How to Choose the Best Pet-Friendly Sofa
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Cats and Dogs on the Couch: The Best Pet-Friendly Couches for You and Your Pet – Introduction Video
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Why is it important to choose the right Sofa or couch for you and your pet?
The Sofa is the most used piece of furniture in a living room, it’s where you spend more time than anywhere else besides your bedroom, so it makes sense that it should be comfortable and durable enough to lounge around on while still being stylish and pet-friendly!
It’s also an essential piece in a living room and one of the most crucial pet-friendly furniture pieces—it sets the tone for the space and defines what kind of person (or pet) lives there. A pet-friendly sofa allows pets (and their humans) to relax without worry and enjoy quality time together.
Being a pet owner means that your dog or cat is a part of the family, and you want them to feel at home, too. And although they’re likely not spending as much time on their furniture as you are (or if you are like me and my dog Thor, maybe you are), knowing how to choose pet-friendly couches can make all the difference in your living room and help your pet settle in quickly and enjoy themselves.
A sofa is a significant investment, especially if looking for pet-friendly sofas. You want it to be comfortable, pet-friendly, and last for years. A top-quality sofa will enhance the vibe of your house and provide you with good years of use.
When choosing a sofa, make sure to pick a well-made, sturdy one that will last for years to come. Pet-friendly materials are an excellent choice for those who have pets, as they are durable and easy to clean. With proper care, your Sofa will be a great addition to your home for many years.
As an interior designer, I would argue that a sofa is more than just a piece of furniture – it’s a way of life, it sets the vibe of a living room, and everything is set up around it. Moreover, when the Sofa is not being used to entertain, it is most certainly used as a day bed or a relaxing area to curl up and read and of course, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy time with your pet.
Sofa, we salute you!
Now that we’ve established how important it is to choose a pet-friendly sofa, let’s consider some factors when selecting a couch!
What to look for when choosing the perfect pet-friendly Sofa
Before we go deep into how to select the ideal pet-friendly Sofa, if you haven’t read our Article “How to Choose the Best Pet-Friendly Furniture – The Basics“, we’d like to invite you to read it. However, if you are familiar with the basics of choosing pet-friendly furniture, keep reading.
Just one more thing! While we encourage you to read our articles and follow our advice, we strongly recommend pairing this information with hiring an experienced professional interior designer. You can Hire one at Havenly and get 25% off the design package if you click here! If you’d like to learn How Havenly works, click here.
Now, we are all set to move on to the good stuff!
Design and Shape of a sleeper sofa or chaise sectional.
First, consider the Sofa’s design, size, and shape. A large sofa will provide plenty of seating for you and your guests and a comfortable place for your pet to curl up. Consider a petite sofa or loveseat if you have a small living room. These smaller options will still provide plenty of seating without taking up too much space, but be conscious that there should be space for your dog too.
A traditional tufted sofa might not be ideal for pet owners because it can catch a lot of pet hair and are difficult to clean. Instead, look for sofas with removable cushions or those with one big cushion instead of two or three smaller ones, and make sure to flip them once a month to expand your Sofa’s lifetime.
If you’d love to have a tufted sofa such as a Chesterfield sofa, always leave a small toy over it to attract your dog’s attention and not the buttons securing the indents. Additionally, sofas with knots, tassels, or ribbons are discouraged because pets can easily chew them. Dogs also tend to hide treats between the cushions, so it’s best to avoid furniture with too many nooks and crannies.
You can always consider removable covers and have some fun with them by playing around with different colors and patterns!
And finally, if you have small pets, it’s advisable to choose a low-profile sofa or with tiny metal legs. You don’t want your furry friend to disappear beneath it and have difficulty getting out if they fall asleep. However, if your pet is an Australian Shepherd like my dog Thor, then it shouldn’t matter 😉
Example:
Brand: CB2
Model: Roma 3-Piece white sectional sofa
What makes it pet-friendly?
This Roma 3-Piece white sectional sofa is made of a synthetic material called Crypton, which is water- and stain-resistant. It can withstand lots of wear and tear, making it perfect for families with pets or small children. Each of the 3 sections can be detached, so it’s easy to clean and vacuum.
The sofa doesn’t have any buttons, tassels, or knots for your dog to bite, and it doesn’t have wood legs or an exposed wood frame for your dog to chew on.
