You may be wondering how long you can expect the furniture in your home to last. According to The Spruce, a sofa purchased today typically lasts between seven and 15 years. However, the presence of pets in the house may decrease this lifespan. Fortunately, you can easily find attractive pieces of pet-friendly furniture at discount furniture stores. It’s just a matter of knowing what to pick. Here are three things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right furniture if you have a dog or cat.

1. Check the Material

One important thing to keep in mind is that some furniture materials are more resistant to pet damage than others. You don’t want materials that will attract pet hair, so things like micro suede and velvet are out. Instead, opt for durable fabrics, like sturdy leather. This will make it easier for your furniture to withstand damage like claw scratches and stay looking great for years to come.

2. Choose Colors and Patterns Strategically

Patterns can be excellent at hiding things like hair or dirt. You should have no problem finding patterns you like at discount furniture stores, but if you prefer solid colors, black or dark brown are your best choices, as they hide flaws better than lighter shades. Conversely, white will make it easy to see any dirt or hair on your furniture, so you should avoid it at all costs.

3. Consider the Upkeep

Sometimes pets can make messes on cushions, but it can be difficult to clean up these messes by hand. Before buying an item like a couch or chair, see if you can take the cushions off and put them in a washing machine. If that’s not the case, consider getting a nice-looking slipcover that you can take off and wash before putting it back on the furniture.

By keeping the above tips in mind when you visit discount furniture stores, you should have no problem finding the perfect pet-friendly furniture. If you’re looking for one or more new furniture pieces for your home, check out the selection at Desert Design Center today, or contact us to learn more about our available products. We look forward to helping you take your home design to the next level!