Being a pet owner is like hitting life’s lottery. But it also means that you’re responsible for taking care of them. This means you must create a safe and comfortable place for your pet. Your living room should be a place where you can enjoy the company of your pet. You want to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for them. In addition, it should also be beautiful and relaxing.
But how can you do this without sacrificing your comfort? The solution is simple: just follow the tips below!
Living Room Ideas for Pet Owners
Use Stain-Resistant Fabrics
If you have pets, stain-resistant fabrics like Crypton, leather, and Ultrasuede are great options when choosing living room furniture sets.
Let’s face it: your furry friends can be a little messy sometimes. Whether it’s muddy paws, slobbery kisses, or the occasional accident, having furniture fabric that can withstand the chaos is a lifesaver.
Avoid Wall-To-Wall Carpet
Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting in your living room as it can absorb odours, trap pet hair, and soak up stains, making it difficult to keep clean. Let’s face it: having pets is a joy, but the mess they can create is no laughing matter.
Here are a few reasons why you should steer clear of wall-to-wall carpet:
- Odour absorption: Carpets have an uncanny ability to hold onto smells. Whether it’s the lingering scent of Fido’s accidents or the unmistakable aroma of wet dogs, your carpet will become a stinky hotbed of odours.
- Pet hair trap: If you have a furry friend, you know that shedding is just a part of life. But with wall-to-wall carpet, every strand of fur finds its way into the fibres, turning your floor into a furry mess.
- Stain soaker: Accidents happen, especially when you have pets. And when those accidents occur on the carpet, it’s a recipe for disaster. From muddy paw prints to knocked-over drinks, your carpet will become a magnet for stains.
- Cleaning nightmare: Trying to keep a carpet clean with pets is like trying to catch a squirrel with a pair of chopsticks.
Use Hard Surface Floors
When it comes to flooring, hard surface floors are the best choice for you and your furry friends. Not only are they easy to clean, but they’re also resistant to any stain your beloved animal can dish out.
Picture this: your dog decides to have a little accident on the floor. With hard surface floors, all you need is a quick mop, and you’re good to go. No more scrubbing and worrying about lingering odours.
Ceramic tile is the ultimate winner when it comes to hard surface floors. Plus, the cool surface provides your furry companion the perfect spot to nap during those hot summer days. Just imagine your dog lounging on the tile, basking in the coolness while you relax on your couch.
You might look for other options like marble or natural stones. While they may look beautiful, they’re not as pet-proof as ceramic tile. The acids present in pet spit-up can stain these porous materials, even if you seal them.
Wall-Mounted Pet Bed
To give your furry friend a cosy spot to relax, simply screw a sturdy basket into the wall using extra-large washers and line it with a soft blanket for added comfort.
Here are five reasons why you should consider adding a wall-mounted pet bed to your living room:
- Maximizes floor space: With a wall-mounted pet bed, you can free up valuable floor space in your living room. No more tripping over bulky cat trees or dog beds.
- Provides a bird’s eye view: Your pet will love having a perch that allows them to survey the room from above. It’s like their very own VIP spot.
- Easy to clean: Unlike traditional pet beds, a wall-mounted pet bed is easily accessible for cleaning. Simply remove the blanket and toss it in the wash.
- Saves money: Skip the expensive pet furniture and opt for a DIY solution. A sturdy basket and some washers are all you need to create a comfortable resting spot for your pet.
- Makes a statement: Let’s face it, a wall-mounted pet bed is a conversation starter. Your guests will get impressed by your ingenuity, and your pet will be the envy of all their furry friends.
Use Washable Slipcovers
With washable slipcovers, you can protect your furniture from all the pet-related mishaps that come your way. Just put the slipcover on, and voila! Your sofa is safe from muddy paws, shedding fur, and even those not-so-nice accidents. And when it’s time for a cleaning, simply toss the slipcover in the washing machine, and it’ll be as good as new. But the benefits of washable slipcovers don’t stop there.
