Pets are part of the family, aren’t they? Which is why, when it comes to the design of your home, it’s important to be mindful of not only your needs, but also your pets’ needs. 

 

In the UK, the pet population stands at a whopping  54 million pets – with 27% of households having dogs and 17% having cats. I myself, am a pet mama – I have a dog and three cats – so when it comes to pet-friendly living, I understand how tricky it can be to perfectly balance the need for a functional, pet-friendly space with style and chic design. 

 

The good news is that it is actually far more simple and straightforward than you might think to design a living space that fits the needs of both yourself and your pets. 

 

Wondering how you can go about creating the ideal space where you and your four-legged friends can live in harmony? Have a read of the tips and ideas below! 

 

Be mindful of the fabrics you add to your living room 

 

When it comes to how you design your living room, it’s important to be mindful of the fabrics that you’re incorporating into your home. One of the most important factors to bear in mind is the fact that pets make a mess – they get dirt everywhere. So, having furniture and fabrics in place that are wipeable is a must. 

 

There are lots of brands out there that offer stylish furniture that’s also designed to be wipeable, whether it’s wipeable sofa designs, ottomans that are easy to keep clean or a TV stand, the key is to shop smart. Stores like Big Furniture Warehouse, which offer a range of products, designs, and styles, with options to suit every need and taste, are great places to shop as there’s plenty of choice available. 

 

Keep the floors carpet-free

 

Carpets and pets really don’t mix. From muddy pawprints to little accidents, carpets and pets don’t tend to work well together. If you’ve got pets in your home, it’s a good idea to consider hard flooring, whether this is tile, wood or vinyl it doesn’t matter, just as long as it’s easy to wipe clean. 

 

Don’t let the idea of hard floors being cold put you off, as you can always opt to add underfloor heating to them. Or, if underfloor heating is out of your price range, a warm rug can make all the difference, and comes with the bonus of being far easier to clean than carpet, should any accidents happen. 

 

 

Be careful when choosing ornaments and accessories 

 

When it comes to adding that little extra sparkle to your home, ornaments and accessories are the way forward. Think elegant candles, cute pillows, comfy throws, lush house plants, and cosy lamps. While all of these features make the space feel more welcoming, it’s important to ensure that whatever is in your living room is pet-friendly. 

 

For instance, some plants are poisonous to dogs and cats if ingested, so it’s important to be mindful of what you put within reach. It’s also important think about things like candles – are they pet safe if ingested? You need to think about every aspect of your home, and whether it’s safe for your pet. 

 

Keep toys tidy and out of the way

 

It’s important that you pets have toys and treats to play with, however you don’t necessarily always wanted them strewn across the room. A great hack for keeping your living room looking neat and tidy, is to have a pet toy basket in the corner of the room where all of your pets’ toys are stored when not in use. 

 

There you have it, a few helpful tips for creating an amazing pet-friendly living room that is functional but doesn’t compromise on style.