For pet owners, furniture shopping is never easy. Finding home decor that is beautiful and comfortable is hard enough, but what if you add effort to finding something durable enough to withstand pet playtime? It can be nearly impossible. There is no such thing as “pet-safe” furniture, but there is furniture best suited for life with pets.
Best Pet-Friendly Sofas
Leather is the easiest material to clean and maintain when your pet drools uncontrollably. Pet scratches can easily be polished away. If you love a sofa for your home, choose one made of leather. Sofas provide comfort for your family and if you have a dog or cat at home, they will love lounging on the sofa with you. For durability, leather is the way to go. Leather items are more durable than other materials.
Sturdy Coffee Table
When it’s playtime, you’ll be grateful for a sturdy coffee table that can withstand indoor games of catch. Choose a table that will keep items out of reach of your child’s head, feet, and tail. A solid wood table is a sturdy choice that won’t topple over if bumped during play, and its rounded shape has no sharp corners to bump into.
Protect Your Floors
Like many people, you care about your floors and ensure they are as comfortable as possible for your pets. Adding rugs to hardwood floors will keep your pets from scratching them and add a finishing touch of comfort, color, or texture to your space.
Use durable, outdoor-friendly fabrics like jute or rugs that won’t pick up lint but have a nice pattern. Avoid high-pile rugs like shag or thick knits that can easily be dug into and loosened by claws or nails. Another important tip is to avoid carpeting whenever possible, as wall-to-wall carpeting traps odors, dirt, and shed fur.
An important part of dog ownership is embracing an active lifestyle. You’ll be taking your dog out at 2:00 a.m. to pee as “exercise” in between regular walks and feel the outdoors, so make sure your outdoor furniture is just as pet-friendly as your indoor furniture. Opt for stain-resistant furniture and easy to clean such as wipe-clean polypropylene, durable teak, or solid steel.
Any dog owner will agree that the benefits of dog life far outweigh the costs even if it means spending a little more on a leather sofa instead of a fabric one. Ready to redecorate your dog house?
–sh