It’s alluring to purchase a cheap, low-quality sofa if you have pets or children, knowing it will endure a lot of rough usage. Instead of planning to discard a low-cost sofa later on, consider investing in a high-quality, extremely resilient couch that can withstand sticky fingers and dirty paws.
To identify the most suitable sofas for kids and pets, we conducted tests on sofas of various styles, evaluating factors such as ease of assembly, longevity, and comfort for sitting or resting.
Top Choice
Room & Board Metro
Room & Board describes this sofa as a “Goldilocks” sofa, meaning it’s just perfect—and we definitely agree. From a comfort perspective, the cushions are like clouds yet supportive, striking an ideal balance for sitting and enjoying a book or TV as well as lying down and napping. With over 200 upholstery options available, you can find a color that suits your preferences. When selecting your fabric, ensure to filter by your specific needs: You can select options for cat-friendly, dog-friendly, family-friendly, and stain-repellent fabrics. Moreover, the shorter lengths make it one of the finest sofas for compact spaces.
Another feature we admire about this sofa is its sturdiness. While it may not be easy to reposition within a room, its solid construction keeps it in place when your dog is lively or your kids jump from the armrests to the cushions. It’s worth noting that the armrests aren’t heavily padded, and the couch only offers one type of cushion filling. Although we found the down and foam filling to be quite comfortable, some individuals might prefer a down alternative or all-foam option. Nonetheless, we concluded that the couch provides cushioning without being excessively soft.
After enduring over six months of usage, including dog naps and cat accidents, this couch still looks as pristine as it did when it first arrived. We haven’t noticed any pilling, staining, or dog fur, and the cushions have retained their fluffiness. Given its exceptional durability, we believe this choice is worth every dollar.
Best Affordable Option
IKEA Uppland Sofa
Sofas are usually a costly investment, but you don’t always have to compromise on comfort due to the price. This under-$1,000 couch fulfills all the essential criteria. It felt comfortable immediately upon sitting, and we found it suitable for napping, reading, playing games, or socializing with guests. We recommend allowing the cushions to fully expand before initial use.
Moreover, this is a highly resilient piece of furniture. Throughout more than six months of use, this couch still remains in great condition. The fabric looks brand new, and the cushions are just as comfortable as they were on day one. Even after numerous toddler jumping sessions, the couch has maintained its shape and firmness.
Our favorite aspect of this couch is the detachable and machine-washable cover, available in 13 colors. We found the cover extremely convenient to clean and replace, enabling you to keep it free from stains and even switch colors periodically. After washing the cover in the machine, we were able to eliminate all traces of a spilled drink, making it ideal for households with kids. However, the couch cover doesn’t fit perfectly against the bottom, so its status as a cover is noticeable. While some individuals may find this visually bothersome, we believe the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
Best Modular Sofa
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
The Block Nomad Sofa distinguishes itself with its pet- and kid-friendly olefin upholstery, a synthetic performance fabric woven so tightly that it’s both resistant to scratches and stains. Burrow even claims you can pour a bleach solution on the sofa without causing any damage, although we don’t recommend testing that. When we tested the sofa, we were able to remove spills from the material using only soap and water. The olefin upholstery is available in five colors: white, red, navy, and two shades of gray. (You can request swatches to see them in person before making a decision.)
Another feature we appreciate is that this sofa is modular, allowing for almost complete customization. You can add a chaise or ottoman, select from six different leg finishes (wood or metal, each offered in three colors), choose from three arm styles, and add lumbar pillows. Additionally, the cushions are reversible: Tufted on one side and smooth on the other. Finally, this sofa comes with a built-in USB charger, which might not be appreciated by young kids, but certainly will be by teens and adults.
After using it for a year, the fabric on the sofa still looks as good as new. Although the pillows and cushions show some signs of use, there are no visible signs of damage. It’s important for potential buyers to be aware that this sofa’s firmness makes it more suitable for sitting and watching TV rather than for lounging or napping. The cushions don’t offer that sinking feeling that some people look for in a couch. With its modularity, we consider it to be a reliable starter sofa that can be expanded to meet your needs over time; however, you might prefer a softer sofa for family movie nights.
