Your Favorite Pieces, 20 Cute DIY Couch Cover Ideas For Any Budget, The Best Places to Buy a Couch for a Great Price, Follow These 6 Signs to Know When to Replace Your Couch, Couch Upholstery Choices for Cat and Dog Owners. If you cant find a microfiber couch you like, consider looking at outdoor furniture. Denim furniture does have a pretty glaring pitfall though its a pretty niche fabric. You can vacuum hairs without damaging the material, or even just use a lint brush, and most stains can be treated with mild soap and warm water, plus its synthetic nature means it comes in many colors and styles. As a pet lover, youre really looking for something more durable. This is an excellent choice for any dog parent looking for new furniture and comes at much less of a burden on your wallet. The colors are actually impregnated with dye, she explains, making it ideal for colorfastness. Its easy to clean, hard to scratch or rip, and lasts a long time. And the tight weave of the fabric makes it easy to vacuum off any stray pet hair. If you love the look of leather but arent too keen on its price tag, you might want to look into microfiber. That said, leather has many advantages. Theyre often extremely inexpensive and perfect for anyone on a tight budget. Not every fabric out there is a great choice for dog owners. Some materials are very easily ruined and need to be avoided if possible. Learn more. Stain- and odor-resistant treated outdoor fabrics repel moisture and even fend off bacteria, so you can share your couch with your pooch without compromising your own comfort. However, you can have one custom-built for a premium. It traps dirt and pieces of random sticks I dont see them bring in until its too late, she says. If youre shopping for furniture to use indoors with a pet, you may want to consider outdoor seating. This makes it much easier for your pups nails to snag and begin unraveling your couch. 9 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Refresh your home with stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors. Denim furniture can also add a great youthful, casual feel to any living space that its set in. There have been issues with a fairly well known mid-grade furniture supplier who used synthetic leather, he says. Echoing almost every person I heard from in the real world of pet life, the Orvis advisors say leather is the way to go as long as you dont mind a distressed look. Slipcovers can also come in a wide array of patterns and colors making them perfect for almost every room in your house. A friend of ours mentioned that velvet is less appealing to cats, says Tammer Hijazi, the cofounder and design director of Bower Studio. Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. But you dont have to give up on style or color, there are many great upholstery materials to choose from. I dont know why this never occurred to me until I asked our trainer, Tyler. While outdoor fabrics dont have a reputation for being the comfiest of materials, there are options that are just as comfortable as they are durable, and Sunbrella is one of them. Leather is also super easy to clean. Often, leather furniture comes with a hefty price tag. You can also add an extra protective layer to your existing furnitureand not just in the form of a physical cover (though Johnson does recommend those too, especially in a canvas fabric!) In general, the best material whether you have a dog or a cat, is microfiber. Leather is an excellent choice for several reasons. Canvas isnt just for painting or ship sails. Lazy white ragdoll cat with blue eyes is laying on the couch at the window, with his head upside down and legs in the air. So, itll be good enough for your pooch. Furniture designed for outdoor purposes can hold up to heavy rain, sleet, snow, and everything else the elements can throw at you. The downside of velvet is that hair does tend to stick, but if you are diligent with a vacuum that's good for pet hair or a lint roller (and lets face it, pet owners have to be), hair comes off with no problem, leaving a sofa that looks as good as the day you got it. A pet can contribute to the darkening of leather, especially if they have a favorite spot on the couch. either. The only downside with leather is it tends to be expensive and it is not scratch resistant. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. His other tip: Use solution-dyed acrylic car-pets if you have an incontinent dog; you can actually bleach it and it wont change color. They are easily wiped down like leather; however, they often have removable seat and cushion covers that are machine washable. Canvas slipcovers make an especially good option in homes with pets. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Next, their claws arent going to get caught in the material and cause rips. (Hint: They're toddler- and pet-friendly.). Or your older dog is beginning to have incontinence issues. Its extremely pet-friendly, and you wont have to replace your couch nearly as quickly. While the cushions are easy enough to clean, they may be too porous or lightweight for your comfort. "Indoor/outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella are mold and mildew resistant and meant to stand up to the harshest of elements. You can spot clean denim with mild soap and water or a baking soda paste. So, if your dog scratches or chews on furniture, leather might not be a good choice. When I think velvet, I think opulence, and that usually doesnt go hand in hand with durability. This content is imported from poll. