Many of us allow our pets to nap, cuddle and play on the sofa. But how do you maintain a beautiful home at the same time? Do you have to cover your furniture in a fabric the same color as your pet to hide their hair? Do you slipcover everything? Do performance fabrics really work? Well…we’ve done our research and here are a few ways you can live happily with cats and dogs without compromising style.

The BEST fabrics for pets: performance is in their DNA

Calico has an incredible selection of performance fabrics. And it’s easy to see why they are a perfect choice for pet owners:

Easily cleanable with mild soap and water solutions—and some are even bleach cleanable.
Stain resistant so that accidents bead up and do not penetrate.
Odor resistant—need we say more?
Extraordinarily durable—most are tightly woven and backed to keep their good looks.

These features are built-in and will not wash or wear away. Calico has more than 1,000 choices, in solids and patterns and in every color of the rainbow.

Another good strategy: go neutral!

Many pets have light colored hair that can blend in with neutral fabrics and be less noticeable. And performance fabrics give you the confidence to finally commit to that off-white sofa you’ve always wanted. Neutral fabrics are available in a range of patterns and textures.

Try a patterned fabric.

Prints and patterns such as stripes, florals, geometrics and paisleys can hide pet hair and a multitude of sins.

Another option: slipcovers

Slipcovers protect the upholstered fabric underneath and can be easily removed and dry-cleaned. They give you the freedom to completely change the look of a piece without committing to reupholstery.

Faux suedes and leather also stand up to dogs and cats

High performance Sensuede is a microfiber faux suede, cleanable with soap and water. It comes in 50+ shades and no matter the climate, faux suedes stay cool and comfortable, important for both pets and people. Leather and vinyl upholstery will also stand up to heavy use and pet hair is easy to remove from such a smooth surface. However, these materials can be scratched by pet claws. A textured faux or real leather will minimize the appearance of scratches.

While there are many fabrics we recommend for homes with pets, there are also some fabrics to avoid.

Velvets can be a magnet for pet hair—however, performance velvets of 100% polyester will be easier to clean.
Chenille fabrics—can also attract pet hair.
Embroidered fabrics, including crewels—pets’ nails can easily catch on loose threads.
Chunky tweeds and loosely woven fabrics can be more easily scratched and damaged by pets—as well as attract pet hair.
Silks are too delicate for dogs and cats—but might be okay for accent pillows or window treatments.
Fabrics without a soil and stain repellent finish, unless washable.

Need help deciding?

Calico has the experience and expertise to help you make the right choice. Our designers will help you narrow the selection to find the perfect fabric for your furniture, cushions, pillows and more. And their design advice is free!