What Is the Best Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofa?

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Stefanie Waldek is a writer with 10+ years of experience in the home and travel industry. She has written for Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post, among other publications.

In addition to fact-checking for Real Simple, Jillian covers various topics from food and wine to luxury travel and culture guides for outlets such as Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveler.

In This Article

Real Simple / Donna Freydkin

It's tempting to buy an inexpensive, low-quality sofa when you have pets or kids, since you know it'll get a lot of (probably rough) use. But rather than plan to throw away a cheap sofa at some point down the line, consider investing in a higher quality, ultra-durable couch that will hold up to sticky fingers and dirty paws alike.

To determine the best kid- and pet-friendly sofas, we tested sofas in a variety of styles, rating criteria like ease of assembly, durability, and comfort when sitting or napping. For additional insight, we also consulted designer Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors and Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces By JacFlash.

It’s incredibly customizable with over 200 fabrics, seven lengths, two seat depths, and two leg finishes to choose from.

The arms aren't well padded, and the cushions are filled with down with no choice for a down-free alternative.

Room & Board declares this sofa to be a "Goldilocks" sofa, meaning it's just right—and we have to agree. From a comfort perspective, the cushions are cloudlike yet supportive, striking the right balance for sitting and reading a book or watching TV as well as lying down and napping. And with more than 200 upholstery options to choose from, you can find a color that's just right, too. When selecting your fabric, be sure to filter by your specific needs: You can tick boxes for cat-friendly, dog-friendly, family-friendly, and stain-repellent options. Also, the shorter lengths make it one of the best sofas for small spaces.

One other thing we love about this sofa is its heaviness. While it might not be easy to move around a room, its solid build keeps it in place when your dog has the zoomies or your kids belly flop from the armrests to the cushions. It’s worth noting that the armrests aren’t well padded, and the couch only offers one fill option for the cushions. While we felt that the down and foam fill provided ample comfort, some people might prefer a down alternative or all-foam option. Nevertheless, we found the couch to be cushiony without being too soft.

After enduring over six months of use, including dog naps and cat pee, this couch still looks as good as it did when it came out of the showroom. We’ve noticed no pilling, staining, or dog hair whatsoever, and the cushions have stayed fluffy. Considering its impressive durability, we think this pick is worth every penny.

Upholstery: 225 options, including performance, velvet, chenille, boucle, and microfiber | Dimensions: 65–108 by 38–43 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

The machine-washable slipcover comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to change up the sofa’s style as you choose.

It's not very stylish.

Sofas are typically an expensive purchase, but you don't always have to sacrifice comfort for price. This under-$1,000 couch checks all the important boxes. It felt comfortable as soon as we sat down on it, and we found it to be suitable for napping, reading, playing video games, or even socializing with guests. We recommend letting the cushions fully inflate before your first use.

What's more, this is a very durable piece of furniture. Throughout six-plus months of use, this couch is still holding up well. The fabric looks good as new, and the cushions are still as comfortable as they were on day one. Even with lots of toddler jumping sessions, the couch has maintained its shape and firmness.

Our favorite thing about this couch has to be the removable and machine-washable cover, which is available in 13 colors. We found the cover incredibly easy to wash and change, allowing you to keep it stain free and even switch up colors seasonally. After throwing the cover in the washing machine, we were able to remove all signs of an apple juice spill, so we think it’s ideal for households with kids. The couch cover doesn’t sit flush against the bottom though, so you'll be able to tell it is a cover. While some people may find this visually bothersome, we think the pros far outweigh the cons.

Upholstery: Polyester and cotton | Dimensions: 88.25 by 36.25 by 36.25 inches | Seat Depth: 22.87 inches

The olefin upholstery is scratch-proof and stain-proof.

The cushions are very dense and therefore not ideal for lounging.

The Block Nomad Sofa stands out for its pet- and kid-friendly olefin upholstery, a synthetic performance fabric that's woven so tightly that it's both scratchproof and stainproof. Burrow even suggests you can spill bleach solution on the sofa without creating any damage, though we can't recommend you try that out. When we tested the sofa, we were able to remove spills from the material with just soap and water. The olefin upholstery comes in five colors: white, red, navy, and two shades of gray. (You can order swatches to see them in person before committing to one.)

Another element we love is that this sofa is modular, so every feature is pretty much customizable. You can add a chaise or an ottoman, pick from six different leg finishes (wood or metal, each offered in three colors), choose from three arm styles, and add lumbar pillows. Plus, the cushions are reversible: On one side they're tufted, and on the other they're smooth. And finally, this sofa comes with a built-in USB charger, which young kids might not appreciate, but teens and adults certainly will.