Here are five reasons why they’re a must-have for pet owners:
- Easy to clean: Throw these slipcovers in the washing machine and say goodbye to stains and odours.
- Style versatility: Change up the look of your furniture whenever you want without the hassle of buying a whole new sofa.
- Pet-friendly materials: Slipcovers use durable fabrics to withstand your pet’s claws and teeth.
- Allergen control: Keep pet dander and allergens at bay by regularly washing your slipcovers.
- Peace of mind: No more stressing about your pet ruining your furniture – with washable slipcovers, you can relax and enjoy your time with your furry friend.
Match Your Pet’s Fur Colour To Your Decor
So, you’ve got a furry friend who loves to shed all over your furniture. Don’t worry; I’ve got a brilliant solution for you: match your pet’s fur colour to your decor!
Here’s how you can do it:
- Find a footstool and sofa in a colour that closely matches your pet’s fur. This way, when your furry friend hops up to snuggle with you, their hair will blend right in.
- Choose throw pillows and blankets in shades that complement your pet’s fur colour. Not only will these accessories make your furniture look fabulous, but they’ll also camouflage any stray hairs.
- Consider getting rugs in colours that match your pet’s fur. This way, when they take their daily zoomies around the house, any hair they shed will blend right in.
Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
Now that you’ve got your fancy pet bed sorted, let’s talk about adding some greenery to your living room. But hold your horses, or in this case, your cats and dogs! You must ensure the plants you choose are safe for your furry friends. You see, some plants can be quite toxic to your pets. You don’t want any leaf-munching mishaps, don’t you? So, be smart and opt for pet-friendly plants instead.
Here are five fabulous options that will keep your pets safe and your living room looking fresh:
- Spider plants: Not only are they safe for pets, but their long, cascading leaves add a touch of elegance to any space.
- Venus flytraps: These carnivorous plants might give your pets a scare, but fear not; they won’t harm them.
- Money trees: Who doesn’t want a plant that brings good fortune? These lush, green trees will bring wealth and safety to your pets.
- Areca palms: If you’re looking for a tropical vibe, these palms are perfect. They’ll transport you and your pets to a sunny paradise without any worries.
Buy More Interesting Toys Than Your Furnishings
Don’t underestimate the power of having various engaging toys for your furry friends that are more captivating than your furniture. Let’s face it: your living room may be full of stunning decor, but to your pets, it’s like a playground waiting to get explored. So, it’s super important to give them toys that are not just fun but also keep their focus off your prized possessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular fabrics in my living room if I have pets?
You can use regular fabrics in your living room even if you have pets, but it is important to consider certain factors. Pets, especially cats and dogs, can shed hair, have accidents, and scratch furniture. Therefore, I recommend choosing pet-friendly fabrics. More often than not, your pristine sofa will become their personal playground, complete with hairballs and muddy paw prints.
What are some alternatives to wall-to-wall carpet in a pet-friendly living room?
Consider hardwood or laminate flooring for a sleek and stylish look that’s easy to clean. If you’re feeling fancy, try some tile or stone for a touch of elegance. And for those who prefer a cosy feel, go for some area rugs that can be easily washed or replaced.
Are there any specific types of hard surface floors that are better for pet owners? Yes, there are specific types of hard surface floors that are better for pet owners.
Some recommended options include:
- Tile flooring: Tile is a durable and easy-to-clean option. It can withstand scratches and accidents, making it a suitable choice for pet owners.
- Vinyl flooring: Vinyl is known for its durability and ease of maintenance.
- Laminate flooring: Laminate floors are also a popular choice for pet owners.
- Cork flooring: Cork is a comfortable and resilient option that can be a good choice for homes with pets. It is warm and soft underfoot and offers sound-mitigating properties.
Conclusion
Above all else, your living room should be a place where you can enjoy the company of your pet. You want to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for them. Don’t restrict them too much. Give them space to move around, as well as plenty of things to do. This will ensure they are happy and well-behaved in your home, which is good for you, too!