Build
Another important consideration is the Sofa’s construction. When looking at pet-friendly sofas, pay close attention to the frame, legs, and seams. A well-constructed sofa will have reinforced seams and a sturdy frame to withstand pet claws. The legs should be plastic or metal, as wood legs can be easily bitten by your dog or scratched by pet nails. Avoid sofas with skirted bottoms, as pet hair can become trapped beneath the fabric and creases.
Wood
However, if you decide on a wooden frame, it must be built using only the most robust and durable hardwoods. The frames should be constructed from 5/4″ and 6/4″ ideally of solid hardwoods, 8-way tied spring systems, double dowels for sturdy, stable joints, and reinforced at each corner, where the frame is most likely to break. This attention to detail ensures that your Sofa will be able to withstand years of use without sagging or becoming uncomfortable. So when you’re shopping for a new sofa, be sure to ask about the construction details to ensure you’re getting a well-built piece of furniture.
Metal
When deciding on a metal frame sofa, the frame should be made from high-quality steel and must have been adequately welded together at the joints. Ensure the structure has been finished with a powder coating to protect it from corrosion and rust.
Example:
Brand: West Elm
Model: Axel Leather Sofa
What makes it pet-friendly?
This sofa is pet-friendly for a number of reasons. First, it has a solid and engineered hardwood frame with reinforced joinery. This means that it is incredibly durable and won’t collapse if your pet jumps on it. Additionally, all of the wood is kiln-dried for added durability.
The sofa is also upholstered in genuine top-grain leather, which is both comfortable, stylish, and durable. Finally, the metal legs are in a Burnished Bronze finish, so your dog won’t be tempted to chew on them. High-gauge sinuous springs provide cushion support, and the seat cushion has a fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency polyurethane foam core.
Cushions and fillings of pet friendly couches.
Next, cushions and fillings are pretty important when selecting pet-friendly furniture, and you must look at how the cushions are attached to the frame. Well constructed pet-friendly couches will have velcroed cushions rather than simply being placed on the frame. The cushions should be durable enough; you don’t want your pet to rip it open and swallow the filling. Cushion fillings are dangerous for dogs if eaten and can cause everything from gastrointestinal upset to blockages.
Before you start picking out fabrics and patterns, you need to consider the filling. This might not seem like the most exciting part of the process, but choosing a filling that provides comfort and support is essential. Here are some of the most popular options:
– Polyester:
Polyester is a synthetic material often used as a cheaper alternative to down, and it is also less likely to cause allergies. However, polyester can be less durable than other materials and may not hold up as well over time.
– Down:
Down is a natural material that provides excellent insulation, and it is also very soft and comfortable. However, down can be more expensive than other options and is not as durable.
– Memory foam:
Memory foam is a synthetic material that conforms to your body, provides excellent support, and is very durable. However, memory foam can be more expensive than other options.
– Coil:
Coil is a type of spring that provides support and comfort, and it is also very durable. However, coil can be more expensive than other options.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect filling, you can start looking for the ideal fabric. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing pet-friendly fabrics:
Example:
Brand: Pottery Barn
Model: Dream Square Arm Upholstered Sofa
What makes it pet-friendly?
First of all, it’s made out of Performance Twill fabric which is designed for durability. It’s also water-repellent and wipes clean, so you won’t have to worry that much about pet-related accidents or surprise spills. It also has loose cushions making it easy to clean and vacuum your pet’s hair.
It also has fiber-wrapped memory foam seat cushions and down/fiber blend back cushions. The frame is expertly crafted from engineered wood with mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability and strength. Inner pocket coil springs provide cushion support, and it has adjustable levelers.
Fabric
Consider the fabric for your pet-friendly couch. If you want to go in-depth about which materials are the best if you have pets and what stain-resistant fabric is that attracts pet hair, please read our article on The Top Pet-Friendly Fabrics for Furniture. Ideally, you should select a synthetic performance fabric in a tone that camouflages dog and cat hair.
Leather
A leather sofa is also an excellent option for a pet-friendly couch because pet dander, pet hair, and other allergens typically cannot penetrate a leather upholstery and will age nicely even if scratched by your pet’s nails. Whether you select fabric or leather, you should avoid sofas with nailheads because they can easily be bit and pulled out.
Performance fabrics
Performance fabrics are ideal for your pet-friendly couch because they are stain-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. The key is to look for a material treated with a stain repellant, which will help prevent pet stains from setting in and make them easier to clean if they do occur.