Top Sectional
BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper
If you’re looking for a durable, kid- and pet-friendly sofa, this Benchmade Modern sectional is an excellent choice. You have the option of selecting a standard, firmer cushion or a more relaxed, down alternative filling. The variety of customization options is impressive—it comes in three upholstery fabrics, four leg finishes, and a wide range of colors. You can even choose which side you want the bumper on, catering to various room layouts. It’s worth noting that each material requires different cleaning methods.
Although it comes with a high price tag, the quality of this sofa is exceptional, and we anticipate that it will have a long lifespan. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the sturdy fabric remained unscathed after one of our cats tried to scratch the cushions. It also withstood a pasta sauce stain—after cleaning it up with an upholstery foam cleaner and a damp cloth, the stain was completely gone. After six months of use, we haven’t observed any changes in quality. The fabric still looks just as good as when we first bought it and requires minimal maintenance. We’ve noticed that the cushions have become slightly softer over time, and there are some impressions where we usually sit. However, the comfort level remains similar to when the sofa was brand new.
We do wish the backrest was slightly taller because the short height may make it challenging for taller individuals to relax their shoulders while sitting upright. Apart from that minor issue, this sofa stands out as a durable and practical sectional. If you’re not interested in a sectional, this sofa is also available in a regular size.
Best for Small Spaces
Albany Park Lido Sofa
If you’re in search of a compact yet durable sofa, the Albany Park Lido is an excellent choice. Measuring only 75 inches wide, this sofa is perfect for apartments or smaller spaces. While we appreciate many aspects of this sofa, its comfort is our favorite. Whether napping, knitting, or working on our laptop, we’ve experienced no neck pain at all. We found the back to be high enough to provide adequate support, and the seats deep enough that we don’t feel like we’re on the edge of the sofa. Keep in mind that although the brand claims the sofa has a height of 32 inches, we measured it as 27 inches.
Despite its small size, this sofa is extremely resilient. It is available in various upholstery options, including safe and pet-friendly materials that are tightly woven to prevent snags. The cushions come with removable covers, which means they are easy to maintain and keep clean. We tested the bouclé fabric, which we found to be soft, textured, and well crafted. The cushions seemed to be of similar high quality, maintaining their shape even when accommodating us and our 25-pound Frenchton.
After several months of use, we haven’t noticed any changes in quality—the cushions have retained their shape, the color is still vibrant, and the upholstery looks as good as it did on day one. Although we did notice a few loose threads, they were easy to remove without damaging the sofa.
Best Sleeper
Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional
The key to a great sleeper sofa is a comfortable mattress, and that’s exactly what this model provides. You can choose between a memory foam mattress and a spring mattress—we tried the memory foam and found it very comfortable to sleep on. We didn’t notice the metal frame at all when we sat on it.
We also appreciated how easy it was to set up, taking us only six minutes to prepare with the linens and everything. Just keep in mind that the mattress is on the softer side rather than firm, and it’s also quite short. The website lists the mattress as 72 inches long, which is six inches shorter than a standard queen, but when we measured it, it was only 70 inches long. (Twins and fulls measure 75 inches in length, for your reference).
When it comes to the child- and pet-friendly properties of the upholstery, we discovered that the ultra-high performance fabric proved to be extremely resilient when subjected to active children and cats, showing no snags after a year of frequent use. Aside from the fabric’s high quality, we believe that much of this is due to its heathered color, which effectively disguises pulls and scratches. We particularly appreciate how effortless it is to remove cat hair—you can simply run your hand over the surface to gather the hair and remove it. If a sectional is not your preference, it is also available in a regular sofa size.
Top Velvet
Article Abisko Sofa
It may be difficult to believe that velvet is a sturdy material that can withstand the presence of children and pets. Thanks to its tight weave without loops, it is somewhat resistant to stains and hard to snag. Even after six months of usage, the Article Abisko sofa displayed no visible scratches, fading, or loose threads. We are especially drawn to this velvet sofa not only for its resilient upholstery material but also for its sleek modern design that conveniently fits in an apartment. Overall, we find this to be a stylish and durable choice.
