Once you have kids and pets, they make you feel happy, fulfilled, and loved. But they usually don’t make you feel like it’s worth it to buy nice furniture only to subject it to months and years of spills, messes, shedding, and playtime.
We have good news — many of today’s sofas feature performance fabrics that can take the abuse! Because homes that you can live and relax in are just better, especially for parents and pet owners.
Check out our top 12 sofas that come with everything from stain-resistant upholstery to washing machine-friendly cushion covers.
The Best Sofa for Homes with Kids and Pets: Our Top Picks
1. Kova - Durable sofa for families with pets

Brand: Albany Park
Price: From $1,958
The Kova is a modular sofa from Albany Park designed for lounging and relaxing with cloud-soft, feather blend seat cushions.
On its website, Albany Park explains: "All our fabrics regardless of which option, are very kid and pet-friendly. Just a friendly reminder that our fabrics are not spill, stain and scratch-proof - they are all kid and pet friendly in a way that they are durable and easy to clean, which makes them great if you have kids or furry friends."
All fabrics are flame-retardant-free and PFAS-compliant . The Kova Collection also features new anti-slip technology to keep cushions in place—perfect for active kids and pets.
Albany Park ships its sofas quickly in easy-to-move boxes, making it easy to move into the perfect spot in your home.
2. 7th Avenue Family-friendly sofa

Brand: 7th Avenue
Price: $2,275
This 3-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional is a fantastic option for large and small spaces alike. You can rearrange it into any configuration you’d like, and if your household grows, you can add modular seats instead of buying a new sofa. In addition, everything is hypoallergenic, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals. 7th Avenue prides themselves in making the best couch material for dogs!
“7th Avenue sofas are the perfect addition to any family with kids and pets,” said Josh Stinson, co-founder of 7th Avenue. “The water-repellent, stain-resistant, machine-washable fabrics can keep even a white sofa looking brand new. And with a 50-60k rub count, these sofas offer greater durability than competitors at the same price point.”
The cushion covers can stand up to water, coffee, ketchup, pet urine, and even red wine thanks to the DWR coating technology, and the solid wood frame is steel reinforced and built to last. You can check out our review of this sofa from Marah Eakin to learn more about how well the fabric holds up to daily life with children.
3. Pet- and toddler-proof seating: Hamilton Sofa

Brand: Castlery
Price: $3,699
This 3-Seat Sofa with Round Chaise is ideal for smaller and medium living rooms. The performance fabric upholstery comes in two colors. In addition, the LVL & Plywood frame comes with a durable structural design and a 10-Years warranty.
You can add a matching ottoman and throw pillows to your order, plus weighted blankets for snuggling. The blankets can also protect the upholstery on your pet’s favorite corner.
This sofa is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind - ideal for families with young children or pets. Upholstered in a durable, spill-resistant gray fabric, it easily repels liquid and is simple to maintain, allowing you to relax without worrying about everyday messes. Its soft, rounded edges add an extra layer of safety, reducing the risk of bumps or injuries for little ones. Additionally, the fabric resists pet hair and can be effortlessly cleaned of light stains, making it one of the best couch for dog owners.
4. Union Sofa - mess-proof sofa for busy households

Brand: Burrow
Price: $2,299
The Union 3-Seat Sofa is sleek and customizable, featuring wooden legs and a modular design that allows you to add or remove pieces as needed. And for the upholstery, the stain-resistant, easy-cleaning polyester chenille is durable enough to handle whatever life throws at it, from pet messes to red wine spills and greasy popcorn fingers.
Before checkout, you can choose between multiple fabric colors and leg finish options and add a matching ottoman to complete the look. And if you need other long-lasting living room furniture, the Union collection features durable fabric on everything from armchairs and loveseats to U-shaped sectionals.
5. Modern Sofa

Brand: The Inside
Price: $1,975
The Modern Sofa features a kiln-dried solid wood frame, sturdy metal legs, and multiple stain-resistant fabric options. In addition, the linen upholstery option is kid- and pet-friendly, made of a 95% polyester, 5% linen blend with a tight weave tested for 30,000 double rubs.
This fabric sofa also comes with laminated panels, powder-coated steel legs, and tempered steel springs to provide long-lasting support for the seat cushions. And you can browse over 80 upholstery options if you’d like a different color, pattern, or material.
6. Stain-resistant The Couch