Example:
Brand: West Elm
Model: Harris Loft Sofa – Metal Legs
What makes it pet-friendly?
This beautiful sofa is upholstered in a durable 100% performance velvet made of polyester knit fabric with a soft buttery feel and matte finish, making your sofa stylish and resistant to your furry friend. The shapely metal legs prevent your pet from chewing on them, and the low profile design means medium-sized dogs won’t be able to hide under it.
The engineered hardwood frame with mortise & tenon joinery is built to last, and the high-gauge sinuous springs provide cushion support. The seat cushion is double wrapped, high-resiliency, and reversible for added comfort and convenience, making your sofa look new for longer. The removable legs feature adjustable levelers for added convenience.
Pattern
Suppose you’re lucky enough to have a pet that strictly obeys the “no scratching” rule, congratulations! You have won the jackpot of well-behaved animals. However, we need to be a little savvier when picking out the best pet-friendly fabrics for the rest of us who live in the real world. Multi-tone fabrics are great for pet-friendly couches because they excel at disguising pet hair and spills and messes. (Not that your pet would ever make a mess, of course.) Stripes and other busy patterns also can disguise fur. So if you’re looking for upholstery that can stand up to your furry friend, opt for something with a little bit of pattern or multiple tones.
Color
Shedding is an inevitable part of living with a furry friend, as any pet owner knows. Unfortunately, dealing with pet hair can be a real pain, especially if your couch is the perfect breeding ground for hairballs. If you’re tired of constantly vacuuming your couch, consider choosing a fabric that’s the same color as your pet’s fur. That way, shedding won’t be as noticeable in between vacuuming sessions. So, if you have a dog with a long white fur coat, go for a white sofa! Or, if your dog has short brown hair, a brown leather sofa would be best. It doesn’t have to be exact, but keep it within the broad color range. At the very least, don’t pick a contrasting color that will make pet hair stand out.
Rub Count
If you’re in the market for a new sofa, you might come across the term “rub count.” But what is rub count, and why is it important? Essentially, rub count is a measure of how durable a fabric is. The higher the rub count, the more resistant the material is to wear and tear. When it comes to sofas, a high rub count is critical because it means that your Sofa will be able to withstand heavy use. So if you have a busy household with kids and pets, you’ll want to look for a coach with a high rub count. Of course, rub count isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a sofa. But if you’re looking for a durable option that will hold up to heavy use, it’s something to keep in mind.
Comfort
Another important consideration is comfort. Make sure to take some time to test out different sofas before making your final decision. Sit on each one, lie down, and even take a nap. You want to be sure that the couch is comfortable enough to relax on.
Guarantee
I understand that your pet is undoubtedly the most well-behaved and considerate and will not make a mess or have accidents on your Sofa. However, it is crucial to consider the return policies and guarantees when making your purchase.
So after all these considerations, you find the perfect sofa- it’s the perfect size, style, and price. But then you notice the fine print: no returns or exchanges. Well, that’s a dealbreaker. Why? Because sofas are a huge investment, and you want to be sure you’re getting exactly what you want. With a good return policy and guarantee, you can be confident that you’re making a wise purchase that will last for years to come. So before you buy that new sofa, be sure to check the return policy and guarantee first!
Conclusion
Choosing the right leather sofa for your home can be a daunting task. Coordinating furniture can be tricky, and things like an L-shape sofa or two separate sofas can make the job more difficult. However, the importance of choosing a pet-friendly couch should not be overlooked.
Not only will this ensure your beloved four-legged family members are happy, but it will also protect your investment from any messes they may cause. Finding a comfortable reclining sofa that fits your family’s needs and style can be a challenge, but with patience, you will be glad you did. Make sure to research the importance of choosing a pet-friendly sofa before investing in one for your home.
Remember You can hire an online interior designer at Havenly and get 25% off if you click here who will help you incorporate all these basic principles into your design project! If you want to learn more about Havenly and the online interior design services they offer, read our article called: Havenly, the Best Pet-Friendly Online Interior Design Platform. If you want to learn how to protect your sofas and furniture from your pets, please read our article called 20 Best Tips and Tricks to Protect Furniture from your Pet.
Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly
There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home.
When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.
In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.
Click here if you want to learn more about Havenly and book an interior designer and get 25% off your design package if you click here!
