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The Best Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas You Can Buy Now

published Oct 27, 2021
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Fur. Spills. Crumbs. Bouncing. These are the imminent dangers to your home when you have pets and/or kids, so you have to make sure your furniture can stand up to them. We did the research for you and found sofas that have a sturdy build and are made of durable fabric — perfect for even the most chaotic households. They’re pretty much indestructible, easy-to-clean, and cute to boot. We’ve split our choices up into four popular categories: general, sectionals, leather, and sleepers.

Best Sofa Fabrics for Kids and Pets

Look for the right kind of leather. Leather is one of the most durable materials, so it’s a great choice for households with kids and pets. However, not all leather is created equal. Aniline leather is the most natural and has not been treated with any dyes, making it the most sensitive to scuffs — you’ll want to avoid it when shopping. Instead, look for semi-aniline or pigmented leather, which has been treated to make it the most durable (and least expensive). Also keep an eye out for “top-grain” leather, which is considered more durable than split leather.

When in doubt, opt for classic microfber. You can’t go wrong with microfiber or canvas. These materials are made to withstand all sorts of use, and are typically easy to clean and take care of.

Stay away from delicate fabrics. You’ll want to look for fabric that has a tight weave — chenille, velvet, and silk are no-gos, unless you get a special performance variety that is stronger than normal.

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Wayfair
$869.99
was $1100.00

This simple, sophisticated sofa from Wayfair may not look like it’s ready to take on whatever your home (or kids or pets) can throw at it, but it is. The solid hardwood frame is built to last, and the polyester material naturally resists stains. When you do need to wash, though, just slip off the cushion covers and toss them in your washing machine. Good as new, and majorly comfy, too. 

2 / 14
Floyd
$1420.00
was $1775.00

One way to know if your sofa will hold up to heavy use? Drop heavy weights on it. That’s what the people at Floyd did when they were making The Sofa. They wanted to simulate what 10 years of heavy use would look like, so they repeatedly dropped weights on it, pulled on the backrest, and tried as hard as they could to bend the legs. Nothing budged. The birch wood frame, powder-coated steel legs, stain-resistant fabric, and dense two-layer cushions stayed in place then, and they’ll stay in place for you and your family for many years, too. 

3 / 14
Arhaus
$3739.15
was $4299.00

Every element of this sofa from Arhaus was carefully designed to ensure it would maintain form and function. The performance Crypton fabric is made specifically to resist stains, moisture, and odors — all of them, always. The sustainably sourced solid wood frame and recycled steel supports beneath the cushions mean your sofa won’t sag, no matter who or what stands on them. The seat cushions have interconnected steel coils for lasting support, the backrests have foam and flexible webbing to ensure they hold their shape... the list goes on. It’s definitely a steep price, but this piece is one you’ll keep forever. 

4 / 14
Joybird
$1795.00
was $2761.00

This sofa was handmade down to its final stitch, and that careful craftsmanship means quality and durability. The hand-assembled kiln-dried hardwood frame and hand-stitched fabric are only bonuses to the stylish mid-century shape and super-thick polyurethane foam cushions — all of it meant to look good and last. 

5 / 14
Burrow
$1649.00
was $2198.00

Burrow is one of the best newer furniture brands around, with thoughtfully designed pieces that are built to last and grow with you. Their popular Nomad sofa also comes in this sectional style that's made of naturally scratch- and stain-resistant tight olefin fiber. There are five colors, six leg finishes, and three arm styles to choose from — plus it has a built-in USB charger and 72-inch power cord.

6 / 14
West Elm
$1359.15
was $1599.00

West Elm is known for their wide range of upholstery choices, including their performance fabrics that are made to withstand plenty of traffic. The Eddy sectional is a versatile choice thanks to the reversible construction, and it can be purchased in performance basketweave, twill, and even performance velvet if you can't quite give up your dream of a velvet sofa.

7 / 14
Interior Define
$1695.00

Interior Define is one of the best places to score a sofa perfectly suited to your needs, since every piece is fully customizable. The Maxwell sofa, which was designed by our very own founder & CEO Maxwell Ryan, comes in dozens of fabrics, and there's even a "kid & pet-friendly" filter you can use to find the most durable of the bunch. Unlike other retailers with a limited number of colors and types of durable fabrics, Interior Define's choices include velvet, linen, and textured cotton. If you're undecided, you can order up to 10 fabric swatches to check them out for yourself.

8 / 14
Urban Outfitters
$949.00

This highly reviewed sofa is much less expensive than your typical leather options, and it comes from one of our favorite boho retailers. The recycled leather and glossy finish make it a more durable option, although it's still soft and comes with the color variations you'd expect with leather. It's available in four colors, including cranberry and black.

9 / 14
Bed Bath & Beyond
$1292.99
was $1639.99

Can you describe a couch as handsome? That feels like the only word for this mid-century modern piece from Overstock. The dark, sleek leather and button-tufted seat have an austere sophistication, so the sofa will only improve any room it's in. And if you couldn’t tell just by looking at it, its foam-fill cushions and thick seat are super comfortable for a day of lounging. 

10 / 14
Article
$1999.00

Article takes quality seriously, and most of their leather options are of the full-aniline variety. This sofa is an exception: It's made of semi-aniline, waxed Italian leather that's super durable yet sumptuous. The shorter arms are stylish and sophisticated, and if you don't love tan leather you can always choose the black version instead.

11 / 14
West Elm
$1599.20
was $1999.00

This Queen-sized sleeper sofa not only features a gel mattress for ultimate comfort but also comes in a slew of fabrics that are woven and great for kids and pets alike. (The cushion covers zip off if you need to get them professionally cleaned, too.) The default fabric is a heathered tweed, a textured, durable option that is made to last — but if you're willing to spend a little more, you can also purchase performance fabrics and twill.

12 / 14
AllModern
$2195.00
was $2415.00

This sofa looks small and simple, but it unfolds into a Queen-sized bed. Yes, Queen-sized! The seat flips forward while the back folds out, giving you all the sleeping space. When you’re not using it, everything tucks away so neatly you’d never guess the sofa’s convertible. Bonus: Both the fabric options (polyester blend and acrylic) are durable, easy-to-clean materials, so bring on the late-night family movie nights that turn into living room sleepovers. 

13 / 14
Kardiel
$1538.00
was $2200.00

This two-seater compact sleeper sofa has no intention of being just functional. With a rounded retro frame and slightly shiny Festival fabric (low-maintenance polyester with a plush velvet surface), it’s here to be a statement piece. It’s the perfect multi-use sofa that looks great no matter if you’re sleeping or lounging on it. 

14 / 14
Pottery Barn
$2199.00
was $2399.00

This sleeper sofa rolls out into a full-size bed for smaller spaces. Choose the performance fabrics for a luxe feel that'll hold up to high-traffic areas — in particular, the Sunbrella options are worth checking out. Not only that, but the sofa is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning that it meets rigorous chemical emissions standards. It's on the pricier end, but keep an eye out for sales, and remember that this is a piece you'll have for years.

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The Best Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas You Can Buy Now