Pet-friendly furniture: Stylish choices that can withstand fur and claws
Stylish, pet-resistant furniture is totally achievable. With smart shopping and Snap Finance, you and your pets can enjoy comfort and style without sacrificing your wallet.
Key takeaways
Learn what to look for in pet-friendly furniture
Get practical tips on maximizing the life of your furnishings
See how Snap Finance can help you get the furniture you love now and pay over time
Imagine finding a gorgeous faux leather sofa at a price that’s a steal, just for your cat to rip it to shreds. Or an ergonomic chair that’s the ultimate home office upgrade, only to have the dog chew off a leg.
Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Roughly 43% of pet owners have experienced pet-related furniture damage.
As cherished as they are, maintaining your interior style while living with pets comes with its fair share of challenges.
You want pieces that look great, fit into smaller spaces, and, for both your sake and your pet’s, can survive fur, claws, occasional spills, and play. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style or break the bank. With the right materials, smart design, and good care, you can have furniture that both you and your pets will love.
Here are some tips on what qualities to look for in pet-friendly furniture, suggestions to maximize usage, information on where to buy, and how lease-to-own financing with Snap Finance can help you bring home what you want now and pay over time.
What to look for in pet-friendly furniture
When you’re shopping for furniture that will see fur, claws, paws, and the occasional oops moment, think about:
Durable, tightly woven fabrics: Microfiber, faux leather, and some denser weaves of performance fabrics. They tend to resist claws, resist absorbing smells, and make fur easy to brush or vacuum off.
Smooth surfaces and clean lines: Fewer nooks, tufting, or deep crevices mean fewer hiding places for fur, mites, or dirt. Also, it’s easier to wipe down.
Dark or patterned fabrics to camouflage fur or minor stains: Or choose colors that match your pet’s fur so shedding looks less obvious. Solid colors in darker or medium tones can also be beneficial.
Legs made of metal, hardwood, or raised off the floor: Easier to clean underneath, with a lower chance that the fabric at the base will get chewed or scratched. Legs that are replaceable or detachable are a bonus.
Removable, washable covers: Sofas or chairs with slipcovers or cushions that zip off for washing or replacement make a huge difference long‑term.
Scratch protection: For pieces your pet might scratch, such as posts on sofas, arms, or backs, consider adding throw blankets, slipcovers, or strategically placed rugs or pads.
Pet‑safe finishes and materials: Non-toxic fabrics/dyes are better. Pets may chew or lick; avoid sharp or rough hardware.
Compact, multi-purpose furniture: In an apartment, space is a premium. Ottomans with storage, sleeper sofas, and fold-out tables. Pet beds that tuck into or under furniture.
Stylish, budget-friendly furniture ideas and styles
Here are styles and specific ‘FUR’niture pieces that tend to work well:
Microfiber or performance fabric sofa: Soft yet tough. Repels liquids somewhat and is easier to clean. Choose tight weaves. Performance fabric is primarily marketed as stain- and fade-resistant.
Faux leather: Fur doesn’t stick as much; wiping up messes is easier. But be cautious – poor-quality faux leather may crack over time, especially if scratched frequently.
Wood or metal frame accent chairs with minimal upholstery: Maybe just a seat cushion. Less surface area for damage; accent pieces can hold up with less fuss.
Recliners or loveseats with protective footrests: Pets often sit on armrests or footrests. Selecting ones with built-in protectors or replacing them with washable slipcovers helps.
Slipcovered furniture: Washable, replaceable covers. Even if the furniture itself is more expensive, being able to keep covers clean prolongs the lifespan and reduces the need to replace the whole piece.
Sectionals with modular pieces: If one section of the sofa gets worn out, you can replace just that module rather than the entire sofa.
Hard surface options: Coffee tables, side tables made from metal, tempered glass, or sealed hardwood. Easier to clean and harder to damage with claws.
Tips to care for furniture and maximize its lifespan
Taking good care of your furniture helps you avoid needing replacements, which saves money in the long term. Use these tips to get the most out of your furnishings, even with a four-legged roommate.
