Which Sofa is Ideal for Homes with Kids and Pets?

Top Choice

Room & Board describes this sofa as the "Goldilocks" of sofas—neither too hard nor too soft, but just right. We concur. The cushions offer a perfect blend of softness and support, ideal for activities like reading, watching TV, or even taking a nap. With over 200 upholstery options, you can easily find a color that suits your taste. When choosing your fabric, use filters to select options tailored to your needs, such as cat-friendly, dog-friendly, family-friendly, or stain-resistant materials. Additionally, its compact sizes make it one of the top choices for small living spaces.

Another standout feature of this sofa is its substantial weight. Although it may not be easy to reposition, its sturdy construction ensures it stays firmly in place, even during energetic moments like your dog’s zoomies or your kids leaping from the armrests onto the cushions. It’s important to note that the armrests lack sufficient padding, and the cushions come with only one filling option. While the combination of down and foam offers excellent comfort, some may prefer alternatives like down-free or all-foam fills. That said, we found the sofa to be comfortably plush without being overly soft.

After more than six months of use, including dog naps and the occasional cat accident, this sofa still looks as pristine as it did when it first arrived from the showroom. We’ve observed no signs of pilling, stains, or lingering pet hair, and the cushions remain as fluffy as ever. Given its exceptional durability, we believe this sofa is a worthwhile investment.

Upholstery: 225 choices, including performance fabrics, velvet, chenille, boucle, and microfiber | Dimensions: 65–108 by 38–43 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

Top Affordable Pick

Sofas are often a significant investment, but affordability doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort. This budget-friendly couch under $1,000 meets all essential criteria. From the moment we sat on it, we found it comfortable for activities like napping, reading, gaming, or hosting guests. We suggest allowing the cushions to fully expand before initial use.

Additionally, this piece of furniture is highly durable. After more than six months of use, the sofa remains in excellent condition. The fabric looks pristine, and the cushions retain their original comfort. Despite enduring energetic toddler play, the couch has kept its shape and firmness.

The standout feature of this couch is its removable, machine-washable cover, available in 13 colors. We found the cover easy to clean and replace, making it simple to maintain a stain-free appearance or switch up the color scheme with the seasons. After washing, we successfully removed all traces of an apple juice spill, making it a great choice for families with children. However, the cover doesn’t fit perfectly at the base, which may be noticeable. While this might bother some, we believe the benefits far outweigh this minor drawback.

Upholstery: Polyester and cotton blend | Dimensions: 88.25 by 36.25 by 36.25 inches | Seat Depth: 22.87 inches

Top Modular Choice

The Block Nomad Sofa excels with its olefin upholstery, a synthetic performance fabric designed to be both scratchproof and stainproof, making it ideal for homes with kids and pets. Burrow claims the fabric can even withstand bleach spills without damage, though we don’t recommend testing this. During our tests, spills were easily cleaned with just soap and water. The olefin fabric is available in five colors: white, red, navy, and two shades of gray. (You can request swatches to see the colors in person before making a decision.)

Another standout feature is the sofa’s modular design, offering extensive customization. You can add a chaise or ottoman, choose from six leg finishes (wood or metal in three colors each), select from three arm styles, and include lumbar pillows. Additionally, the cushions are reversible, with one side tufted and the other smooth. The sofa also includes a built-in USB charger, a feature that teens and adults will appreciate, even if younger kids might not.

After a year of use, the fabric remains in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear. While the cushions and pillows have a slightly lived-in look, there’s no visible damage. However, the sofa’s firmness makes it better suited for sitting or watching TV rather than lounging or napping, as the cushions lack the plush, sink-in feel some prefer. Given its modularity, it’s a great starter sofa that can adapt to your needs over time, though you might want a softer option for family movie nights.

