Furniture Care for Pet Owners: Choosing Style That Survives the Fur

Two adorable dogs relax comfortably on a cozy knitted blanket in a stylish, modern living room.

If you share your home with a dog or cat, you know the struggle, pet hair, muddy paws, and the occasional claw mark can put furniture through a lot. The good news? You don’t have to compromise on style to keep your home looking polished. With the right choices in fabric, materials, and layout, you can have furniture that’s both pet-friendly and design-forward.

1. Go for pet-proof fabrics

When it comes to pets, some fabrics are genuinely easier to live with. Look for tightly woven, durable upholstery and performance options on the brand’s sofas and sectionals pages, these pieces are made to be both hard-wearing and comfortable.

Pro tip: Avoid loose weaves like chenille and tweed, they snag easily and trap fur.

2. Pick the right colour & texture

Lighter fabrics can read as fresh, but mid-tone neutrals (taupe, warm grey, camel) hide everyday wear better than stark white. If your pet sheds, a clever trick is to match upholstery tone to your pet’s fur, it saves on lint rolling and makes the room look cleaner between vacuum sessions. Need visual ideas? Check living room furniture for fabric and palette inspiration.

3. Choose functional, durable pieces

Solid frames and simple silhouettes stand up to rougher use. Look for sofas and sectionals built with solid wood frames and independent spring systems for long life, several product pages show durability details and care instructions for individual models.

If you want a piece that’s truly tailored to your lifestyle (including pets), custom furniture options walk through choices like frame type, fabric selection, and cushion firmness so you can build something both stylish and sturdy.

4. Keep it clean, effortlessly

Regular upkeep is everything. Use a lint roller or pet-vacuum attachment weekly, and choose pieces with removable cushion covers or washable slipcovers when possible. For bigger investments, check warranty and care guidelines so you know how to maintain the frame and upholstery.

5. Create a “pet zone”

Sometimes the best sofa protection is giving your dog or cat their own cozy spot beside the seating area. A plush pet bed or washable throw blanket nearby keeps them happy and reduces the temptation to nap on your new cushions.

Final thought

Your home should reflect your lifestyle, including your four-legged family members. With the right fabric, colour, and construction, you can have a space that’s comfortable, stylish, and built to handle every wag and whisker.

To learn more or explore customizable options, contact us or stop by the Sklar Peppler Furniture showroom in Ajax, Ontario. Our team will help you find pieces that look beautiful and stand up to everyday life with pets.