Vacuum and brush regularly
Remove pet hair before it works its way into the fabric or fibers. Use upholstery attachments or handheld vacuums. For faux leather, gently wipe away dust to prevent the fur from abrading the surface.
Trim your pet’s nails
Keeping claws shorter reduces the likelihood of scratches. Use scratch posts or pads to redirect scratching instinct.
Use protector covers and throws
Put washable throws over armrests, backs, or other areas your pet frequents. These are cheaper to clean or replace than whole cushions.
Rotate cushions and pillows
Even wear matters. Swapping sides or flipping cushions helps distribute wear more evenly, so one side isn’t worn out after a year.
Spot clean quickly
The sooner you treat spills, the less likely the stain will set. Use pet-safe cleaners and blot rather than rub to avoid spreading.
Deep clean occasionally
Steam clean the upholstery if the fabric allows it. For faux leather, use a damp, soft cloth and mild soap. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first to avoid color damage.
Protect from sunlight and heat
UV rays can fade fabrics, and heat can dry out faux leather, causing it to crack. Use curtains and blinds to keep pieces away from direct sunlight when possible.
Repair minor damage early
Fix minor scratches, loose stitches, or snags early before they worsen. Patch kits exist for fabric, leather, and even faux leather.
Use appropriate cleaning products
Avoid harsh chemicals that degrade fabric. Use pH-balanced or specifically approved upholstery cleaners. For faux leather, use mild soap and water rather than solvents.
Train pets
Teaching cats not to climb or scratch certain furniture and offering alternatives, like scratching posts or dog beds, encourages them to stay off couches or chairs, thereby reducing damage.
With these practices, furniture will last longer, resulting in less frequent replacement and saving you substantial sums over time.
Where to purchase pet-friendly furniture on a budget
You don’t need designer prices to find furniture that checks the pet-friendly boxes. Here are good places to shop:
Big‑box furniture stores with performance fabric lines: Places like IKEA, Wayfair, Ashley Furniture, Home Depot, Lowe’s, or local furniture outlets. Look for sections labeled “pet‑friendly,” “performance,” “easy clean,” or “outdoor/indoor.”
Warehouse/outlet stores: such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s, often offer good deals on sofas with warranty or return options. However, upholstery may not always be of top grade, so select carefully.
Online retailers specializing in pet-friendly furniture: Sometimes you’ll find small brands or boutiques that focus on durable materials.
Secondhand or gently used: If you don’t mind used, look for well-maintained pieces. Clean thoroughly before use. However, because of fur and potential smell issues, choose ones with removable covers or easier cleaning surfaces. And keep in mind, only new merchandise is leasable with Snap Finance.
Sales, scratch and dent, and floor models: Showroom floor models may have minor cosmetic damage but are often heavily discounted. If damage is superficial, it might be worth it. Always inspect.
And before you shop, use the Snap Store Locator to find retailers that offer Snap Finance, so you can plan ahead and take advantage of lease-to-own financing. Just enter your city or zip code, and you’ll get a list of nearby stores where you can use Snap. This makes it easy to plan your shopping trip and know your financing options ahead of time.
Premium, pet-friendly furniture shouldn’t come with hefty up-front price tags
With the average price of pet ownership being as high as $5,295 per year, pet parents shouldn’t drain their savings to get quality furnishings.
With Snap Finance, you can shop for that stunning sofa you want now and pay later with lease-to-own financing.
Even if you don’t have perfect credit1, you can still apply and get a decision in seconds. If approved, upgrading your space is easy – take home your pet-friendly furniture today without paying for it all upfront.
Furniture you and your pets will love
If you’re an apartment dweller with pets, stylish, functional furniture is very doable, even on a budget. Choose durable materials, smart designs, and buy from retailers that offer washable or replaceable parts. Take good care of the pieces you have, and they’ll last far longer.
And if paying everything upfront isn’t feasible, Snap Finance gives you the convenience to get what you need when you need it and to pay over time.
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
¹Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.