Home décor do’s and don’ts for homeowners with pets

There are few things worse than having your cat claw away at your favorite armchair or your dog shedding all over your sofa. When you’re a pet owner, you have to approach interior decorating differently. Perhaps you’ve been told that you have to choose between having a beautiful home or a pet. That isn’t true at all. You can have both but you have to be a little more careful as you decorate. Here are some home décor do’s and don’ts for homeowners with pets.

Do choose tough fabrics

In households were there are pets, it’s important to have fabrics that can withstand a lot of heavy use. Area rugs that are made with sisal, silk, and wool are ideal because they’re sturdy and can be cleaned easily. Choose rugs with patterns and colors because that will help to mask the shedding and light stains won’t be as visible.

Don’t select materials that stain easily

You should avoid certain fabrics like viscose, rayon, and artificial silk, to name a few. While these materials can look very attractive. They aren’t as durable as many other materials and they tend to stain easily. You should be especially careful to avoid any materials that require professional dry cleaning. Stick with fabrics you can clean yourself.

Do pick flooring that can stand up to scratches

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options but it isn’t ideal for pet owners. Your dogs’ and cats’ nails will scratch up hardwood in no time at all even if you trim their nails regularly. If you only have a cat and you have him/her declawed, then you can stick with hardwood if you want. Tile is a great flooring option if you have pets. If you’re really attached to the look of hardwood you can get sealed hardwood or synthetic woods that won’t scratch.

Don’t choose white carpet

Even if you really like white carpet and you think you want it, don’t. You’ll regret the decision almost immediately. Even if your pets are indoor pets and potty trained, they will find ways to stain your white carpets. Go with a neutral color that will hide minor stains and have it sealed to minimize staining.

Do choose upholstery wisely

When selecting furniture such as armchairs, sofas, and love seats, you’ll want to select upholstery that is very durable. Fabrics that are intended for indoor and outdoor use tend to be durable without being scratchy and uncomfortable like furniture intended for outdoor use. Commercial-grade fabrics are also a good option because they’re designed for high traffic. Leather is yet another option that’s quite durable and easy to clean. If you choose leather, choose something a little darker to camouflage scratch marks.

Don’t buy furniture that traps pet fur

Certain fabrics like velvet or bouclé act like fur magnets. When fur gets on these kinds of fabrics, it can seem impossible to remove. Select furniture that you can wipe down easily. Avoid any delicate leathers that have uniform surfaces as a single scratch mark will make your new furniture look like something you’d find at a yard sale.

Source: Huffington Post

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