Life with pets can be messy. From muddy paws to fur-covered cushions, our furry friends definitely leave their mark; however, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a beautiful and cozy space.
In fact, you’re not alone if you’ve made home decor decisions with your pets in mind. A recent study found that 48% of pet owners have had to discard a piece of furniture due to their pets, and 42% chose not to purchase something they loved because they were concerned it would be ruined.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or aesthetics to coexist with your pets. With the right fabrics, furniture styles, and a few upkeep habits, you can design a space that works for everyone.
How Do Pets Damage Furniture
Pets don’t mean to cause chaos, but their natural instincts and playful personalities can be tough on your furniture. These are the most frequent ways pets damage furniture:
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Dogs, especially puppies, chew furniture legs, corners, or cushions
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Accidents can soak into fabrics and leave behind odors
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Cats scratch wood, upholstery, and anything textured
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Shedding collects on soft materials and builds up in seams and crevices
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Muddy paws track in dirt and moisture from outside
Which Fabrics Are Not Pet-Friendly?
Some fabrics just aren’t built for life with pets. If you have dogs or cats in your home, you’ll want to steer clear of these:
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Silk is delicate and stains easily
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Velvet attracts hair and is hard to clean
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Tweed snags and holds onto fur
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Loose-weave fabrics trap pet hair and tear easily
These types of fabrics may look beautiful in your home, but due to their delicacy, they’re more trouble than they’re worth in a pet household.
Which Fabrics Are Pet-Friendly?
Instead of high-maintenance materials, look for fabrics that are durable, tightly woven, and easy to clean. These options stand up better to claws, drool, and daily wear:
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Real or faux leather
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Tightly woven cotton blends
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Indoor/outdoor fabrics
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Microfiber
These fabrics not only resist damage but also make cleanup easy, keeping your home fresher for longer.
Best Types of Furniture for Homes with Pets
You don’t have to avoid furniture you love, but you do have to choose wisely. The key is to select pieces that combine durability with comfort and are easy to maintain.
Sofas and Chairs with Easy-to-Clean Fabrics
Your main seating areas likely take the brunt of pet activity, so you’ll want to prioritize low-maintenance fabrics. When buying furniture for these rooms, consider:
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Looking for fabrics that can be wiped down or machine-washed
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Vacuuming regularly to keep shedding under control
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Using slipcovers that can be removed and washed when needed
Metal Furniture
Not every item in your home has to be soft. For tables, chairs, and shelves that get frequent use, metal is an excellent option because it’s:
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Scratch-resistant and stain-proof
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Chew-proof for teething puppies
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Easy to wipe clean
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Great for modern or industrial-style homes
Additionally, if your home has a modern or industrial style, metal will blend in perfectly.
Bean Bag Chairs
You might not think so, but high-quality bean bag chairs can also be pet-friendly! At cordaroys, our bean bag chairs are made with durable materials and feature removable, washable covers. While some fabrics like chenille or corduroy can be tricky for pet owners, our versions of these cover fabrics are designed to withstand wear from paws, claws, and fur.
Even better, our convertible bean bag chairs convert into a bed that’s perfect for family movie nights, afternoon naps, or snuggling up with your furry best friend. So, when your pet inevitably claims your bean bag as their own, at least you’ll know it can handle the love.
Pet Beds
When your pet has a special spot that’s just for them, they’re less likely to take over your couch. cordaroys’ Forever Pet Beds are made from the same shredded polyfoam we use in our convertible bean bags, so your pet gets real support and comfort that lasts. Here’s what makes our dog beds perfect for dogs and cats alike:
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Available in 30”, 40”, and 50” sizes to accommodate pets of most sizes
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Waterproof inner liner that protects against accidents
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Washable covers in colors that match your home
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Supportive foam filling that holds its shape over time
Storage Options to Complement Pet-Friendly Furniture
If you live with pets, you know that toys, leashes, grooming tools, and other pet supplies can pile up fast. Here’s how to add storage without giving up on style:
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Use a storage ottoman with washable covers to keep toys or throws within reach but out of sight.
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Beds with pull-out drawers give you a place to stash extra blankets or pet beds. Just make sure the frames are made of chew-resistant materials or are protected with anti-chew sprays.
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Entryway benches with sealed wood or scratch-resistant finishes are great for holding leashes, shoes, or doggy bags, and can double as a seating area while putting on shoes.
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Coffee tables or end tables with hidden compartments made of metal or pet-safe laminate keep your space tidy while protecting your belongings from curious paws.
Adding these multi-use pieces into your home means you’ll have less visible clutter and fewer things your pets can get into.
How to Protect Your Furniture from Pets
Chewing isn’t necessarily bad behavior, but rather a natural instinct for pets. It helps clean their teeth, reduces stress, and keeps their brains busy. This is why it’s so important to give your pet something appropriate to gnaw on, like toys, bones, or treat puzzles.
In addition to chew toys, a few simple habits can help keep your furniture looking good:
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Get a scratching post or pad for cats
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Keep nails trimmed to prevent scratching
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Use pet gates to block off furniture you want to protect
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Clean muddy paws before your pet comes back inside
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Cover high-use areas with washable throws or slipcovers
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Use a waterproof liner like cordaroys’ bed protector to protect the inner foam from accidents
Tips for Maintaining Furniture in a Pet Household
Even with the best furniture and fabrics, you still want to keep up with maintaining your space. Here’s how to keep everything in tip-top shape:
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Invest in a quality pet vacuum. Look for one with strong suction and attachments for upholstery.
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Use lint rollers or rubber gloves to remove fur from cushions or fabric arms.
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Flip and rotate cushions regularly to help even out wear.
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Use fabric protectors, like Scotchgard, to protect against muddy paws and stains.
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Wipe down leather and faux leather with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and oils. Apply a conditioner that’s pet-safe to prevent cracking or drying over time.
By protecting and maintaining your pet-friendly furniture, you can keep it clean, fresh, and in good condition for years to come.
Pet-Proof Your Home Without Sacrificing Comfort
Your pets are a part of the family, and your home should accommodate them and you. By following the tips above, you can have a space that’s entirely your own and pet-proof.
At cordaroys, we design furniture with real life in mind. Whether it’s a cozy bean bag you’ll share with your dog or a pet bed that’s built to last, our products are made for everyone in your home, fur and all, because we all need a place to crash.
Sources:
Pets Influence Our Home Design, New Study Finds | Forbes