After one year of use, the fabric still looks the same as when we first got it. While the pillows and cushions look a bit lived in, there’s no noticeable wear and tear. What potential purchasers need to know, however, is that this sofa's dense firmness makes it better for sitting and watching TV rather than lounging or napping—its cushions don't provide that "sink-in" sensation some people look for in a couch. Given its modularity, we think it's a solid starter couch that can expand to suit your needs over time, though you might want a plusher sofa for movie nights with the family.

Upholstery: Olefin, leather, velvet | Dimensions: 85 by 35 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

It comes in a wide variety of upholstery, leg, and color options.

The backrest is a bit short.

If you're going to invest in a long-lasting, kid- and pet-friendly sofa, this Benchmade Modern sectional will do the trick. In terms of cushioning, you can opt for a standard, firmer option or a more loungey, down alternative fill. We were amazed by the amount of customization options—it’s available in three upholstery fabrics, four leg finishes, and an overwhelming number of colors. You also have the option of choosing which side you want the bumper on, catering to any room layout. Just keep in mind that each material has different cleaning instructions.

Though its price tag is high, the quality of this couch is among the best we’ve ever seen, and we expect it will have a long lifespan. After one of our cats attempted to claw the cushions, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the sturdy fabric remained completely intact. It also prevailed against a pasta sauce stain—once we used an upholstery foam cleaner and a damp rag to clean it up, we couldn’t even see where the stain had been. After six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality. The fabric still looks as stunning as it did the day we bought it and requires minimal maintenance. We've noticed that the cushions have gotten a bit softer over time and that there are some imprints where we most often sit. However, the comfort remains comparable to when the couch was brand new.

We do wish the backrest was a bit taller, as the short height may make it difficult for taller people to relax their shoulders while in an upright position. Aside from that minor complaint, this couch is a standout if you’re looking for a durable and functional sectional. And, if you're not interested in a sectional, this sofa is also available in a regular sofa size.

Upholstery: 128 options, including leather, velvet, woven, boucle, and performance | Dimensions: 90–125 by 70–105 by 37 inches | Seat Depth: 23 inches

The durable sofa comes in various kid- and pet-friendly upholstery options.

You may notice a few loose threads over time.

If you're seeking a small yet durable couch, the Albany Park Lido is a no brainer. Measuring just 75 inches in width, this sofa is perfect for apartments or smaller spaces. While we love many aspects of this sofa, its comfort has to be our favorite. Whether napping, knitting, or working on our laptop, we've experienced no neck pain whatsoever. We found the back high enough to provide adequate support and the seats deep enough so that we don't feel like we're on the edge of the sofa. Just note that while the brand says the couch has a height of 32 inches, we measured it at 27 inches.

Despite its small size, this couch is extremely durable. It comes in various upholstery options, including safe, kid-friendly materials and pet-friendly choices that are tightly woven to avoid snags. Plus, the cushions have removable covers, making them extra easy to clean and maintain. We tested the bouclé fabric, which we found to be soft, textured, and well made. The cushions seemed to be of similar high quality, maintaining their shape even while accommodating us and our 25-pound Frenchton.

After several months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality—the cushions have kept their shape, the color is still vibrant, and the upholstery looks as good as it did on day one. While we did spot a few loose threads, they were easy to pull out without damaging the sofa.

Upholstery: Velvet, bouclé, performance, basketweave, or leather | Dimensions: 75 by 37.5 by 32 inches | Seat Depth: 23.5 inches

Unfurling the mattress is a quick and easy process.

The mattress is a bit short.

The hallmark of a great sleeper sofa is a comfortable mattress, and that's precisely what this model offers. You can choose between a memory foam mattress and a spring mattress—we tested the memory foam, and found it very comfortable to sleep on. In fact, we didn't feel the metal frame through it at all.

We also loved the ease of setup, as it took us just six minutes to prepare, linens and all. Just note that the mattress is definitely on the softer rather than firmer side, and it's pretty short as well. The website lists the mattress' length to be 72 inches long, which is six inches shorter than a standard queen, but when we measured it, it was just 70 inches long. (For reference, twins and fulls are 75 inches long.)