We do have a few observations to note. Firstly, velvet does attract pet hair, but it can be easily removed with a brush or lint roller. Secondly, we found that unboxing this sofa was quite challenging—it took us 25 minutes to unbox the two boxes it came in, and an additional 20 minutes to assemble the couch. Nevertheless, we felt that the end result was worth the effort, especially as we found the cushions to strike the right balance between support and comfort. Additionally, if velvet is not your preference, it is also offered in a cotton-linen blend with three color options.
Best Leather
Article Sven Sofa
Leather’s inherent resistance to stains makes it one of the most durable materials for sofas, making it particularly suitable for households with pets or children. This is why we admire the Article Sven Sofa, which is available in leather, velvet, or fabric upholstery. The leather’s distinctive veins and markings give each couch a unique character, while the leather acquires a warm, vintage feel with a patina over time.
We found the material to be soft and the cushioning to be plush, making it an ideal choice for napping. After enduring over two and a half years of use in a rental house with numerous tenants, dogs, and active children, the couch exhibited minimal signs of wear and tear. There was a slight color fade and some sagging, but we were still satisfied with the sofa’s high quality. We found that an unattended fruit juice spill left a small stain, so we recommend promptly treating spills for the best results.
As it is on the smaller side, this couch is perfect for two people sitting or one person lying down. While it may not be substantial enough for a larger room, we believe it is an excellent option for apartments and other smaller spaces. There is also a matching sectional available if you have space for something larger. Furthermore, the delivery service was one of the most seamless experiences we have had—the crew removed our old couch and assembled the new one without any issues.
Best Slipcovered
Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional
Slipcovers are an excellent means of protecting a sofa as they can be removed and laundered. We are fond of this luxurious slipcovered sofa from Sixpenny for its plush cushions, which are filled with either down or polyfill. Whichever option you choose, it is important to note that they will require regular fluffing to maintain their shape. We also appreciate the sofa’s modular construction, allowing you to customize the configuration as you see fit.
As the couch is quite low to the ground, we did not notice any sagging in the center of the cushions. Unlike smaller models that can barely accommodate four people in a seated position, this sofa was spacious enough to accommodate several of us at the same time. In fact, the cushions are so broad that it felt like we were lying on a bed. It is important to bear in mind that this sofa’s deep seat depth and low height are best suited for lounging, so those seeking a more formal appearance may want to consider other options. We also found it a bit challenging to rise from the seats, so we do not recommend this choice for individuals with knee issues.
As mentioned, the slipcovers are removable and washable, which is essential as they are not made of performance fabrics and will likely require some maintenance. We found the durable linen material to withstand apple sauce spills with a simple spot clean. Despite having a clawing cat and a lively puppy at home, the sofa exhibited no signs of wear and tear after six months of use. For the most child- and pet-friendly option, we suggest opting for a velvet slipcover, as it is the most resistant to scratches and spills. Moreover, it is also offered as a regular sofa.
Top Customizable
Crate & Barrel Lounge Sofa
Everybody has slightly different preferences when it comes to furniture, and you shouldn’t have to compromise on a sofa you don’t adore. Fortunately, this customizable sofa from Crate & Barrel can satisfy even the most discerning shoppers. The sofa comes in three seat depths, eight sizes, and an impressive 207 fabrics. Additionally, you can even choose your favorite pieces to create your ideal sectional from scratch.
After using it for more than two years, we can confirm that this is one of the finest sofas we’ve ever tried. The cushions are plump and soft, yet not rigid, offering plenty of comfort and flexibility. We particularly value the cushion depth, making the sofa perfect for relaxing naps or accommodating multiple guests.
Aside from comfort, this choice also excels in terms of durability. Even after two and a half years of use, the sofa has retained its comfort and appearance, except for a few of the bottom cushions slightly flattening. It has endured toddler-induced spaghetti sauce stains with ease (we just needed to dab the area with water and multipurpose cleaner), and we’ve had no trouble brushing off crumbs and cat hair, either. Overall, we believe this customizable sofa is the ideal choice for pet-friendly households.