Upholstery: Olefin, leather, velvet | Dimensions: 85 by 35 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

Top Sectional Pick

If you’re looking for a durable, family-friendly sectional, the Benchmade Modern option is an excellent choice. You can select between standard, firm cushioning or a softer, down-alternative fill. The customization options are impressive, with three upholstery fabrics, four leg finishes, and a wide array of colors. You can also choose the bumper’s placement to suit your room layout. Note that cleaning instructions vary by material.

While the price is high, the quality justifies the cost, and we expect this sofa to last for years. After one of our cats tried to scratch the cushions, the fabric showed no damage. It also handled a pasta sauce stain effortlessly—after cleaning with upholstery foam and a damp cloth, the stain disappeared completely. After six months of use, the fabric still looks pristine, and maintenance is minimal. The cushions have softened slightly, and there are some imprints in frequently used areas, but the comfort level remains consistent.

The only drawback is the backrest’s height, which may not provide enough support for taller individuals when sitting upright. Other than this, the sectional is a top-tier choice for durability and functionality. If a sectional isn’t your preference, it’s also available in a standard sofa size.

Upholstery: 128 options, including leather, velvet, woven, boucle, and performance fabrics | Dimensions: 90–125 by 70–105 by 37 inches | Seat Depth: 23 inches

Top Pick for Compact Spaces

If you need a compact yet sturdy sofa, the Albany Park Lido is an excellent choice. At just 75 inches wide, it’s ideal for apartments or smaller rooms. One of its standout features is its comfort—whether napping, knitting, or working on a laptop, we experienced no neck strain. The backrest provides ample support, and the seat depth ensures you don’t feel perched on the edge. However, while the brand lists the sofa’s height as 32 inches, our measurement came in at 27 inches.

Despite its compact design, this sofa is remarkably sturdy. It’s available in a range of upholstery options, including child-safe materials and pet-friendly fabrics designed to resist snags. The cushions feature removable covers, making cleaning and maintenance a breeze. We tested the bouclé fabric, which proved to be soft, textured, and well-crafted. The cushions are equally high-quality, retaining their shape even with regular use and the added weight of our 25-pound Frenchton.

After several months of use, the sofa shows no signs of wear—the cushions remain firm, the color is as vibrant as ever, and the upholstery looks pristine. While we noticed a few loose threads, they were easily removed without causing any damage.

Upholstery: Velvet, bouclé, performance, basketweave, or leather | Dimensions: 75 by 37.5 by 32 inches | Seat Depth: 2 inches

Top Sleeper Pick

A standout feature of a quality sleeper sofa is its comfortable mattress, and this model delivers. You can select between a memory foam or spring mattress—we tested the memory foam option and found it exceptionally comfortable for sleeping. Notably, we couldn’t feel the metal frame beneath it at all.

We were also impressed by how quick and easy the setup was—it took us only six minutes to prepare, including adding linens. However, the mattress leans toward the softer side and is relatively short. While the website states the mattress is 72 inches long (six inches shorter than a standard queen), our measurement showed it to be just 70 inches. For comparison, twin and full mattresses are typically 75 inches long.

The sofa’s kid- and pet-friendly upholstery proved highly durable, standing up to energetic children and cats without any snags after a year of frequent use. The heathered fabric color effectively hides pulls and scratches, and removing cat hair is effortless—simply run your hand over the surface to gather and remove it. If a sectional isn’t your preference, it’s also available in a standard sofa size.

Upholstery: Polyester | Dimensions: 121 by 88 by 36 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

Top Velvet Pick

It might seem surprising, but velvet is a durable material that can handle kids and pets. Its tight weave and lack of loops make it somewhat stain-resistant and hard to snag. After six months of use, the Article Abisko sofa shows no signs of scratches, fading, or loose threads. We’re especially impressed by its resilient velvet upholstery and sleek modern design, which fits perfectly in smaller spaces like apartments. Overall, it’s a stylish and durable option.

