Buying a new sofa is complicated on many levels, but having a pet makes it even more challenging. While you want something stylish, comfortable and affordable, you also have to worry about getting something that your furry friend won’t destroy as well. If you are looking for one sectional sofa or a classic, comfortable sofa that will last you for years to come (even with a cat or dog), you’ve come to the right place.
To help, we searched high and low across the internet and found 9 options worth shopping, whether you’re worried about Fido’s slime, Felix’s claws, or your red wine. We found options in a wide range of price points, including some styles on sale. But before we dive into our favorite sofas and sectionals for people with dogs and cats, some tips from the experts.
Experts featured in this article
Kimberly Kronberger is the Home Decor Company Manager for Living Room Furniture at Ikea USA and Shelby Girard is VP of Creative & Design at Havenly.
What to look for in a pet-friendly sofa
Where to start? Well, for starters, it’s smart to look for sofas with “removable and cleanable covers for customers with children and pets,” Kimberly Kronberger, Home Furnishings Director of Living Room Seating at Ikea USAsays PS. “Not only can you remove and clean these covers, but you can also replace them if you ever need to, which is a much more cost-effective option than replacing an entire sofa due to dirt or stains.”
Another rule of thumb is to choose performance fabrics when available. “These days, so many furniture brands offer beautiful velvets and flat weaves that resist snags, spills and stains, and they really can last for years,” said Shelby Girard, VP of Creative & Design at Havenly. “Look for fabrics with high rub and thread counts—the higher the count, the more durable the fabric. And for those with active kids and pets, I’d stay away from nubby fabrics like bouclé (they tend to snag) or true linen ( it is easy to dye).
What to look for in a quality sofa
Kronberger makes a good point, noting that whether a couch is “quality” or not “depends on what’s important to you.” Here are some guidelines to consider, according to the interior design expert: “Do you have pets or children? In that case, a sofa with a removable cover may be your best bet, so you have the ability to remove the cover and clean it as often as you need. If you are pressed for space in your home, a sofa with built-in storage may be right for you.Ergonomy is very important when choosing your sofa – If you like a relaxed position, choose a low, deep seat.
Another great tip? “The right sofa should always reflect how you live (or plan to live) in that space,” says Girard. For example: “If you’re in a TV room, a large, cozy sectional is comfortable enough for the whole family to curl up on. For more elegant lounges and living rooms, your sofa can have a more upright seat so guests can easily recline to talk or have a drink If your sofa is in a light-filled space, keep in mind that sunlight can cause darker colors to fade over time. In that case, choose a performance fabric that is more resistant to fading.” In the end, choosing a quality sofa depends on where you live and your personal preferences.
How to choose the right size sofa
Obviously measurements are your friend, and thankfully brands are generally really good at giving you the exact measurements so you can find a sofa or sectional with the ideal width, height and depth for your space. However, keep in mind that it’s not just about whether or not it will fit, but whether it will fit conveniently. “It’s all about scale—too big and your couch overwhelms the entire room, too small and there’s no room to sit,” says Girard. “If you’re short on square footage, look for sofas and loveseats with narrow proportions and shallower seating depths. For large spaces, play with a large sectional or a pair of sofas to anchor the space. In the case of tricky room layouts that require a decent sofa, adapt You may have to wait longer, but you can choose the exact length, width and depth you need!
Oh, and a tip that both Girard and Kronberger were quick to point out is that you need to measure your doorways and stairwells, too, to make sure you can even get your couch into the apartment. “It’s an easily avoidable mistake that I see made far too often,” says the Havenly pro. Keep reading to see the picks we rounded up based on Kronberger and Girard’s advice and extensive market research. Keep reading to meet your match.