Finest Deep Seat
Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman on 7th Avenue accommodates 4 seats.
This is the ultimate lounging sofa, with extremely deep seats and an ottoman that together create a massive, bed-like piece of furniture in its standard configuration. In fact, it’s easier to lie down on the sofa than to sit on it, given that the seats are 47 inches deep (though there is a 39-inch classic option as well). Every piece of fabric is completely washable and water repellent, making this a great choice for spill-prone homes. The sofa covers are also removable and washable, allowing you to change the appearance of your sofa without having to purchase a completely new one.
The soft material is ideal for lounging, and the back cushions can be adjusted whether you’re taking a nap or working on your laptop. The sofa cushions come in two firmness levels (medium soft or medium firm) or you can adjust them yourself with the included fill packets. Additionally, its large size makes it perfect for entertaining guests. We were able to accommodate four adults and a dog lying down on it at once, and still had space for more people.
After six months of lounging, the sofa’s shape and comfort have remained very consistent. Any fabric upholstery is prone to pilling, and we observed significant pilling after a few weeks of use. However, once we used our handy fabric shaver, the sofa looked good as new. It’s also important to note that the narrow gap between the floor and the sofa makes it challenging to clean dust beneath the sofa, although this is the trade-off for low-profile sofas.
Conclusion
We love the Room & Board Metro Sofa for its durable scratch- and stain-resistant upholstery, making it a perfect piece of furniture for homes with pets or kids. Also, it’s completely customizable, allowing you to design the perfect sofa for your space. For a more cost-effective alternative, consider the Ikea Uppland Sofa. This comfortable sofa held up well over two years of use, maintaining its firmness without showing any signs of wear and tear. It also has a removable and machine-washable cover, making it particularly great for homes prone to spills.
Our Testing Method
To date, we’ve tested 31 sofas in our homes, including sectional sofas and sleeper options. The first step involved evaluating the purchasing process, from upholstery samples to return and exchange policies. After purchasing the sofas, we noted the estimated delivery date and the actual arrival date, and how reliable the estimates were. Finally, we assessed the delivery and assembly processes, including the assembly time and the ease of unboxing, assembly, and moving.
Once the sofas were assembled, we tested them for several months. We evaluated numerous criteria, including comfort while sitting, lying down, and napping on the sofa; the number of people that could fit on the sofa; and durability. More detailed criteria included the firmness of the cushions, the texture of the fabric, the ease of removing stains, and changes in the sofa over time.
Our second evaluation consisted of a survey that received 88 responses. This survey was conducted to identify the best places to purchase a sofa, and respondents rated both their experience purchasing their sofa and the quality of the sofa itself.
For long-term insights, we evaluated how the top-performing sofas held up in our homes after six months and one year of use. With all of those insights, we were able to compile our list of the best sofas for kid- and pet-friendly homes.
How to Select Sofas Suitable for Families with Kids and Pets like a Professional
Material
Upholstery
For a household with kids and pets, we suggest opting for a durable fabric. Tough fabrics are resistant to stains, extremely long-lasting, and easy to clean, making them ideal for areas with high foot traffic such as hotels, coffee shops, or homes with pets or children. Luckily, you can have both durability and style without making any sacrifices. There are now many attractive options that are highly durable and nearly impossible to stain, such as Crypton, Perennials, or Sunbrella.
You aren’t limited to just sturdy fabrics. Leather is another excellent choice for many families, as it allows for easy cleanup of spills, is tough, and resists odors. In addition, scratches on leather can often be concealed, giving them a worn and antique look rather than appearing as accidental claw marks.
Microfiber is also considered a top material for furniture in homes with kids and pets, as its dense texture blocks allergens, is resistant to stains, and is highly resistant to tearing. Surprisingly, velvet is another durable option; its tight weave prevents snags and loose threads. However, keep in mind that velvet tends to attract pet hair, although it is easy to wipe away.
Frame
It’s not only the upholstery material that requires attention. The frame is the foundation of the sofa, so it is essential to find a sturdy one. Genovese notes that the material of a sofa’s legs can be a deciding factor if you have a dog that chews, and suggests that metal legs are best for teething puppies.