A few things to keep in mind: Velvet tends to attract pet hair, but it’s easily removable with a brush or lint roller. Additionally, unboxing the sofa was quite challenging—it took us 25 minutes to unpack the two boxes and another 20 minutes to assemble it. However, we believe the effort was worthwhile, especially given the cushions’ perfect balance of support and comfort. If velvet isn’t your preference, it’s also available in a cotton-linen blend in three colors.

Upholstery: Velvet, cotton-linen blend | Dimensions: 91 by 35 by 28 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

Top-Quality Leather

Thanks to its natural ability to resist stains, leather stands out as one of the most durable materials for sofas, making it an excellent choice for homes with kids or pets. This is why the Article Sven Sofa is a favorite, available in leather, velvet, or fabric finishes. Each leather sofa boasts unique veins and markings, ensuring no two pieces are alike. Over time, the leather develops a charming patina, adding a warm, vintage appeal. 

The material felt incredibly soft, and the cushioning was luxuriously plush, making it perfect for afternoon naps. After more than two and a half years of heavy use in a rental property frequented by numerous guests, pets, and messy kids, the couch held up remarkably well. We noticed minor fading and a slight sag, but overall, the couch maintained its high quality. A spilled fruit juice left a small mark, so we suggest addressing spills immediately to maintain its pristine condition. 

With its compact size, this couch is perfect for two people to sit comfortably or one person to stretch out. While it may not suit larger rooms, it’s an excellent choice for apartments or cozy spaces. For those needing more seating, there’s a matching sectional available. Additionally, the delivery service was flawless—the team efficiently removed our old couch and assembled the new one without any hassle. 

Upholstery: Fabric, leather, velvet | Dimensions: 88 by 38 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 24 inches

Top Choice for Slipcovered Designs

Slipcovers offer excellent protection for sofas, as they can be easily removed and cleaned. We admire this elegant slipcovered sofa from Sixpenny for its plush cushions, available with either down or polyfill filling. Regardless of your choice, regular fluffing is necessary to keep them looking their best. Additionally, the modular design of this sofa allows you to rearrange it to suit your space and preferences.

Due to its low profile, we didn’t observe any sagging in the center cushions. Unlike compact sofas that struggle to seat four people comfortably, this model easily accommodated several of us at once. The cushions are so generously sized that it felt like lounging on a bed. However, the deep seat and low height make it ideal for relaxation rather than formal settings, so it may not suit everyone. Additionally, getting up from the couch can be a bit tricky, so it’s not the best choice for individuals with knee problems. 

As previously noted, the slipcovers are detachable and machine-washable, which is essential since they aren’t made from performance fabrics and require regular care. The linen material proved to be sturdy, handling apple sauce spills with just a quick spot clean. Even with a playful cat and energetic puppy in the house, the couch remained in excellent condition after six months of use. For households with kids or pets, we suggest opting for the velvet slipcover, as it’s the most durable against scratches and spills. This model is also available as a standard sofa.

Upholstery: 29 options, including cotton, linen, and velvet | Dimensions: 145 by 98 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 31 inches

Top Pick for Customization

Furniture preferences vary from person to person, and you shouldn’t have to compromise on a sofa that doesn’t meet your expectations. Fortunately, this highly customizable couch from Crate & Barrel caters to even the most discerning buyers. With three seat depths, eight sizes, and an impressive 207 fabric options, you can tailor it to your exact taste. You can even mix and match pieces to create your ideal sectional configuration.  

After more than two years of use, we can confidently say this is one of the finest couches we’ve ever tested. The cushions are soft and voluminous, yet not overly firm, offering a perfect balance of support and comfort. The generous seat depth makes it ideal for napping or hosting multiple guests. 

Beyond its comfort, this couch excels in durability. Even after two and a half years of regular use, it has retained its comfort and appearance, with only minor flattening of the bottom cushions. It has effortlessly endured spaghetti sauce stains from toddlers (a simple dab with water and multipurpose cleaner did the trick), and crumbs and pet hair are easily brushed off. Overall, this customizable couch is an excellent choice for pet owners. 