Brand: Homebody
Price: $3,740
The Couch is an excellent choice if you want something luxurious, modular, customizable, and long-lasting. You can build your own pet-friendly sectional, making anything from a two-seater to a seven-seat U-shaped sectional. In addition, you can add reclining seats, an ottoman, an extra arm for more seating, and custom headrests to make it your own.
Homebody offers pet-friendly fabric options that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean with pet hair and stains. And with their 100-day in-home trial, you can be sure it’s the best pet-friendly couch for your home before committing to keeping it.
7. Laguna Sofa

Brand: Benchmade Modern
Price: Starts at $2,397
The Laguna Sofa features a supportive bench seat, loose back cushions, bolsters, and a classic style. In addition, you can choose between multiple upholstery options, including high-quality leather and durable fabric, and change the size before checkout.
Laguna has a durable corner-blocked wood frame, Pirelli webbing, and high-density foam with polyester filling to ensure long-lasting comfort. Check out Laguna Sofa review to get a firsthand account of how the Laguna Sofa holds up in a home with pets and children.
Shop now at benchmademodern.com
8. Atmosphere Sofa with Performance Fabric

Brand: Cozey
Price: $2,195
The Atmosphere Sofa is one of Cozey’s best sellers, and we can see why! It features a reversible chaise ottoman, wide track arms perfect for perching, and a durable solid wood frame. It also has easy-clean covers made from breathable, performance fabrics.
This sofa is fully customizable to suit your lifestyle and space. You can choose from various features including built-in storage, an optional ottoman, and tailored armrest designs. With over 12 high-performance fabric colors available, you’ll have no trouble creating the perfect centerpiece for your home - whether it's a cozy spot for family playtime or everyday relaxation.
Designed with busy households in mind, the upholstery is pet-friendly and easy to maintain. It resists hair and light dirt, and for deeper cleaning, the covers are removable and machine-washable - offering you lasting peace of mind.
Check out the review of the Atmosphere Sectional Sofa on Living Cozy.
9. Blumen Sofa

Brand: Medley
Price: Starts at $2,995
The Blumen Sofa features a range of kid- and pet-friendly fabrics, color choices, and customization options. In addition, it features a deep seat, minimal lines, and lightly padded arms that can serve as end tables, cat (or kid) perches, or headrests for nap time! And it’s big enough to double as an impromptu sleeper sofa if you have unexpected guests.
Blumen’s range of durable, easy-clean fabrics makes it a snap to find pet-friendly furniture you’ll love. And you can order swatches before purchasing to find the perfect materials for your home. Check out Living Cozy’s review of the Blumen Sofa to find out how it performs in an apartment with dogs and cats.
10. Bella 2-Seater. Low-maintenance sofa for kids and pets

Brand: Bellamia Collections
Price: $2,213
“The Bell Sofa provides a tailored and contemporary design that works well with many different styles,” Angela Bastos told Living Cozy. “The fabric options offer plenty of durable kid- and pet-friendly polyester and polyester blend fabrics that are easy to clean.”
The Bella Sofa is built for durability, with a kiln-dried hardwood frame and a durable, performance fabrics are spill-resistant and machine-washable. In addition, it has quality foam seat cushions and fiber-down back cushions for long-lasting comfort.
Bella is also highly customizable, with several options for the fabric, and size. And if you’d like a different color, the Bella Sofa offers the same 13 options on your choice.
Shop now at bellamiacollections.com
11. The Essential Sofa as child- and pet-safe couch

Brand: Sabai
Price: $2,163
The Essential Sofa is a sturdy, easy-to-clean option with the pitch and proportions of a luxury piece of furniture. In addition, it features wide arms that can stand up to perching, loose back pillows, and machine-washable cushion covers for easy maintenance.
Our favorite part about furniture from Sabai is their Repair Don’t Replace program, which allows you to order new cushion covers, legs, and even sofa arms in case something gets broken or stained. And you can check out Erica Reiner’s review of the Sabai Essential Sectional on Living Cozy to find out what it’s like to have one of these beauties in a home with pups and kids.
12. Ava - Kid- and pet-proof Slipcovered Sofa

