Our pets are like family members, but they can sometimes wreak havoc on our furniture. If you have pets at home, it’s important to make sure that you choose furniture durable enough to handle sharp claws, curious paws, and those occasional pet-related messes. When you shop for new furniture, make sure you know which upholstery to choose with pets, so that your new Newnan GA sofa, chair, loveseat, or recliner will be able to handle the wear and tear of your furry friends. Read on to discover which types of upholstery are best to choose if you have pets in the home.
General Tips
No matter what type of upholstery you choose, there are a few things every pet owner can do to help reduce the chances of permanent damage to their furniture. First, start by training your pet at an early age not to jump up on your sofa and train them to never scratch your furniture. It’s also a good idea to select upholstery fabric with a tight weave that can resist rips and tears. Stay away from light-colored upholstery that will easily show every single spill and stain.
Even if your pet is trained and on his or her best behavior, they’re bound to hop up on the furniture every so often. Stick to darker colored upholstery, when possible, like a modern charcoal gray or a deep, neutral brown. These colors are neutral and go with anything, but they’re also able to hide stains and shedding fur. Ask about heavy-duty, stain-resistant fabrics for your furniture when you can. Even an indoor/outdoor fabric works well in households with pets.
Which Upholstery to Choose with Pets: Is Leather a Good Option?
When you think of luxury and sophistication, leather furniture often comes to mind first. If you have a home with pets, you might be worried that leather upholstery isn’t the best choice for you. However, most forms of leather are exceptionally durable and built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Not only is this upholstery durable, but it’s also quite easy to maintain and keep clean. Leather comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors and many affordable options. If you end up with dirt or liquid on your leather, simply wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. The same applies to pet hair. While cats can poke a hole in leather with their claws, most scratches will barely show, and some even add to the naturally weathered look of the leather.
Is Microfiber Good for Homes with Pets?
Maybe you’re not a fan of leather furniture, or you’re looking for something a bit more within your budget and your price range. When it comes to fabric upholstery, microfiber is a good option for pet owners. This soft, smooth fabric resembles suede, but it’s much less expensive and easier to clean and maintain. You can find microfiber in a huge range of colors and featured on many different furniture designs that will easily go with your specific style.
Microfiber does not have any loops in the fabric, which means it does a great job at resisting snags and tears from sharp claws. It also does an excellent job at hiding pet fur and hair, too. When it comes to cleaning and stain resistance, this material is a great choice. Microfiber can easily be cleaned with a soft, dry towel and a bit of soap and water. You can also change the look of microfiber by brushing it with your hand. Simply brush it one way for a lighter color, and then brush it the opposite way if you need to hide a stain to create a darker tone.
Wool and Nylon
Wool is a beautiful material that may be more expensive, but it also makes a great pet-friendly choice. This natural material is resilient and can handle most spills easily with some simple cleaning. However, it’s important to note that wool does tend to absorb stains faster than some other fabrics, such as microfiber or leather. Wool is flame-retardant and durable, which does make it a good choice if you have pets at home. Nylon is another pet-friendly option, and it’s more affordable than wool. It resists most stains, fading, and can handle lots of wear and tear. Oil-based stains may be difficult to remove from wool, but overall, it’s a good choice for furniture in homes with pets, especially when it’s blended with other durable materials like polyester.
What About Silk or Velvet?
When it comes to deciding which upholstery to choose with pets, luxurious materials like silk or velvet might not be your best option. These smooth, ultra-soft, and trendy fabrics are beautiful to look at, but both of them also tend to attract fur and pet hair like a magnet. You’d need to constantly vacuum and brush your velvet furniture to keep pet fur at bay. Real silk and velvet may also need to be cleaned by a professional if you end up with a stain. Look into faux velvet or faux silk upholstery that has a more durable composition if you consider these types of upholstery a must-have for your living room.
Other Upholstery Styles to Avoid
Any type of upholstery mater that has a loose or open weave should be avoided whenever possible. This type of material can cause your pet’s claws to snag and catch, resulting in rips, tears, and ugly spots where the snags are visible. Examples of open weave or loose weave upholstery include corduroy, tweed, and most types of linen. Aside from the risk of constant snags, this type of material also traps hair and dust that makes it extremely difficult to keep clean, especially if your furniture cushions are not removable.
Dirt, spills, and fur can get trapped and embedded in the fibers, which may also make your beautiful new living furniture smell unpleasant as it traps odors over time. If you absolutely must have loose weave upholstery, it’s best to use a slipcover over the furniture to protect it from getting damaged. A canvas slipcover is an excellent choice in homes with pets since it’s rugged yet soft enough to keep everyone comfortable.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home, visit our furniture store serving Peachtree City, Tyrone, Senoia, and the surrounding areas. We have a team of furniture experts eager to help you turn your design dreams into a reality.