Posted on April 19, 2025
The best pet-friendly furniture for homes with cats and dogs
Sharing your home with pets brings warmth, joy and companionship – but it also introduces a few challenges when it comes to furniture. Scratches, fur, and unexpected spills are part of the deal. Luckily, modern design offers plenty of stylish and pet-friendly furniture UK homes can benefit from. Whether you’re a dog lover or a cat enthusiast, it’s entirely possible to furnish your space with comfort and durability in mind.
The key is to choose materials and shapes that resist damage, are easy to clean, and still complement your interior style. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a sofa or chair pet-proof, and how to choose pieces of pet-friendly furniture that meet both your needs and your pet’s habits.
Look for durable and scratch-resistant upholstery
When choosing pet-friendly furniture, the upholstery is the first thing to consider. Woven synthetic fibres like microfibre or tightly woven polyester are top choices for their scratch resistance and ease of cleaning. Leather can also be pet-friendly, especially in darker shades, as it’s easy to wipe down and doesn’t trap pet hair – though it may show claw marks over time.
For cat owners, it’s best to avoid open-weave fabrics or anything that resembles a scratching post. Instead, look for tightly textured materials and avoid loose threads. Many of the scratch-resistant sofas available today offer a good balance between resilience and style. For larger spaces, consider a corner sofa to create a designated lounge area where pets can relax too. Finding pet-friendly furniture UK consumers love can make home life much smoother.
Opt for removable covers and washable cushions
One of the smartest ways to manage fur, stains and odours is to choose sofas and chairs with removable covers. These allow for easy machine washing or dry cleaning, helping you maintain a clean and fresh space with minimal effort. If a full slipcover isn’t your style, choose cushions with zippered cases or sofas with reversible cushions.
This is especially helpful for multi-functional spaces where you also need guest-ready comfort. A sofa bed that includes washable fabric and a firm frame is ideal for accommodating overnight visitors and four-legged companions alike, including those looking for pet-friendly furniture in the UK.
Choose sturdy frames and practical shapes
Beyond the fabric, durability also comes from structure. Look for solid wood or metal frames that can handle not just daily use but the occasional zoomies or clumsy paws. Avoid sharp corners or lightweight legs that could be knocked over easily. Rounded arms, low profiles, and tightly built joints add to the overall pet-friendliness of your furniture.
Consider how your pets use the space. Do they jump up on the sofa? Curl into corners? Stretch along the backrest? The best sofas for pets offer low-maintenance comfort, space for everyone, and won’t lose shape over time. Explore our full sofa range for models that pair durability with contemporary design, perfect for pet-friendly furniture UK customers are looking for.
Go for colours and textures that camouflage fur
Even the most well-behaved pets shed, which is why colour and texture matter. Medium tones like greys, taupes and browns tend to hide fur better than dark or very light shades. Textured fabrics like tweed or subtle patterns are also more forgiving when it comes to paw prints or loose hairs.
Avoid high-shine or velvet materials if your pets tend to shed a lot, and instead embrace earthy, matte finishes that mask daily wear and tear. Many modern pet-friendly furniture UK collections now offer customisable options, so you can find a finish that suits both your interior and your pet’s habits.
Looking for pet-friendly furniture UK residents can trust?
Discover the best tips for choosing scratch-resistant sofas and durable materials that stand up to daily life with cats and dogs. Whether you’re shopping for a sofa, a practical sofa bed, or a family-sized corner sofa, find the best sofas for pets that combine comfort, resilience and easy care.
