Pets are family — but they can be tough on your furniture. Claws, fur, dirt, and the occasional accident mean that not all fabrics are cut out for homes with furry companions. Thankfully, pet-friendly upholstery doesn’t mean sacrificing style for durability. At Early’s Shades & Shutters in Amissville, VA, we know how important it is to create a comfortable, stylish home that works for every member of the family — including the four-legged ones.
Let’s take a closer look at the best pet-friendly upholstery fabrics that deliver both fashion and function.
What to look for in pet-friendly upholstery
Before diving into specific fabric options, it’s helpful to understand what makes upholstery “pet-friendly.” The best materials share a few key characteristics:
- Durability: With claws and constant movement, fabric should resist snagging and tearing.
- Stain resistance: Accidents happen, so easy cleaning is essential.
- Tight weave: Prevents fur from embedding into the fabric and helps resist punctures.
- Low pile or flat surface: Makes hair easier to remove and discourages scratching.
The right upholstery fabric should work hard while still enhancing the look and feel of your living space.
Top fabric choices for pet owners
At Early’s Shades & Shutters, we recommend these tried-and-true upholstery fabrics for households with pets:
Microfiber
Microfiber is one of the best upholstery fabrics for pet owners. Made from tightly woven synthetic fibers, it’s incredibly durable and naturally resistant to stains and moisture. The soft, suede-like texture makes it comfortable for pets and humans alike, while its tight weave helps prevent claws from causing damage. Fur also tends to sit on the surface, making vacuuming or brushing off a breeze.
Leather
Leather is another popular option for pet-friendly homes — especially for dogs. It’s durable, easy to wipe clean, and doesn’t hold onto odors or pet hair. Scratches can be a concern, but many homeowners find that aged leather adds character over time. For added protection, opt for distressed or top-grain leather, which tends to be more forgiving of minor marks.
Crypton
Crypton is an advanced performance fabric engineered to resist stains, odors, moisture, and bacteria. Originally designed for commercial use, it has gained popularity in residential spaces for its impressive durability. It's ideal for homes with active pets, and you don’t have to compromise on color or texture — Crypton fabrics come in a wide range of stylish options.
Canvas
For a casual, functional look, canvas is a smart upholstery choice. It’s strong, washable, and naturally resistant to wear and tear. While it might not feel as luxurious as velvet or chenille, canvas works well in high-traffic areas and homes where pets have free rein. It’s especially popular for slipcovered furniture due to its washability.
Outdoor fabrics (for indoor use)
Don’t overlook performance outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella. These textiles are built to handle extreme weather, which means they’re also great for repelling pet messes, resisting UV damage, and standing up to heavy use indoors. With improved design and texture in recent years, outdoor fabrics now offer plenty of stylish indoor-friendly options.
Style without compromise
Choosing the right pet-friendly upholstery doesn’t mean settling for bland or boring. Today’s high-performance fabrics come in a range of textures, colors, and patterns that can suit any décor — from modern minimalism to cozy farmhouse style. You can even layer in custom shades, shutters, and drapery from Early’s to complement your upholstered furniture and tie the whole space together.
Let Early’s help you find the perfect fabric
At Early’s Shades & Shutters in Amissville, VA, we offer a wide selection of custom upholstery options designed to meet the demands of pet-loving homes. Whether you're refreshing an existing piece or designing a new one from scratch, our team will guide you toward stylish, durable fabrics that work for your lifestyle — pets and all.
Stop by our showroom or schedule a consultation to discover pet-friendly upholstery solutions that blend beauty and practicality. Because with the right fabric, you really can have it all.