As for the kid- and pet-friendly nature of the upholstery, we found the ultra-high performance fabric to be very durable when tested against energetic children and cats, with no snags after one year of frequent use. In addition to the fabric’s quality, we attribute much of this to its heathered color, which seamlessly masks pulls and scratches. We particularly love how easy it is to remove cat hair—you can just run your hand over the surface to ball up the hair and remove it. If you don’t want a sectional, you can buy it in a regular sofa size as well.

Upholstery: Polyester | Dimensions: 121 by 88 by 36 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

The velvet doesn't snag easily.

It's difficult to unbox.

It might be hard to believe that velvet is a durable material that can withstand kids and pets, but thanks to its tight weave with a lack of loops, it's somewhat stain resistant and difficult to snag. Even after six months of use, the Article Abisko sofa has no visible scratches, fading, or loose threads. We're particularly taken with this velvet sofa not only for its resilient upholstery material, but also for its cool modern profile that’s small enough to fit comfortably in an apartment. Overall, we think this is a stylish and durable choice.

We do have a few points to note. First, velvet does attract pet hair, but it's easy to remove with a brush or lint roller. Second, we found this sofa fairly difficult to unbox—it took us 25 minutes to unbox the two boxes it came in, and then an additional 20 minutes to assemble the couch. Still, we thought the end result was worth the effort, particularly as we found the cushions to have the right blend of support and comfort. And if you’re not a fan of velvet, it’s also available in a cotton-linen blend in three colors.

Upholstery: Velvet, cotton-linen blend | Dimensions: 91 by 35 by 28 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

The leather develops a patina over time, adding some personality to your purchase.

It’s on the small side.

Leather’s natural stain resistance makes it one of the most durable materials for couches, so it’s particularly suitable for households with pets or children. That’s why we love the Article Sven Sofa, which comes in leather, velvet, or fabric upholstery options. The leather’s distinctive veins and markings make each couch unique, while the leather gains a cozy, vintage feel with a patina over time.

We found the material soft and the cushioning plush, making it an ideal pick for napping. After enduring over two and a half years of use in a rental house with hundreds of renters, dogs, and messy children, the couch showed little wear and tear. There was a slight fade in color and a bit of drooping, but we were still pleased with the couch’s high quality. We found that an unattended fruit juice spill did leave a small stain, so we recommend treating spills right away for the best results.

Since it’s on the smaller side, this couch is ideal for two people sitting or one person lying down. While it might not be substantial enough for a larger room, we think it’s an excellent pick for apartments and other smaller spaces. There’s also a matching sectional if you do have room for something bigger. Plus, the delivery service was among the most seamless we’ve experienced—the crew removed our old couch and assembled the new one with no questions asked.

Upholstery: Fabric, leather, velvet | Dimensions: 88 by 38 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 24 inches

The seats are wide enough to comfortably fit multiple people.

The slipcovers are not high-performance, but they are washable.

Slipcovers are a wonderful way to protect a sofa since they can be removed and washed. We're fond of this luxurious slipcovered sofa from Sixpenny for its pillowy cushions, which are filled with either a down or polyfill. Whichever you pick, do note that they'll need regular fluffing to maintain their shape. We also love this sofa's modular construction, which allows you to change the configuration however you see fit.

Since the couch is so low to the ground, we didn’t notice the center of the cushions sagging at all. Unlike smaller models that can hardly fit four people in a sitting position, this sofa was large enough to fit several of us at once. In fact, the cushions are so wide that we felt like we were lying in a bed. Just keep in mind that this couch’s deep seat depth and low height are definitely best for lounging, so those seeking a more formal appearance may want to look elsewhere. We also found it a bit challenging to get up from the seats, so we don’t recommend this pick for people with knee issues.

As we mentioned, the slipcovers are removable and washable, which is a necessity since they're not made of performance fabrics and will likely need a bit of maintenance. We found the linen material durable and were impressed that it withstood apple sauce spills with a simple spot clean. Even with a clawing cat and wild puppy at home, the couch showed no signs of wear and tear after six months of use. For the most kid- and pet-friendly option, we recommend picking a velvet slipcover, as it's the most resistant to scratches and spills. Plus, it’s also available as a regular sofa.

Upholstery: 29 options, including cotton, linen, and velvet | Dimensions: 145 by 98 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 31 inches

It has a wide range of upholstery and size options, and you can build your own sectional from scratch.

The bottom cushions may deflate with use.

Everyone has a slightly different preference when it comes to furniture, and you shouldn't have to settle for a sofa you don’t love. Luckily, this customizable couch from Crate & Barrel can please even the pickiest shoppers. The sofa is available in three seat depths, eight sizes, and a whopping 207 fabrics. Plus, you can even select your favorite pieces to build your dream sectional from scratch.

