Did you know that almost 40% of U.S. households have a dog, and about 30% have a cat? If you have a furry pet, your needs for furniture might be different than the average consumer. Pets not only shed, but they often have sharp claws that can knick or unravel less durable fabrics. If you’re looking for cheap new furniture that’s great for pets, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are three tips for choosing pet friendly clearance furniture this year.
1. Is leather a good choice if I have pets?
On the plus side, leather is very easy to clean, water-resistant, and durable. If your dog jumps up with dirty paws before you can stop her, or your cat curls up and sheds like there’s no tomorrow, it won’t be a problem with this material. However, leather is more easy to puncture, scratch and tear, especially by animals who are quick to use their claws and teeth; this is a better option for those with very calm pets. Otherwise, Better Homes and Garden recommends that, “For more peace of mind, select a protected leather for your furniture, which has an extra finish applied to it.”
2. What type of cheap new furniture definitely works well with pets?
Microfiber can often be a great choice for pet owners. It is pet-durable in the sense that it won’t puncture, scratch or tear, and is also easy to clean. Because it has a suede-type surface, cats aren’t as likely to claw it. On the other hand, it might be more difficult to clean off stray hairs than with a leather couch or chair. According to the Sun Times, though, “Fur — from dogs or cats — is easily removed from microfiber with a vacuum, lint roller or cloth.”
3. What patterns and colors are great for hiding pet hair?
If you really want to optimize your nice cheap furniture for pet living, you should consider getting pieces that roughly match the color of your pet’s fur. Why not get a bit creative with the process? “Pets present you with the opportunity to really work with color,” says Julia Szabo for HGTV. Brown hairs, after all, won’t show up on a cafe-colored sofa. Jay Jeffers, who owns a design company in San Francisco, recommends considering how patterns can do some of the cleaning work for you. “I would always suggest a fabric with a small pattern or texture,” he says. “A herringbone pattern or small check creates a great disguise.”
Do you have tips for matching cheap new furniture to your pet? Let us know in the comments.
