So. You’ve got a dog who sheds like it’s his full-time job. Or maybe a cat who treats every surface as a launchpad. You still want a nice living room though, yeah? You’re not alone.
Plenty of folks give up on having a “put-together” space once pets enter the picture. But honestly, you don’t have to. You can have a room that looks good and holds up to claws, fur, and the occasional overturned water bowl.
Let’s walk through it.
Let’s Start With Floors
Floors catch everything. Hair, slobber, the odd accident. Some floors handle it better than others. Softwoods like pine? Nah, they dent. Fast. Go with oak or even better – something fake that looks good. Vinyl planks are surprisingly convincing these days.
Area rugs are trickier. You want low-pile, ideally patterned (trust me, patterns save you). Indoor-outdoor rugs are your friend. They’re not fancy, but they hold up. And most clean easy with just a hose.
Sofa Talk: Get Real About Fabric
You know who loves your sofa? Your pet. They’re gonna sit on it, drool on it, dig at it. So if you’re still clinging to that ivory linen couch dream…maybe let it go.
Microfiber? Solid choice. Leather? Yes, but not the fancy kind that scratches if you breathe on it. Try distressed leather or faux options with a wipeable surface.
You’ll also want throwblankets. Not for you – for them. Just drape one over the pet’s favorite corner of the couch. Wash it often. Change the look when you’re bored.
Give Them a Spot (But Make It Look Good)
Dogs love hanging out near you, not off in some random corner. So stick their bed where they’ll actually use it. Next to the couch works. Under a window’s even better if they like a view.
Pick a bed that doesn’t clash with the room. Avoid the rainbow paw-print covers unless you’re doing irony. Neutrals or earth tones work well. Some folks even use stylish baskets with soft cushions inside. Looks tidy, still comfy.
Cats? They need high ground. Wall shelves, cat trees, window perches – just don’t make them look like a carpeted tower from 2003. Plenty of modern options out there now.
Colours That Don’t Make You Regret Life
Here’s something people forget: match your furniture to your pet. Literally. Golden retriever? Don’t buy a navy-blue couch. Got a black cat? Avoid cream.
You don’t need everything to be the same shade, but keep contrast low. Texture and pattern help too – heathered fabrics are magic. They hide fur, crumbs, all of it.
Also, avoid anything that looks like a lint roller would cry touching it. Some fabrics just grip hair like Velcro.
Décor That Won’t Drive You Mad
Let’s talk breakables. Got a coffee table full of delicate vases? If your dog’s tail could sweep a shelf, those vases are done. Keep fragile stuff up high or swap it out. Go heavier – clay, stone, wood.
Plants? Watch out. A lot of common ones are toxic. Lilies, pothos, aloe… nope. Stick to things like spider plants or maranta. Bonus: they look good and don’t need much light.
Storage That Hides the Chaos
Toys, leashes, brushes, random chewed-up items – pet stuff builds up. Fast. You need places to tuck it away.
Baskets are the easiest fix. Neutral tones. Tuck them under consoles or next to the couch. If you’ve got space, add a bench with storage near the door. That’s leash HQ right there.
Some folks even keep a drawer in the coffee table just for pet wipes and lint rollers. Smart.
Smell Happens
Even clean pets smell like pets. Accept it. Fight it.
Air purifiers help. So do washable slipcovers, open windows, and baking soda. Stick a little dish near the litter box (if you’ve got cats). Don’t use strong essential oils unless you’re sure they’re safe.
Also: wash pet bedding often. Like, more than you think you need to.
Layout Stuff (a.k.a. Where to Put Everything)
Leave room for zoomies. Seriously. If your dog gets the zooms at 6pm, don’t block the entire living room with furniture.
Leave a path. Put their bed where they won’t trip you. Avoid floor lamps with dangling cords – those are just playthings waiting to happen.
And maybe leave that one chair near the window unclaimed. Pets love watching birds, people, shadows… whatever’s outside.
A Few Final Notes
Nobody’s saying your living room should turn into a kennel. But it should feel lived-in. Real. Like the people (and animals) in it actually enjoy the space.
Frame a photo of your dog. Hang up a quirky lead hook. Pick a coffee table that forgives scratches.
Good design doesn’t mean precious. It means thoughtful. When your space works for everyone – including the four-legged members – you’ll notice. Things feel calmer. More relaxed. Like you don’t have to fuss every time your dog hops on the couch.