With pet ownership on the rise in the U.S., with 51% of households owning a dog and 37% owning a cat, according to the American Pet Products Association, interiors are increasingly having to reflect the needs of our four-legged friends.
But adding a new furry family member has its hazards — data from Houzz suggests that a third of pet owners have had to replace sofas or soft furnishings due to pet-related damage.
So how do you pet-proof your furnishings while keeping things looking beautiful? To help you out, I asked Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Design at Barker and Stonehouse, to share her expert advice on choosing a sofa that balances comfort, durability, and design, including which fabrics are a no-go zone for pet-friendly households.
Embrace your pets
Rather than banishing pets to another room, the modern home celebrates sharing spaces with our four-legged friends. So, you don't need to be faced with a shabby interior, because with careful thought, you can embrace this shared space with style.
"Don’t hide the fact that your pets are part of the family, celebrate it," says Gierasinska. "Choose sofas that are big enough to stretch out on with your dog or cat beside you, and layer with cushions and throws in textures you don’t mind sharing."
It's all about the fabric
While some fabrics are pet-friendly, others aren’t as resilient to the challenges that pet households face. For this reason, Gierasinskar recommends avoiding loose weaves, such as linen or tweed, which can snag easily. "Their open texture can easily catch on claws, leading to pulls and snags over time," she says.
"I’d also recommend avoiding more delicate fabrics, such as silk or velvet. They may look luxurious, but they’re prone to scratching and can wear quickly in a busy, pet-friendly household."
Another consideration is pile and texture. "High-pile fabrics tend to attract and trap pet hair, making them tricky to keep clean," she adds.
Top pet-friendly sofa fabrics to shop for
Gierasinska says that fabrics matter more than ever in a pet-inclusive home, but you don't need to compromise on style.
Look for performance fabrics that offer both texture and toughness.
"It’s best to opt for materials with a smooth, tightly woven finish that naturally resists fur," she says. "Look for performance fabrics that offer both texture and toughness. Microfibre is a brilliant option for pet households as it resists scratching and is easy to wipe clean."
And although she doesn't normally recommend choosing velvet, she says it can be a good choice if it's made with polyester, as it's much more durable due to its tighter weave.
Think color choice and texture
If you’ve fallen in love with a sofa with a pale color palette, you could be making a big mistake, as it will be harder to disguise even the merest mark or flurry of pet fur. You should also avoid high-maintenance fabrics.
A gentle herringbone or basket weave adds interest and is far more forgiving than a flat, pale fabric.
"Mid-tones like charcoal, taupe, navy, and olive green work brilliantly for busy, pet-filled households," explains Gierasinska. "They’re timeless, on-trend, and help conceal everyday wear without needing constant upkeep."
Another tip is to choose subtle patterns or textures to mask marks and hair, and she suggests, "a gentle herringbone or basket weave adds interest and is far more forgiving than a flat, pale fabric."
It’s all about the rub count
One thing people often overlook is the fabric’s rub count, which is a measure of a material’s durability. Gierasinskar advises that it’s especially important if you have pets. "I always advise avoiding low rub counts, as these fabrics are far more likely to show wear and tear quickly," she says.
"Instead, look for upholstery with a high rub count. The ideal rub count for a pet-friendly sofa is 80,000 or higher, as this will be able to deal with years of use from your pet. It’s designed to withstand daily use, so it will stay looking good for much longer, even in a busy, pet-friendly home."
Think about the extras
However, keeping your space pet-friendly doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, and she explains it's about clever layering and intentional details.
"Think removable, washable and beautiful," says Gierasinska. "A neatly draped throw or a set of machine-washable cushion covers not only protect your sofa but also help create a curated, cohesive look."
And apart from planning for a practical, yet stylish sofa, she also recommends opting for practical flooring. "Opt for vacuum-friendly flooring like wood or laminate, and keep a lidded basket near the sofa for toys, blankets, or leashes, so everything has a place when you tidy up."
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