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Get the vintage look you love with an affordable pricetag. Small-space dwellers will adore this petite sleeper sofa that doesnt skimp on style. ", .css-d1h32f{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:Visuelt,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-stroke:0;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-d1h32f:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-d1h32f{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}Everything to Know About Amazon's Pet Day Sale, Stylish Cat Litter Box Furniture For Your Home, 25 Halloween Books That'll Keep You Up at Night, At 63, Andie Macdowell Says She Feels Beautiful, Here's What You Need to Know About Washing Pillows, The Most Unexpected Celebrity-Themed Airbnbs, 7 Cabin Airbnbs for Your Next Fall Getaway, Which Royals to Expect at the Commonwealth Games. Suede is like leathers softer, gentler cousin, but it has no place around dogs. Fortunately, this is the easiest cause to prevent. Enter Fido and Fluffy. A sturdy frame and durable Sunbrella fabric make it an easy pick that caters to pets and overnight guests alike. Our experts biggest raves were for performance/outdoor acrylic fabric like Sunbrella and Perennials. This means you should put durability on the top of your list. Velvet is another very high-maintenance furniture material. Theyre also much softer than leather if youre looking for a more inviting couch. Its got the feel of linen without the wrinkling, the toughness of denim without the limited color palette, and the ease of cleaning that leather offers. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. AND as long as you avoid a very smooth leather. Thats because leather is a solid piece of material. You can learn more about how they work on Crypton's website. Gorgeous in forest green, but also available in navy blue and gray, this striking channel-tufted sofa has glam written all over it. While that may be the case for some cats, it certainly isnt the case for mine who adores puncturing holes in my (read: now his) once beloved leather chair. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? It seems furniture companies have finally realized pet parents like nice things, too, and Ive found some seriously beautiful pieces that are actually designed to stand up to claws, drool, hair and whatever else your fur baby can throw at it. And everyone loves a beautiful dupioni silk sofa but if they can get a claw into it its going to be pieces. Your pup may accidentally relieve themselves on the couch. A best seller for a reason, this ultra-affordable sofa easily fits in with multiple design styles and is an ideal option for any pet parent who wants to see how a non-woven fabric stands up against their feisty furball. I also turned to some fellow pet families to hear about real world experiences with different sofa fabrics. The one thing about microfiber couches, though, is that theyre just not as durable as the real deal. And unfortunately, its very high maintenance even for those without pets. And its one of the most popular furniture coverings around. However, it shouldnt slip your mind. "Low-pile fabrics are best for preventing odors since there's less material to trap odors in the first place," Cox says. Boasting ultra-deep seats and three layers of arm and back padding, its no wonder this slipcovered couch is literally named Comfort. Sink into this cozy sofa with piece of mind knowing you can simply remove and wash the slipcovers as needed. Described as coastal farmhouse, this Sunbrella-wrapped sofa can fit in anywhere, and the easy-clean fabric and reversible cushions make it a clear choice for pet parents. Its a magnet for hair, she says. "Not to mention, they're often very tightly woven, which makes them easy to clean and nearly claw-proof as well." "They are often easier to clean and can stand up longer to everyday wear and tear," Cox says. There are no gaps in the weave for their nails to get caught in. You can also typically find outdoor furniture at a much cheaper cost than its indoor counterpart. Synthetic microfiberwears like a dream. Search our database of over 8507 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Add a dog into the mix, and its nearly impossible to keep pristine. But you might want to consider investing in some furniture made out of a dog-friendly fabric. Kitty claws don't stand a chance. So when my husband and I find ourselves on the hunt for a new couch, the biggest consideration is not how nice it is, or how pretty, but how well it will hold up to paws and shedding fur and the mud and who knows what else our two pups bring onto the couch with them. If you think pet-friendly and sophisticated dont belong in the same sentence, its time to take a look at this luxe Chesterfield sofa from Pottery Barn. And if that wasn't enough, you can rest easy knowing they only use non-toxic fiber with no chemical additives so it's safe for you and safe for Fluffy. It is made to withstand sun, rain and other elements. Cat people, however, should consider scratching as well as hair. