It's a common misconception that you can't have pets and beautiful rugs. It might make things a bit harder, sure, but finding the best pet-friendly living room rugs begins with simply knowing your options and what materials will work best in your space.
In fact, finding the best rugs for a living room with dogs and cats often means investing in quality, something that tends to go hand-in-hand with style. "We don’t subscribe to the idea that pet-friendly rugs are all function, no form," adds Dan Swart, managing director at Australian rug brand, Hali. "If a rug is well-made, with premium natural fibers and hand craftsmanship, it will absolutely hold up in a busy household."
Just like finding the best rug for any home, for households with pets, it all comes down to the material, make, and color of the rug. Below, we've asked the experts for everything you need to know and consider.
When it comes to choosing a living room rug for a home with pets, the way the rug is made is an important consideration. "Choose hand-knotted rugs made from 100% natural materials," says Dan Swart. "These are the most durable rugs you can buy. Hand-knotted pieces are made to last, not just look good for a season. They’re breathable, easy to clean, and wear in beautifully over time, which is exactly what you want in a home with pets."
Beyond hand-knotted, cut-pile rugs are another excellent choice. A cut pile, especially in wool, is going to be soft underfoot, pet-safe, and visually elevated.
But it's best to avoid loop-pile or shag styles when looking for pet-friendly living room rugs. "Loop pile rugs might look plush, but can become a playground for claws," says Dan. "Cats in particular love to dig into the loops, which can quickly pull and unravel."
Plus, cleaning a shag rug is difficult enough, without pet hair added to the mix. The 70s-inspired style is also more prone to staining, matting, and damage from scratching.
This hand-knotted flatweave from Nordic Knots is both stylish and functional for a pet-friendly family. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the one that is right for you.
This rug proves that pet-friendly rugs can be just as chic as any rug. The bold checked and fringed piece is hand-knotted in New Zealand wool — one of the best combinations for spaces with pets.
As for cut pile options, this piece from Nordic Knots is another favorite. The Grand rug is also made from New Zealand wool so you know you are buying quality, and in this on-trend olive green? Fabulous.
While sourcing a pet-friendly living room rug, most people will jump straight to weighing up the pros and cons of jute rugs. But your options are far greater than just that. "Prioritize natural fibers, especially premium hand-spun wool," says Dan. "This is our go-to for pet-friendly homes."
San Francisco-based interior designer, Lexie Saine, adds that "the best rug options for living rooms with dogs and cats are made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like wool, natural fibers, or even recycled PET. These resist stains, hide fur, and stand up to claws."
And while lower price points are, of course, an appealing factor, Dan warns that "If they’re made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene, viscose, bamboo silk, or art silk, they’re far less forgiving."
These materials tend to trap dirt and show wear quickly. Dan's advice is to avoid synthetic and machine-made rugs altogether. "These are the real 'not pet-friendly' options," he notes.
Color and pattern are other big considerations (whether or not you even have a pet). Your best bet for a pet-friendly living room rug is to opt for a mid-range color instead of anything too light or too dark.
In homes with pets, ultra-light rugs (especially creams and whites) will inevitably show muddy paws and natural wear over time, even with the best wool and craftsmanship. But go too dark, and you’ll find fluff, pet hair, and general lint start to show up more clearly, too. So it's best to keep anything too far towards either end of the spectrum on your 'rug colors to avoid' list.
"Mid-tones and subtle patterns are great at concealing pet hair and minor wear," adds Lexie. They balance practicality and aesthetics, and work with almost every interior scheme.
Besides being hand-knotted, the print and colorway of this rug make it perfect for pet-friendly spaces — their hair and muddy paw prints will be barely noticeable.
This rug may be venturing into the darker category, but its perfect if your pets have a darker fur. Not only that, but it's machine washable for an easy clean.
This rug has all the fun of color and pattern while still catering to more neutral color schemes as well. It's handwoven in a lovely mid-toned orange, making it a great option for a living room rug with pets.
FAQs
Are Washable Rugs Good for Pet-Friendly Homes?
Aside from materiality, which is, of course, incredibly important, washable rugs are another great option for pet-friendly homes. Their washability makes it easy to cover and clean your pet's tracks should they have an accident, or if they are simply a frequent shedder.
Beyond that, a slip-resistant backing might also be helpful to keep the rug in place as your pet moves around.
Rugs should be a centerpiece in any living room, including those with dogs and cats (and the chaos of family life), so at the end of the day, it's best to pick a style that works for you.
If you'd prefer not to have to replace your rug regularly, the best rugs for a living room with dogs are something hand-knotted, made with natural fibers, and in a mid-tone color or pattern. "Buy once, buy right, and your rug will love your home as much as your pets do," adds Dan.