Brand: Grandin Road
Price: Starts at $1,999
The Ava Slipcovered Sofa comes in two sizes and a variety of colors. It’s made with moisture-repellent, easy-care slipcovers designed to stand up to heavy-duty wear, so it’s perfect for kids and pets. And you can buy additional slipcovers to change the look or replace one if it gets damaged.
Ava’s cushions feature a feather and foam fill wrapped with a down-blend for a super-soft feel, and it comes with four throw pillows for extra comfort. It also features a sturdy, corner-blocked solid wood frame and interwoven synthetic webbing strips to support the cushions, which will help it withstand rambunctious kiddos and furry friends.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Sofa for a Home with Kids and Pets
The first thing to consider when buying a best sofa for a home with kids and pets is how you’ll use it. For example, do you and your kids love to cuddle up together to watch movies? If so, maybe opt for a deeper seat. Is Fido constantly trying to turn your sofa into a dog bed? Opt for a tight-back sofa with lots of throw pillows. Do you host lots of sleepovers? Consider a sofa bed.
Don’t forget to think about the messes you usually deal with because you’ll want a fabric that can stand up to it. And if you see a lot of spills and crumbs, something with machine-washable cushion covers or slipcovers is probably best.
“Look for pieces that allow the cushions to flip around,” recommends Heather Mastrangeli. “Some upholstery manufacturers make cushions with the fabric only on the top of the cushion, but having the fabric on both sides, you can flip the cushion and extend its lifecycle.”

What Are the Best Fabrics for Homes with Kids and Pets?
Most interior designers and industry experts swear by performance fabrics specifically designed to stand the test of time. And there are so many options for color, texture, and brand that you’re sure to find something you love.
For example, Kaitlyn Oakes recommends options from Revolution Fabrics, InsideOut, and Crypton. And Danielle Walish suggests The Inside’s linens and velvets, which are all kid- and pet-friendly.
Best Materials
When browsing performance fabrics, look at the materials they’re made from. For example, polyester blends and olefin are great for kids and pets. They’re highly durable and easier to clean than natural materials.
High-quality leather is also better than you might expect for homes with pets and kids. Genuine top-grain leather can withstand spills, messes, pet urine, bouncing children, and playing pets. And with a leather couch, you’ll never have to worry about trying to remove pet hair that’s worked its way into the upholstery! And high-quality faux leather can offer many of the same benefits.
However, if you have a cat that intentionally scratches furniture, you’ll need to take some humane precautions to keep your leather in good condition. For example, instead of declawing, you can keep their nails rounded with a nail grinder (if your pet will allow it) regularly or ask your groomer to apply claw caps so they can’t do damage.
Worst Materials
“Linen is often found in upholstery products, and sometimes it’s even labeled as a performance fabric. However, I don’t recommend it on pieces that get used often,” Heather Mastrangeli told Living Cozy. “Linen relaxes over time and develops a puddling or stretched appearance, providing a greater opportunity for pet nails to get stuck and snag fibers.”
Some other less-than-ideal fabrics include silk, moire, and cotton. Silk is fragile and unforgiving. It tears and stains easily and won’t stand up to regular use by pets and kids. And cotton is a great natural material, but it stains easier than synthetic materials and may pill or stretch over time, making it less forgiving.
Which Color Sofas Work Best for Homes with Kids and Pets?
Darker fabrics like olive and navy work great for hiding spills and dark-colored pet hair. But bold patterns and textures can also help hide unwelcome spots, pet hair, and other imperfections.
For example, microfiber is popular for its durability and works well for solid-colored upholstery. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a polyester blend with a small texture or pattern may be even more forgiving in a busy home!
“With a performance fabric, you don’t have to worry too much about lighter color options since they’re easier to clean. However, a darker color is always a safe choice,” says Kaitlyn Oakes. “Another tip for pet parents — try to get a color that won’t highlight your pet’s hair. For example, if you have a white dog that sheds, maybe opt for a lighter color.”
If you’re unsure which color would best disguise your furry friend’s shedding habit, we recommend ordering swatches to test your options in person.















