If you have indoor dogs and cats, your interior design likely includes living room furniture and other features that stand up to pet damage. When you decide to get a new sofa, you may wonder which type of upholstery can effectively resist scratches, odors, and stains. Here are a few fabrics to consider while shopping for living room furniture.

4 Pet-Friendly Sofa Fabrics

1. Low-Pile

Low-pile fabrics, such as tightly woven microfiber, velour, and velvet, don't contain long fibers or loops. This type of material prevents pet claws from pulling at it and causing fraying, holes, and tears in the sofa.

Low pile options are also easy to vacuum. You can remove pet fur from cushions and crevices with an extension wand to keep your low-pile sofa attractive and fresh.

2. Synthetic

Synthetic materials, such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, are durable and resist everyday wear. These benefits make them ideal for sofas in spaces you spend the most time with your dogs and cats. To clean the material, wipe it with a microfiber cloth, sponge, or brush to remove pet hair or blot it with a damp cloth and upholstery cleaner to remove stains.

3. Prints & Patterns

Woven fabrics made from cotton, felt, or wool in bold floral, paisley, or animal prints can hide the appearance of pet fur and stains. Multicolored patterns, such as herringbone, stripes, or plaid, may also make scratches less noticeable. Match the pattern's color palette to your pet's fur so that it can better disguise stray hair between vacuuming.

4. Leather

Since leather doesn't absorb spills, you can easily wipe it with a damp cloth when your furry friends make a mess on the fabric. Leather also wears evenly and can withstand pet damage without developing an unsightly appearance. In fact, minor scuffs and scratches can give leather sofas more character. Apply a leather conditioner annually to hydrate the material and make it less vulnerable to scratches and crumbling.

If you have pets and need a new sofa, contact Furniture Classics in Anchorage, AK. These professionals have provided high-quality living room furniture for over 25 years. Get more information about their inventory online, or call (907) 278-6844 to ask about a specific product.