The Ultimate First Time Homeowner's Guide. Prints and patterns are also a good idea, for the same reason. 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. Search our database of over 8507 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. ), While true suede is durable, the Orvis team says, the problem in a sofa fabric is cleaning it. Given the costs of professional cleaning or of upholstery and repair, you really want to get it right the first time. If you want your leather to stay pristine, keep your pets off of it. You can also typically find outdoor furniture at a much cheaper cost than its indoor counterpart. 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. If you aren't quite ready to replace your existing sofa but are looking for an inexpensive way to protect it in the meantime, this quilted microfiber sofa protector should do the trick. And even though its acrylic, it can, through some wizardry, have the look and feel of other materials like velvet or linen. Silk can stain very easily, Denise says. Most furniture destruction caused by dogs is the result of an accident. However, that doesnt mean your pup has to stay outside. Your furniture may receive scratches or tears from their nails as they jump on or off. 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. Its extremely pet-friendly, and you wont have to replace your couch nearly as quickly. "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. 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. Denim furniture does have a pretty glaring pitfall though its a pretty niche fabric. 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. (Chelley, who I spoke with for real-world advice, learned about silk the hard way when her Shih Tzu shredded a silk-covered sofa. You might be surprised how well it looks indoors. You might want to rethink trading in your couch for a sleek leather sofa that can stand the test of curious claws. ", With the exception of leather, Cox says that synthetic materials are "always preferred over natural materials when it comes to picking a fabric for your pet-friendly furniture." You don't have to break the bank to buy your dream couch. Not every fabric out there is a great choice for dog owners. They have some beautiful fabrics, Denise says. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The dirt is going to roll right off of it, Denise says. Furniture designed for outdoor purposes can hold up to heavy rain, sleet, snow, and everything else the elements can throw at you. Better still, cleaning is super easy, she says. Often, leather furniture comes with a hefty price tag. ", .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. Microsuede, a type of microfiber designed to mimic real suede, looks and feels like the real thing without the high-maintenance care plan. And its one of the most popular furniture coverings around. 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. Also known as microsuede, this synthetic material is a pet-lovers dream. There are no gaps in the weave for their nails to get caught in. If you love the look of leather but arent too keen on its price tag, you might want to look into microfiber. Thats because leather is a solid piece of material. A dogs nails arent the only force to be reckoned with though. Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor. Cox also suggests using fabrics from Crypton Home, which are made with built-in moisture-repelling, stain-fighting, odor-resisting properties. Its very cost-effective way to make your furniture pet-resistant instead of buying a new piece. The biggest downside to leather is the price. Besides hair, cat owners also face the issue of scratching which makes leather a poor choice as it could puncture. They tag team their knowledge in coming up with products (like this bed) made with materials that can withstand life with pets. Rest easy with these top-rated sleeper sofas. Owning a dog can be an absolute blessing for you and your family. Rugged, durable and easy-to-clean denim makes a good choice in casual rooms. Thankfully, many retailers now directly offer their sofas in Sunbrella fabrics, making it easier than ever to keep your investment protected. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Messy fingers and muddy paws don't stand a chance against these sofa slipcovers. So, if your dog scratches or chews on furniture, leather might not be a good choice. In general, you want a fabric thats tightly woven. Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. Its easy to clean, hard to scratch or rip, and lasts a long time. Find the right tabletop for every need, from homework stations to ergonomic computer desks. To start, its important to understand that every pet is different. "They perform even better with pets if you opt for a mid-tone or darker hue, rather than a light fabric color!" Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 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. Even if you have a very low shedding dog breed, youll still find enough hair on your velvet sofa to build another dog. "Not to mention, they're often very tightly woven, which makes them easy to clean and nearly claw-proof as well." Your pup may accidentally relieve themselves on the couch. I did extensive research to find the best sofas for pet parents, and I was delighted to find several options that boasted durability and style. 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. Canvas furniture can be difficult to find as manufacturers prefer to work in other fabric choices. For a natural feeling fabric, it doesnt get much better. Add a throw blanket and some pillows for an ultra-comfy landing spot both you and your pet will adore. Slipcovers are similar to fitted sheets on your bed, but theyre for your sofas and chairs. And while I learned my lesson the hard way, you dont have to. So, itll be good enough for your pooch. Please try again. Follow these tips on what to look for when shopping for a sofa, including comfort, support and style. (I can vouch for my sister-in-laws leather seating where my mountain dog and her pittie curl up together with no problem! For cat owners especially, this is a game-changer. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? With other materials, a sharp claw might puncture straight through. Privacy Policy. The best upholstery material for cats is microfiber. No matter how rambunctious your pets are, outdoor fabrics are no match for them," Cox says. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Silk is one of the finest materials you can craft furniture out of. Leather is an excellent choice for several reasons. And its also very absorbent when it comes to ripe, unwanted smells. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links. We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. These are either materials specifically designed to minimize stains and odors, or protective sprays layered onto your existing couch as a barrier.
