The 9 Best Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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These sofas are durable, stylish, and easy to take care of.
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.
"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," says designer Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors. "Cheap furniture may only last you a few years, and with the addition of kids and pets, even less."
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 based on at-home testing. In addition to Rawes, we also spoke with Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces By Jacflash for insider advice.
Best Overall Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Room & Board Metro Sofa
What Stands Out
It’s incredibly customizable with over 200 fabrics, six lengths, two seat depths, and three leg finishes to choose from.
What Could Be Improved
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 cloud-like 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.
One other thing we love about this sofa is its heaviness. While it might not be easy to move around a room, that means it's not easy to knock out of place when your dog jumps up during the zoomies or your kids belly-flop from the armrests to the cushions.
There are only two issues with this sofa: The armrests aren't well-padded, and you’re only given one fill option for the cushions. While the down and foam fill provides tons of comfort, some people might prefer a down alternative or all-foam option.
Price at time of publish: From $2,399
Upholstery: 241 options, including performance, velvet, chenille, boucle, and microfiber | Dimensions: 65/75/88/98/107/108 x 38/43 x 34 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches
Best Budget Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: DHP Cooper Reversible Sectional Sofa
What Stands Out
This sofa looks and feels more luxe than you'd expect for the price point
What Could Be Improved
The color options are limited compared to other models on this list.
Sofas are typically an expensive purchase, but you don't always have to sacrifice style or comfort for price. This budget-friendly couch checks all the important boxes. We found it to be comfortable for sitting and lying down, with plenty of support from the cushions. We also think its velvet upholstery looks more expensive than the lower price suggests. What's more, this is a very durable piece of furniture. After two years of use—including one move—this couch is still holding up well. The fabric does not show much evidence of wear and tear, and the cushions are holding their shape and firmness.
Where this sofa lacks is in its upholstery options, with just five color options. Plus, there are only two types of fabric: linen and velvet. Opt for velvet for a more pet-friendly material, as it's inherently resistant to scratches.
Price at time of publish: $455
Upholstery: Linen, velvet | Dimensions: 81.5 x 58.5 x 33.5 inches | Seat Depth: 21.75 inches
Best Splurge Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Arhaus Kipton Two-Piece Sectional
What Stands Out
The upholstery is stain-, odor-, and moisture-resistant.
What Could Be Improved
The directions for cleaning the upholstery are fairly intense—there's a lot you can and cannot do.
If you're going to invest in a long-lasting, kid- and pet-friendly sofa, this Arhaus sectional will do the trick. It has a lovely low-slung profile with plush cushions that will work well in both modern and traditional spaces. There are eight upholstery options—all in neutral colors—and the fabric is designed to be stain-, odor-, and moisture-resistant. Though its price is high, we have not noticed any issues during the months we’ve used this couch, and we expect it will have a long lifespan. And if you’re not interested in a large sectional, there is a regular sofa available in the same collection.
We found that liquid beads on the upholstery, so it’s easy to blot up any spills, but we were surprised to read how specific the care instructions are. Each type of fabric has its own set of care instructions, but some general commonalities include pre-testing cleaning solutions on the fabric, diluting mixed cleaners with distilled water, and avoiding over-rubbing and cleaning with a bristle brush. One type of fabric cannot be cleaned with water. It's also worth noting that the cushions require rotating and pillows require fluffing to hold their shape over time.
Price at time of publish: From $9,499
Upholstery: Crypton performance fabric | Dimensions: 131 x 85 x 35 inches; 135 x 89 x 35 inches | Seat Depth: 40 or 44 inches
Best Modular Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
What Stands Out
The olefin upholstery is scratch-proof and stain-proof.
What Could Be Improved
The cushions are very dense and therefore not ideal for lounging.
The defining characteristic of the Block Nomad Sofa that makes it perfectly pet- and kid-friendly is its olefin upholstery, a synthetic performance fabric that's woven so tightly that it's scratch-proof and stain-proof. 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, soap and water were able to get spills out of the material. 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 you can pretty much customize every feature. 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.
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. Between this factor and 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.
Price at time of publish: From $1,599
Upholstery: Olefin, leather, velvet | Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches
Best Sectional Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Apt2B Brentwood 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
What Stands Out
It's easy to customize the size and shape of the sectional beyond the chaise side.
What Could Be Improved
The cushions lose firmness over time.
Most sectionals come in just two options: right and left chaise. But this sectional sofa has an entirely customizable layout. You're able to devise exactly how many segments—and which type of segments—you want on each side, allowing you to design your dream couch with ease.
We found the designing tool very intuitive, and we love that it includes dimensions so you can ensure it'll fit in your space. We also love the durable fabric options, specifically the ultra-high-performance materials. In our testing, the fabric withstood bodily fluids from an infant, as well as cat scratches. When it came to spills, both fresh and old ones were easily removed with dish soap and a damp cloth. And if you need to go for heavy-duty cleaning, all the cushion covers are removable.
There is room for improvement, though, particularly surrounding the seat cushions. Over a few months, we found the cushions to lose their firmness. It's a process that can likely be slowed by rotating the cushions regularly, but we'd prefer to see more long-lasting fill. If you don’t want a sectional, there is a regular sofa in the same collection.
