As much as you love your pet, it can turn your house into a mess. From shedding and drooling to scratching and accidents, dogs can quickly turn a new sofa into a worn-out eyesore. But by choosing the right fabrics and furniture styles, you can minimize the wear and tear of daily life with a dog.
Synthetic, Pet-Friendly Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics have come a long way in recent years, offering durability and customized styles. For dog owners, these fabrics greatly resist stains, odors, and wear.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic Options
Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, making them great for indoor use with pets. Annie Selke, the designer behind the home textile company Dash & Albert, recommends these fabrics. “Dogs equal dirt. They can do a number on a living room, so I cover everything with indoor/outdoor textiles,” she says.
These fabrics are stain-resistant, easy to clean, resistant to scratches and claws, and available in various colors and patterns. Many solution-dyed acrylic fabrics mimic the look and feel of high-end interior upholstery, offering both function and a nice appearance.
Microfiber and Microsuede Choices
Microfiber and microsuede are good options for dog owners who want soft, comfortable fabrics that can withstand pet-related wear and tear. These materials resist penetration from liquids and pet hair, making them easy to clean and maintain with a vacuum or cloth. When choosing microfiber or microsuede furniture, darker colors or patterns can help conceal fur or minor stains between cleanings.
Natural Materials That are Safe for Pets
While synthetic fabrics are durable, some dog owners prefer the look and feel of natural materials. Fortunately, several natural options, like leather, denim, and cotton, can withstand the messiness of living with dogs.
Leather
Leather is a popular choice for dog-friendly homes because it’s durable and easy to clean. It’s resistant to odors and can be wiped clean of most messes. However, leather can show scratches, which may be a concern for larger or more active dog owners.
Kristen Levine, a pet lifestyle expert, shares her experience: “We took samples outside and let my dog run around with them.” This hands-on testing helped her choose the right leather for her home.
Leather can also slippery for dogs and is more expensive than other options. For those concerned about scratches, Selke suggests choosing leather with a distressed finish “since extra nicks just add to the patina.”
Denim and Cotton Canvas Considerations
Denim and cotton canvas are durable natural fabrics that can work well in homes with dogs. They’re machine washable, available in different colors and weights, and can be treated for additional stain resistance. These materials are also great for slipcovers, which can be easily removed for washing.
“Slipcovers are easily cleaned and usually less expensive than upholstery,” says New York City designer Heather Higgins. She adds that you can have another slipcover made when you want a new look, providing versatility in your decor.
When choosing denim and cotton canvas fabrics, consider heavier weights that will stand up better to dog claws and frequent washing.
Innovative Pet-Friendly Fabric Treatments
Advancements in fabric technology have led to treatments that can make most materials pet-friendly. Innovations such as Crypton technology and Scotchguard offer additional protection against stains, odors, and wear.
Crypton Technology
Crypton is a proprietary process that enhances fabric with dirt-, moisture-, and odor-repelling qualities. This treatment is designed with pet owners in mind, making it a great choice for homes with dogs.
Crypton-treated fabrics are stain- and odor-resistant, durable against wear and tear, have moisture-repelling properties, and are available in many fabric types. These fabrics can often be found on upholstered furniture, making them easy to clean, but they’re also sold by the yard in fabric stores.
Scotchgard and Other After-Market Solutions
For those who already have furniture or want to protect new pieces without investing in specially treated fabrics, after-market solutions like Scotchgard are a more affordable option. While not as long-lasting as built-in treatments like Crypton, these solutions can extend your furniture’s life and appearance.
Blogger Allison Meece of ahouseandadog.com recommends Scotchgard for its effectiveness and ease of use. “It makes wiping up messes very easy,” she says, noting that she regularly applies it to throw pillows after washing them.
If you’re using after-market fabric protectors, test them first on a small area for fabric compatibility. Then, be sure to apply them evenly in a well-ventilated area. You should also reapply the protectant after cleaning or as listed in the product instructions.
Choosing the Right Colors and Patterns
Selecting the right colors and patterns for your furniture can go a long way in creating a dog-friendly home that still looks clean and comfortable. Matching fabrics and using camouflage techniques can help mask your pet’s hair and hide potential stains.
Matching Fabrics To Your Dog’s Fur
One strategy for minimizing the appearance of pet hair on furniture is to choose fabrics that closely match your dog’s fur color. This simple trick can help keep your furniture looking cleaner between vacuuming sessions.
To do this, take a clear photo of your dog in natural light. Bring the photo with you while shopping for fabric or furniture, keeping an eye out for colors that blend well with your dog’s coat. Exact matches aren’t necessary because even close color coordination can still reduce the visibility of shed fur.
Camouflage Techniques with Patterns
Patterned fabrics can help hide pet hair and small stains. Their visual complexity makes it harder to notice fur and minor imperfections, keeping furniture looking new for longer.
Patterns to look out for include ikats, geometrics, florals, and abstract designs to mask small stains between cleanings. When selecting patterns, consider the overall style of your room so the furniture complements your decor. Patterns with colors that coordinate with your dog’s fur can maximize this camouflage effect.
Furniture Styles That Work Well with Dogs
The design of your furniture can play a big role in how well it withstands life with dogs. Certain styles are inherently more dog-friendly, offering practical benefits without affecting your home’s style.
Slipcovers for Easy Cleaning
Slipcovers are easy to remove and clean, protect your underlying furniture, can be replaced as needed or wanted, and are available in various fabrics and styles. They also allow you to have lighter colors and delicate fabrics in your home that might otherwise be impractical with pets. When choosing slipcovers, look for snug-fitting options with secure fasteners to prevent slipping and bunching.
Elevated Furniture Designs To Reduce Fur Accumulation
Furniture with elevated legs or open bases can help reduce the accumulation of pet hair and make cleaning easier. These designs allow for better air circulation and provide fewer nooks for collecting fur.
Features to look for in elevated furniture include legs that raise the main body at least 4–6 inches off the floor, smoother undersides without fabric skirting, and easy-to-clean surfaces beneath the furniture. This style of furniture not only helps with cleanliness but can also make your space feel more open.
Maintenance Tips for Dog-Friendly Furniture
Even the most durable, dog-friendly furniture requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Establishing a cleaning and care routine will help extend the life of your furniture and keep your home looking its best.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routines
Consistent, frequent cleaning is key to maintaining dog-friendly furniture. A simple daily furniture maintenance routine can prevent the buildup of fur and dirt, while weekly cleanings can be more thorough to address stains and dirt.
Daily maintenance can include brushing your dog regularly to reduce shedding, using a lint roller or pet hair removal tool on surfaces, and wiping down leather or synthetic fabrics with a damp cloth.
Weekly tasks should involve vacuuming your furniture thoroughly, washing removable covers or slipcovers, and spot-cleaning any stains or marks using the appropriate cleaners for your fabric type.
Long-Term Care Strategies
In addition to regular cleaning, implementing long-term care strategies will help preserve your furniture’s appearance and functionality. For long-term maintenance, you can rotate cushions regularly for even wear and reapply fabric protectors as needed, usually every 6–12 months.
You should also address any repairs promptly to prevent damage and consider having upholstered pieces professionally cleaned annually if you notice frequent stains or wear. By combining the right furniture choices with consistent care, you can create a comfortable home that both you and your pets can enjoy.
Our Conclusion
By choosing the right fabrics, furniture styles, and maintenance routines, you can have a beautiful living space that meets the challenges of life with dogs. From durable synthetics like solution-dyed acrylics to natural options like leather and cotton canvas, there are materials to suit every preference and lifestyle.