After over two years of use, we can attest that this is one of the best couches we’ve ever tested. The cushions are plump and billowy, yet not stiff, providing a lot of give and plenty of comfort. We particularly appreciate the cushion depth, which makes the couch ideal for cozy naps or seating multiple guests.

In addition to comfort, this pick also stands out for its durability. Even after two and a half years of use, the couch has maintained its comfort and appearance, aside from a few of the bottom cushions flattening a bit. It has withstood toddler-induced spaghetti sauce stains with ease (all we had to do was dab the area with water and multipurpose cleaner), and we’ve had no issue brushing off crumbs and cat hair, either. Overall, we think this customizable couch is the perfect pet-friendly pick.

Upholstery: 207 fabrics, including performance, chenille, linen, and velvet | Dimensions: 93–105 by 46 by 25 inches | Seat Depth: 36, 41, or 46 inches

It functions more like a bed, so it’s perfect for movie nights.

The fabric is prone to pilling.

This is the ultimate lounging couch, 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 far easier to lie down on the couch than 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 households. The couch covers are also removable and washable, so you can change up the look of your couch without having to splurge on an entirely new one.

The soft material is perfect for lounging, and the back cushions can adjust whether you’re taking a nap or working on your laptop. The couch cushions come in two firmness levels (medium soft or medium firm) or you can adjust them yourself with the included fill packets. Plus, its large size makes it perfect for having guests over. We were able to have four adults and a dog lying down on it at once and even had room for more people.

After six months of lounging, the couch’s shape and comfort have remained very consistent. Any fabric upholstery is subject to pilling, and we did notice significant pilling after a few weeks of use. However, once we used our handy fabric shaver, the couch looked good as new. It's also worth noting that the narrow gap between the floor and the couch also makes it difficult to clean dust beneath the sofa, though this is the price you pay for low-profile couches.

Upholstery: Performance, velvet | Dimensions: 132 by 85 by 24 inches | Seat Depth: 39 or 47 inches

We love the Room & Board Metro Sofa for its durable scratch- and stain-resistant upholstery, which makes it a perfect piece of furniture for homes with pets or kids. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can design the perfect couch for your space. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Ikea Uppland Sofa. This comfortable couch held up well throughout two years of use, maintaining its firmness without showing any wear and tear. It also has a removable and machine-washable cover, making it especially great for spill-prone households.

Real Simple / Donna Freydkin

To date, we’ve tested 31 couches in our homes, including sectional sofas and sleeper options. Step one involved reviewing the purchasing process, from upholstery samples to return and exchange policies. Once we purchased the couches, we noted the estimated delivery date and the actual arrival date, noting how reliable the estimates were. Finally, we rated the delivery and assembly processes, including how long assembly took plus the ease of unboxing, assembly, and moving.

Once the sofas were assembled, we tested them for a period of several months. We rated numerous criteria, including comfort while sitting, lying down, and napping on the couch; how many people could fit on the couch; 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 couch over time.

Our second evaluation consisted of a survey, which received 88 responses. This survey was conducted to determine the best places to buy a couch, and responders 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 couches for kid- and pet-friendly sofas.

Real Simple / Andrea Lavinthal

Upholstery

For kid- and pet-friendly households, Rawes recommends performance fabric. Performance fabric is stain resistant, ultra strong, and very easy to clean, making it best for high-use areas such as hotels, coffee shops, or, in this case, homes with pets or kids. Luckily, Rawes says you don't have to sacrifice style for durability. "There are so many beautiful options now that are super durable and almost impossible to stain, like Crypton, Perennials, or even Sunbrella fabric," she explains.

You don't have to limited yourself to just performance fabric, though. "Leather is another great option for many families, as you can just wipe away spills," Genovese says, noting that it's also strong and odor repellant. Additionally, scratches on leather can often be masked, exuding a distressed, vintage look rather than that of unintentional clawing.

She adds that microfiber is considered another top material for furniture in homes with kids and pets, as its dense texture blocks allergens, is stain proof, and is very hard to rip. Velvet is another surprisingly durable option; its tight weave prevents snags and loose threads. Just keep in mind that velvet does attract pet hair, though this is easy to wipe away.

