The Ultimate Guide to Pet Friendly Decor
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Living Beautifully with Pets
Let’s be honest: living with dogs can feel like walking a tightrope between style and sanity. On one hand, you want your home to feel polished, cozy, and Instagram-ready. On the other, there’s fur on your sofa, muddy paw prints on your floor, and the occasional chewed-up throw pillow that reminds you your dog rules this house. I’ve been there, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that you don’t have to sacrifice style for pet ownership — you just need a strategy.
For me, creating a pet-friendly home means thinking ahead: what will endure daily wear? What can be washed or wiped down without stress? Which textures will hide fur without making my space feel like a kennel? Balancing all this is a mix of practical choices and deliberate design. And yes, I’ll admit: I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. That beautiful velvet sofa I loved? Not so much after my Chocolate Lab Coco discovered it was perfect for her mid-afternoon stretch.
But with the right guidance, you can have a space that works for pets and humans alike — a home that’s truly lived-in, yet curated.
What Makes Decor “Pet Friendly”?
Pet-friendly decor is about foresight. It’s not about limiting yourself to beige leather and plastic furniture (thank goodness). It’s about choosing
materials, colors, and furniture that withstand life with pets without feeling sterile or unfinished.
Here are the key elements I focus on:
1. Easy-Clean Fabrics
Some fabrics are easier to maintain than others. I always recommend performance velvet, Crypton-treated fabrics, or tight-weave linens for sofas,
chairs, and cushions. These fabrics repel stains, resist odors, and can often be spot-cleaned without ruining the look. A pet-friendly home should feel
functional but still luxe, and the right fabric is where style and practicality intersect.
2. Durable Furniture
Think about your furniture like armor: it needs to survive wagging tails, scratching, and the occasional enthusiastic zoomies. Solid wood frames and
sturdy legs are crucial, especially for pieces like daybeds and chaises. West Elm consistently offers durable furniture with timeless designs that hold up
to daily life with pets.
3. Fur-Friendly Tones and Patterns
Fur is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to dominate your aesthetic. Choosing neutral tones or subtly patterned fabrics can help camouflage shedding
between cleanings. I love layering rugs, throws, and pillows in muted colors — they’re forgiving without compromising style.
4. Washable or Tough Textiles
Rugs, blankets, and removable cushion covers that are washable are a lifesaver. For rugs, I often recommend flat-weave or tightly woven designs —
they’re easier to clean and resist snags from claws. West Elm and Anthropologie both have great selections that look sophisticated while being pet-proof.
5. Materials That Age Gracefully
A home with pets should show life, not just wear. Leather, hardwood, and high-quality performance fabrics all develop character over time. Accepting
a little imperfection can actually make your home feel more authentic and lived-in — and it keeps your stress levels lower.
Fabrics I Always Recommend
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of materials. Here’s what really works:
Performance Velvet: Soft, elegant, and surprisingly durable. A velvet sofa can survive the occasional paw swipe without losing its lush feel.
Crypton-Treated Upholstery: Stain-resistant and moisture-proof, perfect for pets prone to accidents or drooling.
Tight-Weave Linens and Canvas: Breathable, natural-looking, and easy to clean. Great for pillows and upholstery alike.
Tweed or Woven Fabrics: Textured fabrics help disguise fur and minor scratches.
I like to mix textures to keep the space visually interesting. For example, a Haven Daybed from West Elm paired with a woven Anthropologie throw
creates a layered, pet-friendly look that’s luxurious but still practical.
Furniture That Works With Your
Dog
Some of my favorite West Elm pieces that are both stylish and pet-friendly:
Haven Daybed from West Elm – Perfect for lounging, reading, or letting your dog curl up nearby.
Schaefer Daybed from West Elm – A modern design that works in a living room or guest room, while holding up to pets.
Carter Square Daybed with Trundle from West Elm – Great for extra seating or an impromptu guest space, and yes, pets love the trundle space as a cozy nook.
Fluted Base Chaise from West Elm – This is a statement piece that still feels livable. Its durable frame and luxurious upholstery make it a favorite in my home.
Daybeds and chaises serve multiple functions: seating, lounging, and designated pet spaces. By providing your dog their own “spot,” you protect your
other furniture while keeping the home stylish.
Stylish Pet Accessories
I love integrating Anthropologie pieces that are playful but still feel part of the overall aesthetic:
3D Motif Pet Sweater from Anthropologie – Adds personality without clashing with your decor.
Love Bug Valentine’s Day Pet Sweater from Anthropologie – Seasonal, fun, and a conversation starter that feels curated, not kitschy.
These aren’t necessary, but they’re a simple way to infuse your pet’s personality into your home’s aesthetic. Think of them as accessories that
complement your furniture, rugs, and textiles.
Rugs, Throws, and Accessories
Rugs and blankets are both practical and design-forward. I often recommend:
Washable, flat-weave rugs – easy to clean and resistant to wear
Layered rugs – for texture, warmth, and fur camouflage
Durable throw blankets – toss over sofas or chairs to protect surfaces
Decorative bowls and pet furniture – choose designs that match your interior instead of standing out
Anthropologie has some beautiful throws and small pet accessories that feel like intentional decor, not afterthoughts. Even the choice of a dog bed or
feeding station can be stylish and functional.
My 4 Rules for Pet Friendly Decor
I follow four simple rules when designing:
Washability comes first – Covers, rugs, and accessories should be easy to clean.
Durability is essential – Choose furniture and fabrics that last.
Camouflage matters – Neutral colors and textures help hide fur and minor wear.
Beauty always wins – Functionality doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Every piece in my home earns its place by these rules. If it can’t survive daily life with pets, it doesn’t stay.
Seasonal and Lifestyle Tips
Pet-friendly decorating isn’t static. Here are some realistic tips:
Shedding season: Rotate washable throws and rugs more frequently.
Holiday decor: Keep breakables out of reach, choose low-maintenance centerpieces, and integrate pet-friendly options.
Puppy-proofing: Temporarily swap in durable pieces or removable covers while your dog is still learning boundaries.
Daily maintenance: Vacuum or lint-roll high-traffic areas, wipe paws at entry points, and spot clean accidents immediately.
Final Thoughts
Pet-friendly decor is about living beautifully with your pets, not against them. When you plan thoughtfully, your home can be both elegant and
practical. By combining high-quality furniture, durable fabrics, and small stylish touches, you’ll create a space that feels lived-in, cozy, and entirely
yours — with room for your pets to thrive.
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