Fill
The fill determines the comfort of your couch, affecting whether it has a soft, lounging feel or a more structured rigidity. High-resiliency foam is the firmest and most supportive option, while low-density foam is softer and plusher. Medium-density foam provides a nice middle ground and can accommodate diverse seating needs. For households with kids, high-resiliency, high-density foam will be more durable and less likely to lose its shape over time.
Color
If you are concerned about stains, choose a darker color sofa, as it is less likely to show them. But if your pet has light-colored fur, a lighter colored fabric will help you cope with the continuous pet hair.
Maintenance
Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before attempting any cleaning method. For example, when cleaning a microfiber couch, you should determine whether water can be used, if it can only be vacuumed, or if dry cleaning solvent is the only option. You should always blot up any accidents or spills immediately to minimize the risk of a stain.
Even if it’s a performance fabric, a light fabric will exhibit some dirt with regular use. Regularly clean it in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Attempt to fluff cushions and flip them as frequently as possible.
Sofas Suitable for Families with Kids and Pets to Consider
Crate & Barrel Axis 2-Seat Sofa – This comfortable two-seat sofa closely matches our top pick. We are particularly attracted to its easy-to-clean feature, which is perfect for an active household. However, we recommend choosing a darker color to better conceal tougher stains—fortunately, there are 206 options to choose from. We also believe it’s worth the price.
AllModern Geo Upholstered Reversible Sectional Sofa – This modern sectional sofa is available in various bold color options, including sapphire and rust. While we appreciate the appearance of this sofa, potential buyers should note that the cushions are very firm, making it better for sitting rather than lounging or napping. In other words, we think this sofa is more suitable for a formal living room or office than a family room or basement.
Simpli Home Morrison Sectional Sofa – We found this leather sectional sofa to be very comfortable, especially when lounging and reclining. This sofa has held up well, and its cushions have shown to be sturdy enough to accommodate two adults, one child, and a 20-pound terrier without losing their shape. However, the leather does exhibit some faint scratches, and we wish we could choose which side the recliner is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I eliminate stains from a sofa?
When it comes to removing stains, we always advise following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, generally, there are a few steps you can almost always take. For tough stains, use a mixture of dish soap diluted with distilled water and gently blot with a towel or upholstery brush. Ensure that the fabric you’re using is colorless, as dyes from fabrics can transfer to the upholstery.
How can I take care of my sofa?
Prevention is essential! Applying an upholstery protector like Scotchgard to your sofa is a great preventive measure as it helps in guarding against spills, stains, and water. In addition, regular vacuuming of your sofa to eliminate dirt, hair, dust, and crumbs will aid in preventing dirt from settling into the fibers.
What are some methods to prevent pets from scratching the sofa?
Consider consulting a pet trainer to train your pet to behave properly in the house. Cats, however, can be more challenging to train. It’s notoriously difficult to stop cats from scratching furniture. I suggest frequently trimming their nails and providing them with an ample amount of scratching posts.
Furthermore, there are a few steps you can take to safeguard your couch. There are various cat and dog repellent sprays that use sounds, pheromones, or potent scents like citrus or lavender to discourage your pet from scratching and chewing on your furniture in a safe manner. We also suggest utilizing clear tape to discourage cats from scratching the upholstery.
What materials do not attract pet hair?
Leather and vegan leather do not attract pet hair. Other pet-friendly materials like velvet and microfiber do attract pet hair, but they are resistant to scratches; you just need to regularly remove the pet hair.
How long will a couch last in an active household?
On average, sofas have a lifespan of seven to 15 years. If you live in an active household, you can typically expect your couch to last for a shorter duration. Ultimately, it depends on the quality of your sofa, the level of activity in your home, and the amount of maintenance you put into it.
We believe that investing in high-quality furniture is often worthwhile. Many people may think they cannot invest in it with kids or pets, but finding furniture that will last for years will also be durable enough to withstand kids, pets, and extensive use. Inexpensive furniture may only last a few years, and with the addition of kids and pets, it may last even less.