Upholstery: 207 fabrics, including performance, chenille, linen, and velvet | Dimensions: 93–105 by 46 by 25 inches | Seat Depth: 36, 41, or 46 inches

Top Choice for Deep Seating

This sectional is the epitome of comfort, featuring exceptionally deep seats and an ottoman that combine to create a sprawling, bed-like setup in its standard form. With a seat depth of 47 inches (or a 39-inch classic option), it’s more suited for lying down than sitting. The fabric is both washable and water-resistant, making it a practical choice for homes with frequent spills. Additionally, the removable and washable covers allow you to refresh the couch’s appearance without investing in a brand-new piece. 

The plush material is ideal for relaxation, and the back cushions can be adjusted whether you’re napping or working on your laptop. The couch offers two firmness options (medium soft or medium firm), or you can customize it using the included fill packets. Its spacious design is perfect for hosting, as we comfortably accommodated four adults and a dog, with room to spare.

After six months of use, the couch has maintained its shape and comfort remarkably well. While fabric upholstery is prone to pilling, we noticed significant pilling after a few weeks. However, a quick pass with a fabric shaver restored its appearance. One downside is the narrow gap between the floor and the couch, which makes cleaning underneath challenging, though this is common with low-profile designs. 

Upholstery: Performance, velvet | Dimensions: 132 by 85 by 24 inches | Seat Depth: 39 or 47 inches

Final Thoughts

The Room & Board Metro Sofa is a standout choice for its scratch- and stain-resistant fabric, making it ideal for households with children or pets. Its customizable design allows you to create a sofa that perfectly fits your space. For a more affordable alternative, consider the Ikea Uppland Sofa. This couch remained firm and showed no signs of wear after two years of use. Its removable, machine-washable cover is a bonus for homes prone to spills. 

Our Evaluation Methodology

To date, we’ve tested 31 couches in real-world settings, including sectional sofas and sleeper models. Our process began with assessing the purchasing experience, from reviewing upholstery samples to evaluating return and exchange policies. After purchasing, we tracked the estimated versus actual delivery dates to gauge reliability. We also rated the delivery and assembly processes, including the time and effort required for unboxing, assembly, and placement.

Once assembled, we used the sofas for several months to evaluate their performance. We assessed comfort for sitting, lying down, and napping; seating capacity; and overall durability. Additional criteria included cushion firmness, fabric texture, ease of stain removal, and any changes in the couch’s condition over time.

Our second phase involved a survey with 88 participants, aimed at identifying the best places to purchase a couch. Respondents shared their experiences with the buying process and rated the quality of their sofas. 

For long-term insights, we monitored how the top-performing sofas held up after six months and one year of use. Combining these findings, we curated our list of the best couches for households with kids and pets.

Expert Tips for Choosing Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

For homes with kids and pets, Rawes suggests opting for performance fabric. This material is stain-resistant, highly durable, and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hotels, cafes, or family homes. Rawes emphasizes that you don’t have to compromise on style for durability, stating, "There are now many elegant options that are incredibly durable and nearly stain-proof, such as Crypton, Perennials, or even Sunbrella fabric."

Performance fabric isn’t your only option. "Leather is another excellent choice for families, as spills can be easily wiped away," says Genovese, highlighting its strength and odor resistance. Scratches on leather can also add a charming, vintage look rather than appearing as accidental damage.

Genovese also mentions that microfiber is a top contender for households with kids and pets due to its dense texture, which resists allergens, stains, and tears. Velvet, surprisingly, is another durable option; its tight weave prevents snags and loose threads. However, keep in mind that velvet tends to attract pet hair, though it’s easy to remove.

Frame

The upholstery isn’t the only factor to consider. The frame serves as the sofa’s foundation, so choosing a sturdy one is essential. Genovese points out that the material of the sofa’s legs can be critical if you have a dog that chews, recommending metal legs as the best option for teething pets.

