Is There Such a Thing as a Pet Friendly Sofa?

Here in the UK, there’s no denying that we’re a nation of pet lovers. We consider our pets to be part of the family, but unfortunately our sofas often suffer as a result. After all, dogs love to chew and cats love to scratch. Plus, there’s the shedding, muddy paw prints and potential accidents to consider. With that said, if you have cats and/or dogs running around, you might be worried about how you can possibly keep your furniture in tip-top shape. So, the question many pet owners ask is: is there such a thing as a pet friendly sofa? 

The good news is, with the right choice in fabric it is possible for your pet and sofa to live together in harmony for many years to come. Regardless of whether you have pets or not, considering your lifestyle and how the furniture will be used is crucial for choosing the perfect sofa. Of course, pets are bound to come with a little mess, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your favourite furniture. By investing in quality furniture and making sensible choices in terms of the materials used, you’ll find something that’s right for your household and makes life a lot easier later down the line. 

What Colour Sofa Should I Choose?

Choosing the right colour for your sofa is crucial, even if you don’t have pets, as you’ll want it to complement the rest of your interior design. However, if you do have a dog or cat, it’s worth choosing a similar shade to your pet’s coat, especially if they shed hair. This will make the fur less noticeable so you won’t have to worry about constantly hoovering and lint-rolling. For instance, if your pet is white, you’ll probably want to avoid a charcoal coloured sofa as the fur will be far more obvious. 

Are Leather Sofas a Pet Friendly Option?

If you have a pet, you might think that leather is off the cards, especially when those claws come out. However, leather sofas are actually more hardwearing than you think and arguably one of the best fabric choices for homes with pets. Leather is strong and sturdy, and it’s also much easier to clean muddy paw prints off a leather sofa (and any accidents that might occur) than a different type of fabric, so certainly something to consider. Stains and pet hairs can be easily wiped away. Yarwood leather is particularly hardwearing, so something that the experts at Delcor would recommend. 

Are Velvet Sofas Pet Friendly?

Velvet sofas are fantastic if you’re looking for style and comfort, but they’re not always ideal if you have pets. The good news is that velvet is less likely to hold odours, but unfortunately it’s a more delicate material and harder to clean. They also tend to act as a magnet for hair, so not great if your pet is a shedder. If you can’t bear the thought of giving up on a velvet sofa, you’ll be pleased to learn that we work with Aquaclean, a supplier who provides pet friendly fabrics that contain a top level barrier to prevent snagging and make it easier to clean. The material also protects against bacteria and mites, so it’s anti-allergenic. 

What Material is Inside a Pet Friendly Sofa?

Modern furniture usually has a cotton, foam or polyester interior. For busy homes with pets and children, we recommend a foam core interior, as it’s the most durable option. Foam sofa cushions typically keep their shape, provide the firmest support, and also require very little maintenance. 

What is Fabric Rub Count?

Wear and tear is inevitable in any household, but particularly those with pets. Something to consider when choosing a new sofa is the rub count of the fabric. This is essentially a measure of how hardwearing and durable the fabric is; a test that determines how many rubs the fabric can handle before it starts to display signs of wear and tear. Of course, the higher the rub count the better, especially for the pieces of furniture that you think will be most frequently used. For pets that like to claw at fabrics, it’s also worth considering a shorter pile and tighter weave, as the material will be harder to snag. At Delcor, we take great pride in our extensive range of fabrics, and we have something for every taste. Just let us know what it is you’re looking for and we will be able to source it for you.

We offer bespoke furniture that we tailor to your specific requirements. You can select the style, size, and materials used to create the perfect sofa for your family, so that even the pets feel at home. Keep your eyes peeled, as we are actually working on a miniature version of any sofa we design, specifically for your pets! Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit one of our showrooms for more information; our talented consultants are eager to meet you.