Price at time of publish: $5,438
Upholstery: Polyester | Dimensions: 119 x 85 x 33 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches
Best Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sleeper Sofa: Apt2B Tuxedo 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional
What Stands Out
Unfurling the mattress is a quick and easy process.
What Could Be Improved
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 short. 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 to be found after a month of heavy use. 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.
Price at time of publish: $5,878
Upholstery: Polyester | Dimensions: 121 x 88 x 36 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches
Best Velvet Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Article Abisko Sofa
What Stands Out
It's surprisingly affordable compared to similar sofas.
What Could Be Improved
It's difficult to unbox.
It might be hard to believe that velvet is a durable material that can withstand kids and pets, but it all comes down to the fact that it has a tight weave with a lack of loops, making it somewhat stain-resistant and difficult to snag. We're particularly taken with this velvet sofa not only for its upholstery material, but also for its cool modern profile that has a small enough footprint to fit in an apartment.
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, 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 be the right blend of supportive and comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Upholstery: Velvet | Dimensions: 91 x 35 x 28 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches
Best Slipcovered Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Sixpenny Amelia Chaise Sectional
What Stands Out
You can choose between down and polyfill cushions.
What Could Be Improved
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 slipcovered sofa 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. You can take out the armless center piece and turn it into a chair, or you can purchase additional pieces to expand your sofa.
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. 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.
Price at time of publish: From $4,099
Upholstery: 29 options, including cotton, linen, and velvet | Dimensions: 117 x 70 x 33 inches | Seat Depth: 23 inches
Best Deep Seat Kid- & Pet-Friendly Sofa: Albany Park Kova Pit Sofa
What Stands Out
It functions more like a bed, so it’s perfect for movie nights.
What Could Be Improved
The upholstery isn't stain-proof, so you need to apply a stain protector.
This is the ultimate lounging couch, with extremely deep seats and an ottoman that jointly create a massive bed-like piece of furniture in its standard configuration—so much so that we had a slumber party on it. In fact, it's far easier to lie down on the couch than sit on it given that the seats are 65 inches deep. So for typical use, we preferred pulling a corner piece out (the couch is modular) and using it as a standalone chair, thus creating something of an entrance to the couch and a place to sit more comfortably. You can also take the ottoman piece out to create a U-shaped couch that's easier to sit on. While we found the couch extremely comfortable, we did find that it was necessary to fluff the cushions daily as they're prone to sagging after use.
Per the manufacturer, the upholstery is not stain-proof, so you should use a stain protector. We did not use any stain protector during our testing, yet we found it easy to wipe off any spills and muddy dog prints. The polyester upholstery has a velvety finish that is prone to collecting pet hair, but it does come off easily. We did, however, notice that our dog left ever-so-slightly visible scratches that were not removable, and we could feel the scratches in the cushion.
Price at time of publish: From $3,994
Upholstery: Polyester | Dimensions: 120 x 78 x 39 inches | Seat Depth: 65 inches
Final Verdict
We love the Room & Board Metro Sofa for its durable scratch- and stain-resistant upholstery, which makes it a perfect piece of furniture for a house with pets or kids. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can design the perfect couch for your space.
Our Testing Process
We evaluated the best kid- and pet-friendly sofas in two ways. First, we tested 12 couches in our own living rooms. Step one was 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 one week to 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. With all of those insights, we were able to compile our list of the best couches for kid- and pet-friendly sofas.
Real Simple / Kimberly Souza
How to Shop for Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas Like a Pro
Material
"The top thing I recommend for kids and pets is performance fabric," says Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors. Performance fabric is stain-resistant, ultra-strong, and very easy to clean, making it best for high-use scenarios, whether in hotels, coffee shops, or in a pet-filled or kid-filled home. "There are so many beautiful options now that are super durable and almost impossible to stain, like Crypton, Perennials, or even Sunbrella fabric," says Rawes.
But you don't have to be limited to performance fabric. "Leather is another great option for many families, as you can just wipe away spills," says designer Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces By Jacflash. "Leather repels odors and is generally a very strong material." Another solid choice is microfiber. "Microfiber is thought to be the top material for furniture in homes with kids and pets, as its dense texture blocks allergens, is stain-proof, and very hard to rip," says Genovese.
And it's not just the upholstery material you need to pay attention to. "Keeping in mind the material of the sofa's legs can be a make-or-break if you have a dog that is a chewer. Metal legs are best for teething pups," says Genovese.
Color
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.
Maintenance
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 or not you can use water, if it's vacuum-only, or if only a dry cleaning solvent can be used. 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, 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."
More Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas to Consider
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 207 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.
Real Simple / Kimberly Souza
Questions You Might Ask
How do you remove stains from a sofa?
Again, always follow 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."
How should you care for your sofa?
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," says Genovese. "Also, regularly vacuuming your sofa to remove any dirt, hair, dust, and crumbs will help to prevent dirt from becoming embedded into the fibers."
What are some ways to prevent pets from scratching the sofa?
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.
What materials don’t attract pet hair?
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.
How long should you expect a couch to last if you live in an active household?
On average, couches last 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.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Stefanie Waldek. Stefanie is a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly a decade of experience writing about home decor. 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.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
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