Fill

The type of fill determines your couch’s comfort level, influencing whether it feels soft and lounge-like or firm and structured. High-resiliency foam provides the firmest and most supportive feel, while low-density foam offers a softer, plusher experience. Medium-density foam strikes a balance, catering to diverse seating preferences. For families with kids, high-resiliency, high-density foam is the most durable and resistant to losing its shape over time.

Color

To minimize the appearance of stains, consider a darker-colored sofa. However, Genovese advises, "If your pet has light-colored fur, a lighter fabric can help you stay sane by camouflaging the constant pet hair."

Maintenance

Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before attempting any cleaning method. For example, cleaning a microfiber couch requires checking whether water is safe, if vacuuming is sufficient, or if a dry cleaning solvent is necessary. Regardless, always blot spills immediately to prevent stains.

"Even performance fabrics in light colors will show dirt with regular use," notes Rawes. "Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines regularly. I also recommend fluffing and flipping cushions as often as possible."

Additional Kid- and Pet-Friendly Sofas to Explore

Crate & Barrel Axis 2-Seat Sofa: This snug two-seater resembles our top overall pick. Its easy-to-spot-clean feature makes it perfect for busy households. We suggest opting for a darker color to mask stubborn stains—thankfully, there are 206 options available. It’s also a great value for the price.

AllModern Geo Upholstered Reversible Sectional: This contemporary sectional comes in vibrant colors like sapphire and rust. While its design is appealing, the firm cushions make it better suited for sitting rather than lounging or napping. It’s ideal for formal living rooms or offices rather than family spaces or basements.

Simpli Home Morrison Sectional: This leather sectional impressed us with its comfort, especially for lounging and lying down. Over time, the couch maintained its durability, and the cushions supported two adults, a child, and a 20-pound terrier without losing their form. However, the leather does show minor scratches, and we wished we could have selected the chaise’s placement.

Common Questions

How do you remove stains from a sofa?

For stain removal, always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, there are general steps you can usually follow. "For stubborn stains, mix dish soap with distilled water and gently dab the area with a towel or upholstery brush," advises Genovese. "Ensure the cloth is colorless to avoid dye transfer onto the fabric."

How should you maintain your sofa?

Genovese emphasizes prevention as the best approach. "Applying an upholstery protector like Scotchgard can shield against spills, stains, and water," she explains. "Additionally, regular vacuuming removes dirt, hair, dust, and crumbs, preventing them from settling into the fabric."

How can you stop pets from scratching the sofa?

Consider working with a pet trainer to teach proper behavior. Cats, however, can be more challenging. "Cats are hard to deter from clawing furniture," says Rawes. "I recommend trimming their nails regularly and providing plenty of scratching posts."

There are several preventive steps you can take to safeguard your sofa. "Many cat- and dog-repellent sprays use sound, pheromones, or strong scents like citrus or lavender to safely discourage pets from scratching or chewing furniture," says Genovese. Rawes also suggests using clear tape to stop cats from clawing the upholstery.

Which materials don’t attract pet hair?

Leather and vegan leather are resistant to pet hair. While materials like velvet and microfiber are pet-friendly and scratch-resistant, they do attract pet hair, so regular cleaning is necessary.

How long does a couch typically last in an active household?

On average, sofas last between seven and 15 years. In active households, the lifespan tends to be on the shorter end of this range. The durability depends on the couch’s quality, household activity levels, and how well you maintain it.

Rawes emphasizes that investing in high-quality furniture is often worthwhile. "Many believe they can’t splurge with kids or pets, but a durable piece will withstand both children and pets while lasting for years," she explains. "Inexpensive furniture may only last a few years, and even less with kids and pets around."

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Stefanie Waldek, a Mytour contributor with nearly ten years of experience in home decor writing, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a Mytour writer. To curate these recommendations, we tested numerous sofas, assessing durability, style, and price. We also consulted designers Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors and Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces By Jacflash for tips on selecting kid- and pet-friendly sofas.