Pet ownership is one of life's greatest joys, but it can require a bit of extra work. By choosing pet-friendly furniture, you can ensure that each piece stays looking great for years to come.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for new living room furniture:
Choose your upholstery carefully
When you're looking for pet-friendly furniture, you'll need to shop for materials that won't stain or tear easily. When an excited puppy runs in from the rain, you don't want its enthusiasm to ruin your sofa. As the bloggers at SheKnows noted, certain materials, such as microfiber, ultrasuede, leather, and synthetic leather are good choices.
Each of these materials is stain-resistant and easy to clean. Leather and its synthetic counterparts are much more durable and stain resistant than cloth, though they may suffer a few scratches. However, minor scratching can give leather a patina that many homeowners enjoy.
Patterns won't show pet hair as much as solids. Remember that color matters
Have you ever wondered why fabric seats on public transportation tend to have weird patterns and dark colors? These odd designs are often used to hide inevitable stains. You can use this same concept to protect your furniture from stains and noticeable pet shedding.
For instance, if your cat or dog has black hair, you may not want to buy a white sofa, which will show every hair. Multicolor patterns are much less likely to show animal hair than solid colors. You can also consider a color that is close to your pet's fur tone.
Perform regular maintenance
No material is going to be 100 percent stain and tear resistant. If you want your furniture to have a long life, you'll need to perform some routine maintenance. Vacuuming away pet hairs once a week will keep your couch looking pristine. In addition, if you splurge for leather you won't need to vacuum your sofa, but you will want to use a leather conditioner two to four times a year to help it keep its stain-reisistant quality and overall durability. Likewise, you should regularly inspect your living room furniture for stains that may you may not have previously noticed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper cleaning procedures, or consult with your local furniture seller.
Choose a local furniture store for repair services
Accidents happen. If something should harm your living room furniture, your local furniture store can help you sort it out. At Arwood's, we provide warranty and nonwarranty services on all our pieces. You shouldn't have to choose between a happy life with your furry friend and pristine furniture. When you choose a local seller, you'll get local, friendly service.
Family-owned and -operated, Arwood's has the largest selection of Missouri furniture. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best home furniture for your needs and budget.
