Creating a Pet-Friendly Home with High-Performance Upholstery Fabrics
- Jia HE
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
For many of us in Australia, our pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. From muddy paws to casual leaps onto the couch, living with furry friends brings endless joy, but also furniture challenges. At Rico Furniture, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. That’s why we pair our Australian-made seating and sofas with high-performance fabrics like FibreGuard™ to deliver both elegance and durability.
Why Fabric Matters When You Share Your Home with Pets
When selecting upholstery, several material qualities are key for homes with animals:
Stain-resistance: Messes happen. Advanced textiles repel liquids and block stains rather than absorbing them.
Abrasion & wear resistance: Pets mean more activity—jumping, lounging, scuttling. Fabrics must endure daily use without losing shape or integrity.
Hair & debris management: Tight weaves reduce the fibres where fur or dust can catch, making everyday cleaning easier.
Comfort & aesthetics: A performance fabric should still feel like a premium textile—soft to the touch and visually appealing.
How FibreGuard Works for Homes with Pets
FibreGuard textiles are engineered with these features in mind:
They undergo rigorous testing, including 17 common household stains according to Zepel’s criteria, proving water and soap can remove them without harsh cleaners.
All fabrics are STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning they contain no harmful finishes and are safe for family environments.
Although no fabric is entirely “pet-proof,” FibreGuard gives pet owners choice: you can have light or classic colours without constantly hiding the furniture.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sofa Fabric for Your Pet-Friendly Space
High-use areas: For family rooms or where your pet spends most time, choose a performance fabric with a plain or tight weave.
Colour & pattern: Don’t rely purely on dark shades—performance fabrics let you pick lighter tones while still managing stains.
Layer smartly: Use durable fabric for the main sofa, then introduce textural cushions or throws in other fabrics to add depth.
Consider training & care: Fabric performance helps—but pets still scratch, shed, and explore. Combine thoughtful design with grooming, claw-care and routine cleaning.
Test samples: Request fabric swatches, see how they handle fur, light exposure and your daily pet lifestyle before committing.
Why Rico Furniture Is the Ideal Match
At Rico Furniture, our handcrafted Australian-made sofas and chairs are designed with flexibility and quality in mind. By pairing our furniture with performance fabrics like FibreGuard, we offer pet-friendly solutions without compromising on design. Whether you’re looking for a swivel chair, sofa or lounge piece, you can choose upholstery that meets your style and your household needs.
Final Thoughts
A home where pets and design coexist isn’t a compromise—it’s a thoughtful choice. With the right fabric, you can relax, entertain and live beautifully while your four-legged family members enjoy the space too. At Rico Furniture, we’re here to guide you through both craftsmanship and thoughtful upholstery selection for a home made to live in.
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