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Get FREEDog Food Recall Alerts exclusive content, insider pricing, care guides, sale alerts & moreSign up for our Doggie Club! Reviewers rave about the quality for the price, while dog owners mention is does catch hair but wipes clean easily. If it happens to get soiled, its a lot more difficult to clean than leather.. With over 70 fabrics to choose from, this slipcovered cutie has an option for everyone. Maybe a younger, excitable pup just loses control of their bladder. Herringbone, houndstooth (go figure), and serge weaves are just a few of the better twill patterns to choose from when selecting pet-friendly furniture. Im not one of them. Plus, the loose weave helps to trap in hair and dust, which can make your furniture smell pretty stinky. #dogsfirst! However, that doesnt mean it cant happen. Some of them might surprise you, but these are the fabrics experts say are virtually pet-proof. Related Read: 7 Best Indestructible & Chew-Proof Dog Beds in 2021. "Multi-colored fabric patterns, versus solid color fabrics, are the best at hiding scratches," says Burnie Wright, Technical Specialist for ServiceMaster Clean. Better still, cleaning is super easy, she says. But before we get into them, lets take a look at some of the ways your pooch might tear up your couch. Whether its drool, pee, or mud, any wet spots are going to become highly visible and extremely difficult to clean. But hear me out. Keep in mind that chenille, velvet, silk, and tweed are all fabrics you should avoid when shopping for pet-friendly furniture. Kitty claws don't stand a chance with this stylish velvet sofa by Burrow. Think fabrics with high polyester, acrylic, or other synthetic material (like nylon, according to Wright) content. And some manufacturers may combine thin leather with a synthetic backing, Denise adds. Microfiber couches are often stain-resistant unlike some leathers and can be even easier to clean! Patterns, textures, and darker colors help hide pet hair and dirt until you have a chance to clean. Places like Pottery Barn and West Elm also offer numerous performance options for their sofas, which seem to have similar properties (minus being able to bleach them!). Their entire Nomad Collection was created to withstand pet scratches and stains. And with 37 color options to choose from, youre bound to find a shade that complements your home (and your pet) beautifully. My leather one has been so much easier to clean off when messes occur.. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Didn't find what you need? Stretch out in style with these comfy L-shaped, U-shaped and modular sectionals. For cat owners especially, this is a game-changer. If you have a pet at home, choosing the best material for your upholstery is essential. Woven fabricslike some felts, chenille, herringbone, and other fabrics with visual texture or subtle patternsare a good call when you've got pets, according to Lauren Cox, Design Program Manager at Havenly. Privacy Policy. Prints and patterns are also a good idea, for the same reason. Slipcovers are similar to fitted sheets on your bed, but theyre for your sofas and chairs. Keep reading to find out why we're obsessed with these sofas. However, those sentiments might not be shared by your furniture. No matter how hard you might try, there are going to be times where your pup is going to jump up onto the couch. "There are professional processes for removing odor from upholstered padding. "Some leathers are more prone to scratches than others, but these scratches to the surface don't have to be a deal-breakerthink of it like your pets breaking in your leather sofa, like an old leather cigar jacket. (Chelley, who I spoke with for real-world advice, learned about silk the hard way when her Shih Tzu shredded a silk-covered sofa. If you have a cat, it's a good idea to keep their nails trimmed as sharp claws can actually puncture the leather, leaving small holes. Crypton fabric is a patented technology that renders a piece of furniture stain-proof and prohibits the growth of unwanted bacteria. Some companies, like Burrow, even test their fabrics against pet scratches to ensure it can stand up to claws as well as stains. Either way, its going to need to be cleaned up. Read my full Burrow review here. And there are actually plenty of fabrics that won't hold onto any weird odors your pup might leave behind, either. The two main things to consider, they say, are how well the material can stand up to being soiled, and if it will survive a flurry of claws. 10 Apartment-Sized Sofas for Every Style Under $1 4 Fabrics for Pet Owners to Avoid (and 4 to 2022 Warner Bros. Denim might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to furniture. