Designing a Pet-Friendly Home: Share tips for selecting furniture that can withstand pet-related wear and tear. - Bean Sofa (Dog Sitting on the Sofa)

Pet ownership is full of sunshine, love, and a certain level of craziness, of the good kind. But let's face it, there is also hair, claws, and muddy paws. Pet-friendly home design, contrary to popular belief, does not mean c ompromising style. It simply means being careful with your choices. Look at claw-proof or easy to wash fabrics as well as smart designs for furniture which can withstand wear and tear from your pet while looking stylish at the same time. As a pet parent, there is a lot of value to making thoughtful design decisions for your space.

Tips For Designing A Pet-Friendly Home 

There is a lot to consider in designing a pet-friendly home from fabrics, furniture types, decor installations, etc. Every consideration must be evaluated to see if it can harm the pet and can be easily damaged by the pet.

 Pet-Friendly Fabrics 

Fabric is the first layer of defense for all pets, and in particular for wear and tear. Avoid delicate fabrics such as silk, velvet, or chenille as they attract hair and can easily snag. Choose materials like leather, either real or synthetic, because leather keeps hair off, can be cleaned quickly, and is generally very durable against scratches. Another option is a microfiber material which is a tightly woven synthetic material that does not scratch easily, is simpler to clean, and does not trap odors, which is a major plus for homes with pets.  

Closed Bases and Stable Legs

When selecting pet-friendly furniture, choosing pieces with stable legs and preferably closed bases are best. While open bases look great, they often catch fur, and can become hiding spots for toys and other belongings. Choosing close based sofas and beds prevents this from happening. Should you choose open leg options, look for sturdier and heavier legs such as those made of wood or metals as they will not easily be scratched or fall over in case of high movement. 

Scratch-Resistant Surfaces 

If you have pet cats, they will often test the sharpness of their claws on furniture edges! Protect your pieces by selecting scratch-resistant surfaces. Keep away from softer woods like pine that will dent easily and opt for alternatives like hardwood surfaces, powder-coated metal, or laminate finishes, which are more difficult to damage and easier to clean. Furniture that has rounded edges can also help prevent the potential for injury when the pets run around the house. Use edge protectors on expensive items for added safety. 

Get Easy-to-Clean Covers

As well-trained as your pet may be, a little shedding or drooling is normal and inevitable. Slipcovers are lifesavers when this happens as they save your furniture from getting dirty, and are easy to clean. Look for covers that are machine-washable for sofas, armchairs, or cushions as that will help keep clean much easier in the longer term. Find a sofa with removable, zippered cushion covers so each individual piece can be washed when needed without taking apart the entire sofa or needing professional cleaning services. With slipcovers making cleaning easy, you can have your home smelling fresh and clean all the time without the pet odor getting trapped. 

Add Storage for Pet Items

Leashes, toys, treats and grooming items, there is a lot of stuff that your little furry companion requires. With all this stuff coming into your house, it is only natural to want to find the proper storage for organization in your home. Some great options for adding storage for your pet products are using a decorative basket or bin for toys and grooming supplies; choosing entryway furniture with drawers to store leashes and gear; and building a drawer or cupboard in the laundry room or kitchen to store bowls and treats. Keeping your pet gear organized and out of sight declutters the space and makes pet-owners’ homes more appealing and aesthetic. 

Conclusion 

Many people think that pet-friendly furniture and design means that your home will look bad and lack a trendy or classic aesthetic. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is possible to create beautiful looking spaces that are equally pet-friendly with just some information, and a clear understanding of parameters to look at when selecting pieces. Prioritize durability, scratch resistance, and easy-to-clean furniture and fabric, ensuring you and your pet can enjoy the home in every aspect.