Do you tire of having to designate a special room for your pets? Do you wish that you could have a living room that accommodates your pets without looking like a bomb went off? The good news is that you don’t have to choose. With the right decisions, you can have a living room that looks stylish without compromising your pets’ needs. Use these tips to design a living room that fits your pets and your lifestyle. 

Select Robust Furnishings 

When you shop at living room furniture stores, be sure to select materials that your pet is less likely to scratch. That sisal rug or solid pine chair might be all the rage, but your cat will make short work of it. Opt for fabrics made of strong, pet-friendly materials, such as: 

• Leather or faux leather 

• Microfiber 

• Olefin 

• Velvet 

• Denim  

Ideally, the fabric you choose for furniture and rugs should make it easy to remove pet hair and wipe spills clean. Consider stain pretreatment for fabrics that damage easily, so that you can keep them in better condition longer. 

Choose Pet-Resistant Flooring 

The best flooring for your pets is going to be highly durable, easy to clean and difficult to scratch. Hard surfaces such as porcelain tile, natural stone or even concrete perform very well for pets. You may get good results from laminates or vinyl planks, as well, with affordable styles that match the latest trends. 

Softer floors like hardwood or cork tend to absorb liquids quickly and can show damage from claws, so you should avoid them. If you already have hardwood or you’re thinking of getting it, consider using floor rugs with a tight weave and short pile. Rugs will help to protect your flooring from the scratches and gouges that are common for active dogs and cats.

Create Pet-Friendly Spaces 

 Ultimately, pets tend to create more damage in spaces that aren’t designed for them to be there. If you absolutely must have a wicker couch with a puppy or you don’t want to get rid of your traditionally upholstered chair, you should provide other areas for your pets to relax and play. Choose a soft bed for your dog or cat that fits in with the color scheme, and make sure you get one that washes easily. Keep a few toys in a basket ready for your pets to play with, so they don’t get the urge to scratch or chew on your couch instead. 

Avoid Common Hazards 

Pets can be like young children in many ways, so you may need to pet-proof the room for hazards, as well. Walk around the room and look for things that your pet is likely to chew on or get tangled in. Create a system to bind cords close to the appliance instead of leaving them loose. Install cordless blinds and window treatments. Consider putting small items in a glass cabinet to display, so your cat can’t knock them over. Shop for pet-safe house plants, because you never know when your pet may decide to chew on a leaf or flower. 

Making a room pet-friendly takes some work, but you don’t have to sacrifice style to get it. Make these choices, and you’ll have a room that works for you and your pets. 

Images from: Deposit Photos

Author bio: Troy Simmons is General Manager at Bel Furniture, a leading furniture and mattress retailer. Simmons is a local Texan who has over 20 years of experience in the furniture business. 

SOURCES 

https://www.livingetc.com/ideas/how-to-dogproof-a-living-room 

https://swyfthome.com/blogs/lifestyle/easy-pet-friendly-hacks-for-your-living-room