How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Sofa

Do you love to snuggle with your pet on your sofa? Here are some tips in choosing a pet-friendly sofa without sacrificing style, comfort, and functionality.

What is a pet-friendly sofa?

One of our goals in furniture shopping is to find a sofa that works for everyone in the family. And if you have pets, they are part of the equation too. You need to look for a durable sofa to withstand jumps, scratches, and nibbles. You also need to find one that is stain-resistant and odor-resistant. Finally, you need a couch that is easy to clean and maintain to last a long time.    

Sofa frame   

Especially when you have bigger dogs, you need a durable and well-made frame that won’t easily twist or deform when your pets jump on and off your couch. You also need one that is chew-proof. Kiln-dried hardwood with waterproof sealant may be an excellent choice for a sofa frame. 

Upholstery fabric

Your sofa’s upholstery makes up a big part of your sofa. And while it is the one that brings out the style and comfort, choosing the wrong one can be uncomfortable and troublesome when you have a pet. When you choose the wrong fabric, it can easily get ripped by its claws. Your sofa will smell and stain. Finally, your sofa would be challenging to clean and maintain.

Here is a list of the recommended upholstery fabrics for pet owners and those you need to avoid.  

Best sofa material for pets  

1. Leather: Leather is probably the best and most popular choice for pet owners. A genuine leather sofa is very durable so that you don’t have to worry about tears and scratches. You can easily buff off minor scrapes. Also, leather does not absorb odors. Any spills can be easily wiped off. You just have to treat stains right away to avoid discoloration. Faux leather also works well, although it is not as durable as the top-grain leather sofa.         
2. Microfiber: Microfiber and microsuede are increasing in popularity among homeowners. It is a tightly woven fabric that is durable and less susceptible to damage than its loose-weave counterparts. It is also available in many colors. While microfiber fabric still collects pet hair, these do not get trapped. You can just use a lint roller and a vacuum cleaner to clean them off  
3. Canvas: Another tight-weave fabric that works well with pets is the canvas. It can both be used indoors and outdoors. It is water-resistant and retains its color well over time. While canvas has a rough texture compared to other sofa materials, it is very durable and resistant to abrasions. It is also easy to clean stains and pet odors, requiring only surface wiping with warm water and mild soap.        
4. Denim: If you love having a casual and laid-back look in your living room, denim can be a fantastic pet-friendly option for your couch. Just like canvas, it is a very sturdy sofa material that is easy to clean and maintain. You may want to choose a dark color to camouflage with dirt.        
5. Other tight-weave and outdoor fabrics: Other tightly woven fabrics, like acrylic and polyester blend materials, are great options if you have pets at home. Unlike loose-weave cloths, these materials prevent dirt and pet hair from getting stuck in the fibers of your sofa. They are also odor and stain-resistant, making cleaning and maintenance very easy to do.  

Worst sofa material for pets

1. Silk: When you have pets, you may want to stay away from delicate, slippery fabrics like silk that easily break and get stained. Silk is an elegant and stylish option only if you have no pets or kids around.  
2. Velvet: Velvet is another delicate material you want to avoid as a pet owner. Plus, it has high piles that love to hold pet hair and dander from your pets.    
3. Suede: While suede gives a very comfortable and cozy feel to your living room, it may not be the best choice when you have pets. It can be hard to clean, and it will show water spots with spills and wet or muddy paws.    
4. Loose-weave fabrics: Other upholstery materials you need to avoid as a pet owner include loosely woven cloths like tweed, corduroy, wool, and chenille. These fabrics can easily tear and rip when tangled with your pet’s paws or teeth. They are also likely to hold odor and catch hair, dust, and other dirt, which are challenging to treat.     

What to do with an existing sofa

If you have an existing sofa in excellent condition, you can purchase a sofa cover that will help protect your sofa and give it a longer life. Choose tight-weave cover fabrics that are machine-washable, easy to maintain, spill-resistant, and odor-resistant.   

Sofas are not a cheap investment to make and are definitely heart-breaking when ruined. We hope the guide will help you find the right pet-friendly sofa for your home.   

Originally posted 2021-10-26 19:33:59.