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. The fact that its also a sleeper sofa and has racked up over 500 positive reviews certainly doesnt hurt either. This will prevent them from snagging. Even if you have a very low shedding dog breed, youll still find enough hair on your velvet sofa to build another dog. Real leather, not man-made, is hard to stain, easy to clean, does not collect much pet hair and is a very stylish choice. Microfiber can withstand your cats claws, is stain resistant and so easy to clean. You can simply vacuum it away and use a commercial cleaner to keep the leather supple. And while I learned my lesson the hard way, you dont have to. If youre not too worried about rips and tears but pet stains, youve got a couple of other options in protected fabrics. That makes this velvet Chesterfield I pine for an impossible dream. But what makes for the best sofa fabric, anyway? Also known as microsuede, this synthetic material is a pet-lovers dream. Start by assessing the biggest issues you face and work from there. The trouble with fabrics like tweed, Denise says, is hairs and dirt can get trapped in the weave not to mention claws can snag and tear it. If you find yourself wishing you could simply throw your sofa in the washing machine any time your pet makes a mess of things, you're in luck. "So they upholstered their clean-lined sofa in a short-pile cotton velour from Kvadrat to protect it from the claws of their Bengal cat, Cleo." Twill comes in many different patterns and stylesboth textured and printed. Plus, the tightly woven threads make it harder for cats to dig their claws into. Available in multiple Sunbrella options, as well as several other performance fabrics, this sophisticated sofa boasts beautiful turned wooden legs, deep seats and pleated English arms perfect for anyone looking to add a little elegance in a pet-friendly package. But if being absolutely dazzling were not enough, keep in mind that performance velvet fabric is also scratch-resistant and can be easily cleaned with a vacuum and damp cloth, while metal legs deter chewing. ", If odor's a concern, try a low-pile fabric like microfiber or synthetic velvet. Designed to protect furniture from anything Mother Nature can muster, its no wonder this fabric is also able to stand up against your pets. Rest easy with these top-rated sleeper sofas. To prevent this, you should begin practicing proper egress and ingress when leaving the house at an early age. But consider it an investment. "They perform even better with pets if you opt for a mid-tone or darker hue, rather than a light fabric color!" Messy fingers and muddy paws don't stand a chance against these sofa slipcovers. Another super cheap, but effective way to protect your furniture from your dogs is by using slipcovers. Its not like they dont like the color or dcor and decide the house needs a remodel. First things first: what should you avoid if Fido and Fluffy are going to snooze on the sofa with you? And if they do leave any scratches on the couch, those will help to distress the leather and give it that worn-in feelone that many people often pay top dollar for. Or if that's not possible, consider using a slipcover or blanket to protect your sofa. Because velvet doesnt have the loops of a woven fabric, you wont have to worry about it getting snagged by sharp claws. The dirt is going to roll right off of it, Denise says. Dogs are notorious for ruining furniturewhether its intentional or not. So, if youre looking to stretch your budget when purchasing new furniture, you might want to explore the ins of outdoor furniture. Freelance writer Dana McMahan is a chronic adventurer, serial learner, and whiskey enthusiast based in Louisville, Kentucky. Textiles like bonded leather will flake and fall apart in no time, so make sure your sofa has the genuine leather seal. "It is normally the padding under the upholstery that holds on to the odor," Wright explains, adding that it's worth consulting a pro to take care of this, should it become an issue for you. While most of us wouldnt trade our precious pets for the world, its easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when every piece of furniture you love looks like its just waiting to be destroyed. Theres a good chance theyll need replacing long before your genuine leather furniture does. Microsuede, a type of microfiber designed to mimic real suede, looks and feels like the real thing without the high-maintenance care plan. The biggest nightmare when it comes to your dog destroying furniture is having them completely rip apart your couch or sofa. If you require extra support, be sure to check out some other pet-friendly options. But maybe you dont want a blanket covering your sofa all the time now what? Owning a dog doesnt automatically spell out destruction for your furniture. The biggest downside to leather is the price. Once upon a time, picking out a new piece of furniture was an exciting experience that came down to style, budget and comfort. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe. "They have dimensionality, which means that they help to disguise stains and make pet hair less noticeable," she says. Thats because, while it is woven together, denims weave is extremely tight-fitting. Silk is one of the finest materials you can craft furniture out of. As ageneral rule for choosing pet-friendly fabrics, look for something with a tight weave. With more than 500 style configurations to choose from, Allform is an online furniture brand that lets you build your own custom modular sofa from scratch. And even though its acrylic, it can, through some wizardry, have the look and feel of other materials like velvet or linen. "If you do have upholstered furniture, I would recommend a protectant, such as Scotchgard," says Wright. No matter how rambunctious your pets are, outdoor fabrics are no match for them," Cox says. When buying a new couch or sofa, or reupholstering your favorite one, its good to consider how your pets behave around the house. Its an absolute magnet for dog hair. Heavy weight, tight woven fabrics like canvas or denim also make a great alternative for dogs if leather and microfiber are not options. Owning a dog can be an absolute blessing for you and your family. Tweed may provide a nice rustic look to your home, but its far from ideal for pets because its rather loosely woven together. If so, those might be your main concerns. Join the party! Your subscription could not be saved. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. These are either materials specifically designed to minimize stains and odors, or protective sprays layered onto your existing couch as a barrier. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. There are people in this world who dont let dogs on sofas (or even on rugs). It is extremely durable and easy to buff out marks and the occasional scratch, Denise says. A dogs nails arent the only force to be reckoned with though. This is usually done while youre away and your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Look for distressed leather that will camouflage new scratches and look even better with age. As both a dog and cat mom, Ive experienced this frustration firsthand when picking out a new sofa for my home, and Ill be the first to admit Ive made some mistakes in the name of style (cat + linen sofa = major no-no). And if things get really messy, you can even replace the covers without having to replace your entire sofa. Experts share their surprising and lifestyle-changing picks. You might be surprised how well it looks indoors. And the fabric can even be cleaned with a solution of distilled water and bleach. If you want to feel truly seen as a pet parent, look no further than Burrow. Leather makes a good choice for people with pets because fur and hair won't stick to it. Keep in mind, there are several different types of velvet, and synthetic velvet is going to be the more durable choice for pet owners as it's much easier to care for. Plus, a tightly woven fabric wont trap hair like loosely woven fabrics (think tweed, wool and chenille). It allows air to flow through and keeps things from pushing throughsuch as your dogs teeth or nails. Ultra-comfy with deep seats and coastal-inspired design, this West Elm sofa is the perfect representation of effortless style. Theres one thing you should be selective about when shopping for outdoor furniture, and thats the cushioning itself. You might want to rethink trading in your couch for a sleek leather sofa that can stand the test of curious claws. On my hunt for a new sofa, I was determined not to make the same mistake twice. The Best Pet-Friendly Couches for Every Budget and Style. This stuff is great for preventing stains, repelling liquids, and blocking unwanted pet odors. Although its pretty durable, it attracts and locks in water spots. Finding a twill couch or sofa wont be difficult at all. These surface scratches and marks can really add character! Please try again. "Always double check the cleaning instructions for your specific fabric, but most times, synthetic materials can be cleaned with an over-the-counter carpet or fabric cleaner instead of calling in the professionals." ), While true suede is durable, the Orvis team says, the problem in a sofa fabric is cleaning it. However, that doesnt mean your pup has to stay outside. However, if youre doing a grand remodel, denim can be a uniquely wonderful choice for any dog-lovers home. To start, its important to understand that every pet is different. More so, you can just vacuum it, which will take care of allergens if youre having friends over who are allergic to cats. 8 Potential Methods. Or, if you aren't quite ready to replace your couch but are looking for a way to keep it protected in the meantime, there are a multitude of washable covers to fit every style of sofa. And while certain woven fabrics make it easy for pets to snag them with their claws, an ultra-tight weave prevents rips from the occasional scratch. Simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and youre ready to go. And dont be worried about style and selection. Even though both microfiber and leather are easy to clean on your own, its worth considering a professional cleaning service every now and then to make sure youre getting the most out of your furniture. In general, you want a fabric thats tightly woven. ", You may be hesitant to use outdoor fabrics on indoor furniture, but think about itthey turn your patio furniture into pieces that can withstand bad weather, so naturally, they can handle one dog or two. In need of extra sleeping space for guests but don't have a guest room? Meaning as much as we like them, you should probably avoid silks and suedes. Treat yourself and refresh your living room with a trend that's here to stay. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Available with either a right- or left-facing chaise, this leather sofa is the perfect combination of classy and cozy. Cox also suggests using fabrics from Crypton Home, which are made with built-in moisture-repelling, stain-fighting, odor-resisting properties. Having pets doesn't mean you have to let your sofa go to the dogs (and cats). Silk is a very thin and loosely woven fabric that will tear very easily. We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Add a throw blanket and some pillows for an ultra-comfy landing spot both you and your pet will adore.