Frame

It's not just the upholstery material you need to pay attention to. A frame is the foundation of the sofa, so finding a sturdy one is crucial. Genovese says the material of a sofa's legs can be a make-or-break factor if you have a dog that chews, noting that metal legs are best for teething pups.

Fill

Fill determines the comfort of your couch, affecting whether it will have a soft, lounge-like feel or a more structured rigidity. High-resiliency foam is the firmest and most supportive option, while low-density foam is a bit softer and plusher. Medium-density foam offers a nice middle ground and is able to accommodate versatile seating needs. For households with kids, high-resiliency, high-density foam will be more durable and less likely to lose its shape over time.

If you're worried about stains, opt for a darker color sofa, which will be less likely to show them. "But if your pet has light-colored fur, a lighter color fabric helps to keep you sane from the endless pet hair," advises Genovese.

Always read the manufacturer's directions for cleaning before proceeding with any type of clean-up method. For instance, to clean a microfiber couch, you should determine whether you can use water, if it's vacuum only, or if a dry cleaning solvent is the only option. That said, you should always blot up any accidents or spills immediately to reduce the risk of a stain.

"A light fabric, even if it's performance [fabric], will show some dirt after regular use," says Rawes. "Just clean based on the manufacturer's instructions regularly. I always try to fluff cushions and flip them as regularly as possible."

Crate & Barrel Axis 2-Seat Sofa: This cozy two-seat sofa is similar to our best overall pick. We're particularly drawn to the fact that it's easy to spot clean, which is ideal for an active household. That said, we recommend purchasing a darker color to help hide tougher stains—fortunately, there are 206 options from which to choose. We also think it's a good value for the price.

AllModern Geo Upholstered Reversible Sectional: This modern sectional comes in a variety of bold color choices, including sapphire and rust. While we love the look of this sofa, potential buyers should note that its cushions are very firm, so it's better for sitting rather than lounging or napping. In other words, we think it's better for formal living rooms or offices rather than family rooms or basements.

Simpli Home Morrison Sectional: We found this leather sectional to be super comfortable, particularly when lounging and lying down. The couch held up well over time, and the cushions proved sturdy enough to fit two adults, one child, and a 20-pound terrier without losing their shape. The leather does show some light scratches, though, and we wish we could have chosen which side the chaise was on.

Real Simple / Kimberly Souza

When it comes to stain removal, we recommend always following the manufacturer's instructions. Generally speaking though, there are some steps you should almost always be able to take. "For tough messes, use a solution of dish soap diluted with distilled water and gently dab with a towel or upholstery brush," says Genovese. "Just make sure that whatever cloth you are using is not colored, as the dye from the cloth can transfer onto the upholstery's fabric."

According to Genovese, prevention is key! "Pre-treating your sofa with an upholstery protector such as Scotchgard is an excellent preventative measure, as it helps to protect against spills, stains, and water," she says. "Also, regularly vacuuming your sofa to remove any dirt, hair, dust, and crumbs will help to prevent dirt from becoming embedded into the fibers."

You might want to work with a pet trainer to teach your pet proper house behavior. Cats, however, might be a little more difficult to train. "Cats are difficult to prevent clawing on furniture," says Rawes. "I would suggest clipping their nails often and giving them lots of scratching posts."

Otherwise, there are a few preventative measures you can take to protect your sofa. "There are many cat- and dog-repellent sprays that use sound, pheromones, or strong fragrances like citrus or lavender to safely deter your pets from scratching and chewing your furniture," says Genovese. Rawes also advises using clear tape to prevent cats from scratching the upholstery.

Leather and vegan leather do not attract pet hair. Other pet-friendly materials, including velvet and microfiber, do attract pet hair, but they're scratch resistant—you'll just need to remove pet hair regularly.

On average, couches last from seven to 15 years. If you live in an active household, you can typically expect your sofa's lifespan to be on the shorter side of that range. Ultimately it depends on the quality of your couch, how active your household is, and how much effort you put into maintenance.

According to Rawes, finding a high-quality piece of furniture is often worth the splurge. "I know a lot of people think that they can't invest with kids or pets, but finding a piece that will stand up for years will also stand up to kids and pets and lots of use," she says. "Cheap furniture may only last you a few years, and with the addition of kids and pets, even less."

Real Simple / Jeanne Geer

This article was written by Stefanie Waldek, a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly a decade of experience writing about home decor, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with these recommendations, we tested a variety of sofas, evaluating them on durability, style, and price. We also tapped designers Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors and Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces By Jacflash to provide tips on shopping for kid- and pet-friendly sofas.