Herringbone, houndstooth (go figure), and serge weaves are just a few of the better twill patterns to choose from when selecting pet-friendly furniture. 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. Another thing to keep in mind? You can learn more about how they work on Crypton's website. Another way is to invest in a couch made of tightly woven fabric. "Low-pile fabrics are best for preventing odors since there's less material to trap odors in the first place," Cox says. Or if that's not possible, consider using a slipcover or blanket to protect your sofa. 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. Refresh your home with stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors. And while I learned my lesson the hard way, you dont have to. If the thought of microfiber makes you cringe, its time to reconsider. It makes excellent furniture fabric. Meaning as much as we like them, you should probably avoid silks and suedes. 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. Another super cheap, but effective way to protect your furniture from your dogs is by using slipcovers. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Small-space dwellers will adore this petite sleeper sofa that doesnt skimp on style. Keep in mind that chenille, velvet, silk, and tweed are all fabrics you should avoid when shopping for pet-friendly furniture. That said, leather has many advantages. 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. While my biggest issues are scratching and shedding, you may be dealing with chewing or incontinence. Be sure youre getting real leather, Jon warns. Twill comes in many different patterns and stylesboth textured and printed. It is made to withstand sun, rain and other elements. Sondra, who lives with Buddy and Jelly Bean, doesnt dig her nubby fabric sofa. Take a poll of veteran pet owners and ask them, Whats the best furniture material to have when owning a dog?. Use the search! One great thing about a woven fabric is that it offers dimensionality, making it easier to camouflage stains and hide pet hair. Related Read: 7 Best Indestructible & Chew-Proof Dog Beds in 2021. Find out how I went from not believing a cat-proof couch exists to resting easy with a pet-friendly Burrow sofa. If you already have a couch or sofa you like, but you would like to make it pet-proof, consider hiring a reupholstering service. So if your slipcover becomes ruined with claw marks or stains, replacement is much less of a financial hurdle. Cat people, however, should consider scratching as well as hair. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Theres one thing you should be selective about when shopping for outdoor furniture, and thats the cushioning itself. Not all furniture fabric can hold up to the rigors of owning a pet, but there are plenty of great options available. This is an excellent choice for any dog parent looking for new furniture and comes at much less of a burden on your wallet. ), Theresa and her miniature schnauzer agree: Ill take leather over fabric any day. Theres a good chance theyll need replacing long before your genuine leather furniture does. Patterns, textures, and darker colors help hide pet hair and dirt until you have a chance to clean.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube, By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, Copyright 1999 - 2022 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 1999 - 2022HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Built-In Desks and Furniture for Small Spaces, Get the Most from Your Living Room Furniture, 10 Tips for Assembling Flat Pack Furniture, Outdoor Equipment & Furniture Installation Assembly Service Costs. Learn more. And if youre feeling adventurous, try bringing that patio furniture inside. And thats because canvas is another extremely durable, yet comfy option. 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. Read my full Burrow review here. AND as long as you avoid a very smooth leather. You can spot clean denim with mild soap and water or a baking soda paste. Canvas isnt just for painting or ship sails. 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. Claire chooses her battles with her black Lab Max. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colors are actually impregnated with dye, she explains, making it ideal for colorfastness. The only downside with leather is it tends to be expensive and it is not scratch resistant. Start by assessing the biggest issues you face and work from there. Its not just for your patio cushions anymore, it seems. While the cushions are easy enough to clean, they may be too porous or lightweight for your comfort. Get FREEDog Food Recall Alerts exclusive content, insider pricing, care guides, sale alerts & moreSign up for our Doggie Club! Fortunately, this is the easiest cause to prevent. Some companies, like Burrow, even test their fabrics against pet scratches to ensure it can stand up to claws as well as stains. The fact that its also a sleeper sofa and has racked up over 500 positive reviews certainly doesnt hurt either. With over 70 fabrics to choose from, this slipcovered cutie has an option for everyone. Its an absolute magnet for dog hair. Freelance writer Dana McMahan is a chronic adventurer, serial learner, and whiskey enthusiast based in Louisville, Kentucky. 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. Get the vintage look you love with an affordable pricetag. But consider it an investment. Their entire Nomad Collection was created to withstand pet scratches and stains. The one thing about microfiber couches, though, is that theyre just not as durable as the real deal. And dont be worried about style and selection. You could bring outdoor furniture into the house, or make slipcovers to cover pre-pet purchases. All rights reserved. Seen here in a classic cognac leather, this sleek sofa from Amazons Rivet line is a popular choice for buyers as the warm color fits in with most interiors and can be easily wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth perfect for the occasionally messy pooch. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. "There are professional processes for removing odor from upholstered padding. Some materials are very easily ruined and need to be avoided if possible. ", 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. If you have a dog, for example, perhaps it sheds a lot of hair, or maybe you have a puppy whos still potty-training. Aside from making tough, durable jeans, it can also be crafted into comfy pet-friendly furniture. Resembling velvet, velour is a knitted fabric made from cotton and polyester that won't tempt your furry friend. Or your older dog is beginning to have incontinence issues. And with 37 color options to choose from, youre bound to find a shade that complements your home (and your pet) beautifully. There have been issues with a fairly well known mid-grade furniture supplier who used synthetic leather, he says. "Leather, especially top-grain leather, is also a great option for pets because most spills or stains can be wiped right off," Cox explains, adding that leather also gets better with age. Didn't find what you need? Designed to protect furniture from anything Mother Nature can muster, its no wonder this fabric is also able to stand up against your pets. Once upon a time, picking out a new piece of furniture was an exciting experience that came down to style, budget and comfort. And Can They See in the Dark? 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. If you require extra support, be sure to check out some other pet-friendly options. Next, their claws arent going to get caught in the material and cause rips. However, it shouldnt slip your mind.
She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television. When your adorable pet loves your couch as much as you do, it may seem impossible to keep your furniture clean and intact, but that's just not the case. A beautiful and budget-friendly option, this gorgeous blue sofa also comes in dark gray and features a reversible chaise, making it extremely versatile and a great option for small spaces. Tweed may provide a nice rustic look to your home, but its far from ideal for pets because its rather loosely woven together. Slipcovers can also come in a wide array of patterns and colors making them perfect for almost every room in your house. Dogs dont just destroy furniture for malicious reasons. Join the party! However, you can have one custom-built for a premium. I also turned to some fellow pet families to hear about real world experiences with different sofa fabrics. 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. Most stains come out of microfiber with mild soap and water. This is usually done while youre away and your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.