Many say, you can’t have nice things once you have kids. I’m sorry, but I refuse to live in a home that cannot be filled with nice things because the queen and king who rule our castle is a toddler and small dog.

After working in the home goods industry for over a decade, I’ve developed a specific sense of interior style and am privy to the craftsmanship of upholstered pieces and case goods. Today, manufacturers work with technology to create sofas that are durable, comfortable and can withstand fur, spills and lots of jumping.

Our family room sofa is the most used piece of furniture in our home. It took us a while to decide on this piece. Zach and I went back and forth having, what felt like endless conversations surrounding price, comfort, color and the hand of fabric before finally selecting our sectional.

Our family room is set up so that the longest wall, where you would naturally put a sofa, is catty corner to the fireplace and TV. I had preferred a sofa, club chair combination layout to maintain the openness of the space while adversely, Zach preferred a large sectional for ample seating. If you were reading closely earlier, you’ll realize Zach won this battle.

In addition to having sufficient seating, the main priority here was comfort. In our pre child life, we purchased a sofa that Zach had not physically sat on before it arrived. To this day, I have not heard the end of it. Truth be told, it’s meant for a formal living room. The sofa is a beautiful piece of art rather than a lounge around and watch football all day type of sofa. It is for these reasons this sofa resides in the front room of our home and not the family room. It also happens upholstered in the most exquisite shade of purple velvet – completely practical.

How To Pick a Kid Friendly Sofa – Tips:

1. Stain resistant upholstery – Most vendors offer stain resistant and high-performance fabric (think Crypton or Sunbrella) that is easy to clean and maintain.
2. Leather – If you prefer to go the leather route, I suggest semi-aniline, which is treated for durability (aniline leather is not and more sensitive to scuffs). Leather will make cleanups easy but after time it will develop a patina. Make sure this well-loved look is one you will continue to appreciate with time.
3. Color Selection – It should also be noted, while a white sofa sounds scary with a toddler running around, darker fabrics are a magnet for pet hair, dust and lint. Consider a textile that has variation in the hand as it will better hide stains and wear.
4. Extra space/comfort – Your sofa should be inviting, comfortable and spacious enough for everyone to curl up onto during movie night.
5. Loose Cushions – Pillow forts are common with toddlers so if your seat and back cushions are attached, you cannot create these cushion castles. Seriously though, having the option to flip and rotate cushions is key when your kids jump on the sofa, your husband sits in the same spot every night or someone stains the fabric.

Kid Friendly Sofa Picks:

I’ve compiled four classic sofas that are comfortable, durable and family friendly. All of which pair nicely with my favorite toddler friendly coffee tables. After all, your home can be beautiful but it still needs to consider the realities of your daily life.

1. Arhaus Beale Sofa
2. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Haywood Chaise Sectional
3. Restoration Hardware Belgian Classic Slope Arm Slipcovered Sectional
4. Room and Board Metro Sectional

The post Designer Approved Kid and Pet Friendly Sofas first appeared on Lindsey Boova.