5 Tips for Furnishing a Stylish Pet-Friendly Home

A dog sits on a leather couch. There are green plants behind him. This article offers tips for furnishing a stylish pet-friendly home.

Tips for Furnishing a Stylish Pet-Friendly Home

Designing your home as a pet owner means that you’ll have to make different considerations compared to living without a pet.

After all, your pets are not just animals you care for—they’re important members of your family who will share your living space.

That means that it’s your responsibility as their owner and the head of your home to consider their needs.

Rather than simply making room for a pet, the challenge ahead of you involves balancing pet-friendly functionality and safety with style.

Fortunately, it’s entirely possible for you to design a living environment that caters to the well-being of your pets while also serving your aesthetic sensibilities.

This guide will walk you through creating a home that is both chic and safe for every member of your family, on two legs or four.

1.

Invest in Quality Pet Furniture and Accessories

Begin building your pet-friendly home by choosing the right furniture and accessories for your pet’s exclusive use. Consider items that serve a dual purpose.

For example, investing in washable area rugs. They are not only stylish and add texture to your home, but, they’re durable enough for your pets since they are washable. It’s good to invest in accessories that meet your pet’s needs while fitting seamlessly into your décor. 

For instance, stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to clean, and they also come in designs that will effortlessly complement your kitchen’s style.

Similarly, custom dog beds with modern designs or a sleek, contemporary cat tree can highlight the aesthetic appeal of a room rather than detract from it. 

When choosing these items, think about the long term. Quality pet furniture may initially come with a higher price tag, but it’s an investment in your home’s appearance and your pet’s well-being. Pieces that are both elegant and resistant to wear and tear can prevent the need for frequent replacements.

This will save you money and reduce waste over time.

Invest in well-made pet items, and you’ll be able to provide your animal companions with their own spots. That will be both welcoming for them and visually appealing to you.

2.

Make Sure Surfaces Are Easy to Clean

The reality of life with pets is that no matter how well-behaved they are, accidents and spills will happen.

That’s why it’s essential to select surfaces in your home that you can clean easily. Opt for furnishings with non-porous materials. Opt for leather or microfiber for seating and acrylic or glass for tabletops. You’ll have an easier time wiping down these materials in the event of a spill, and they also won’t harbor unpleasant odors.

In the kitchen and dining areas, prioritize surfaces that resist stains and scratches.

For example, a high-quality finish on wood tables or the use of a protective tablecloth can help preserve the life and look of your furniture.

Furthermore, consider your flooring. Tile and hardwood are much easier to clean and are less likely to trap fur and odors than carpet. If you love the warmth of carpet, though, opt for a low pile version, which is easier to maintain. You can also strategically place washable area rugs in high-traffic zones where your pets spend most of their time.

3.

Choose Durable Fabrics

Durability needs to be your foremost consideration when selecting fabrics for a household with pets. For upholstery, you’re best off picking out resilient material.

Ones that can readily handle an occasional scratch or “accident.” Think leather, canvas, and microfiber, all of which pet owners swear by. 

Stay away from delicate materials like silk or chenille. These will tear or stain easily. Lastly, slipcovers are always a good choice for furniture in a pet-friendly home. You can remove, replace, and wash them whenever you need to.

It would also be a good idea to select patterned fabrics that can help hide pet hair and minor stains between cleanings. A subtle pattern or textured weave can be incredibly forgiving and extend the time between deep cleans.

Being thoughtful about what materials you incorporate into your home design will help you come up with a living space that’s stylish.

Your furnishings will last longer, all while accommodating the playful and sometimes messy nature of pets.

4.

Pick Your Colors Wisely

Choosing the right colors for your home can keep it looking good. Even with pets around. Darker colors can help to conceal pet hair and small stains. However, if a darker color scheme doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of medium-toned hues that can be just as effective.

The key is to avoid very light colors or shades that closely match your pet’s fur. They can show hair, and dirt, and wear more readily.

Beyond upholstery and fabrics, this color strategy can extend to other areas of your home decor. Paint walls in a satin or semi-gloss finish. These options are more resistant to marking and easier to clean than flat paints.

You can also incorporate items like throw pillows and area rugs in strategic shades to mask pet-related wear. This will help you maintain a clean and cohesive look throughout your home.

5.

Avoid Small Decorative Items

Personal touches like knick-knacks and intricate figurines can add character to your home. Although, they can also pose risks to curious pets.

Small items that your pets can swallow will pose a choking hazard. Delicate objects that shatter easily also present a risk of injuring their bodies, eyes, or paws.

Instead of many small items, opt for larger, sturdier pieces that can stand up to a little more interaction with your pets.

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You’ll be safe with bold vases, large sculptures, or wall art that you can hang up safely out of reach.

In addition to safety, consider your décor’s ease of maintenance. Decorative items that require frequent dusting or careful handling might not be the best fit for a pet-friendly home. Durable materials like metal, wood, or thick glass are both more robust and often require less meticulous care.

In the pursuit of an aesthetically pleasing and pet-friendly home, the key is to choose furnishings and décor that serve both your aesthetic taste and the practical needs of your pets.

If you can strike a balance between those two things, you’ll be able to create a living space that is welcoming and secure for both the humans and the animals that live in your home. 

Do you have any ideas for creating a stylish pet-friendly home?

Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!

The name Nancy is shown as a signature.

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A dog sits on a leather couch. There are green plants behind him. This article offers tips for furnishing a stylish pet-friendly home.

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