Best Furniture for Pets: Leather or Fabric?

La-Z-Boy Southeast | March 7, 2018

A common question pet owners ask our degreed interior designers is, “What is the best furniture for pets? Leather or fabric?”

When it comes to our four-legged friends, we want them to be as comfortable as we are. But we don’t want them tearing up our new furniture.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the best furniture for pets.

Leather Furniture Is Better

Leather furniture is durable, easy-to-clean, and the overall best type of furniture for pets.

Most people are afraid their pet’s claws will puncture leather furniture. However, true leather is too thick and tough for an animal’s claws to puncture.

Faux or recycled leather is much thinner and more likely to scratch or puncture. This is why it’s important to make sure your furniture is covered with 100% authentic leather.

Another reason pet owners like leather furniture is because of how it repels odor. Dander and smells don’t soak into leather like they can with most fabrics.

Also, most leather furniture has a topcoat sealant that makes it easy to clean.

Leather Furniture: Pros & Cons

Here is a list of the pros and cons of leather furniture for pets.

Pros:

Resists Punctures
Easy to Clean
Odor Resistant
Long Lasting
Good Investment

Cons:

Costs More Than Fabric
Limited Color & Pattern Options
Susceptible to Scratches
Less Comfortable Than Fabric

Microfiber Furniture Is Second Best

Microfiber is the most durable type of furniture fabric available in today’s market. The ultra-fine fibers are tightly woven in order to create a powerful layer of protection.

Pet owners typically choose microfiber because it’s cheaper than leather, comes in a wide range of colors, and doesn’t leave scratches from claws.

There aren’t any loops in microfiber fabric, so your pet’s claws will not get stuck.

Plus, it’s easy to clean stains and wipe pet hair off microfiber furniture.

If you’re going to pick fabric over leather, make sure it’s microfiber. It will last longer and hold up to the tests your pet will put it through.

Microfiber Furniture: Pros & Cons

Here is a list of the pros and cons of microfiber furniture for pets.

Pros:

Costs Less Than Leather
Wide Range of Colors & Patterns
Will Not Leave Scratches

Cons:

Absorbs Stains & Odors
Shorter Lifespan Than Leather
Vulnerable to Tears, Punctures, and Scratches

Paws & Claws Warranty: How to Make Your Furniture Pet-Friendly

Leather and microfiber fabric are both very durable, but they can still be vulnerable to your pet’s sharp claws and teeth.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about your pets tearing up your new furniture with the Paws & Claws Warranty from La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor.

The Paws & Claws Warranty is good for five years and give you peace of mind by covering damage from:

Animal Waste
Sharp Claws
Teeth Marks

If your furniture experiences pet damage under this warranty, simply send a picture of the damage with your claim. Once it’s approved, your furniture will be fixed or replaced free of charge.

You can learn more about the Paws & Claws Warranty by visiting your local La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor.

Check Out These Additional Resources

Leather and microfiber furniture are both good choices for you and your fur child. Both have their pros and cons and give you many style options.

At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, you can see our full range of leather and microfiber furniture. As well as receive free interior design advice from a degreed interior designer.

You may like to take a look at these additional resources before you shop:

We’d be happy to help you furnish your pet-friendly home at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.