High Gloss Beds for Pet Owners: What to Look For

High gloss beds can work very well for pet owners, provided you choose a frame with a durable lacquered or foil finish, rounded or protected corners, a base that either sits flush to the floor or leaves enough clearance to clean underneath, and no exposed fabric that claws can catch. Gloss wipes clean in seconds and does not trap hair the way upholstery does, which makes it one of the more practical finishes for homes with dogs and cats.

The worries most pet owners have about gloss, such as scratches, smears and chewing, are real but manageable. Our range of modern high gloss beds UK includes designs that handle family life, and alongside them our modern bedroom furniture UK sale collection offers storage that keeps pet supplies tidy. Here is what to look for.

Why gloss suits homes with pets

Fabric and velvet beds look lovely, but they collect hair, absorb odours and are vulnerable to claws. Leather can scratch and puncture. Gloss sits at the other end of the scale. Hair slides off rather than weaving into the surface. Muddy paw prints wipe away with a damp cloth. Smells do not linger.

For anyone with allergies in the household, a smooth, wipeable bed frame can also make it easier to keep dander under control, as long as bedding is washed regularly.

Scratch resistance: what to expect

No finish is completely scratch proof. A determined dog pawing at the side of a bed will mark almost anything. That said, gloss finishes vary in hardness. A multi layer lacquer generally resists light scratches better than a thin foil wrap. Darker gloss colours show fine scratches more readily than white or light grey, because the scratch catches light against the dark surface.

If you have a large or energetic dog, white or pale grey gloss is the more forgiving choice. Fine marks on pale gloss are hard to spot, especially at floor level.

Consider where scratches happen. Dogs often paw at the side of the bed nearest the door or the side their owner sleeps on. Cats tend to target vertical surfaces they can stretch against. A gloss headboard is less tempting to a cat than a textured fabric one, which is a real advantage.

Height and access

Do you want your pet on the bed or not? The answer changes the right frame height.

If pets are welcome, a lower frame makes it easier and safer for them to jump up and down, particularly for older dogs, small breeds and cats with stiff joints. Repeated jumps from a high bed can strain joints over time. A platform style gloss bed is a good option.

If pets are not allowed on the bed, a taller frame makes it slightly less inviting, though a determined cat will still manage.

Under the bed: flush or clearance?

This is often overlooked. Pets love the space under beds. Cats hide there. Dogs lie there when it is warm. Hair, toys and dust collect there.

A bed on legs with good clearance lets you vacuum underneath easily. The downside is that it becomes a den, and you may need to fish out a hiding cat when it is time for the vet.

A storage bed or ottoman with a base that sits close to the floor blocks access entirely. That keeps hair and toys from gathering underneath and means there is nowhere to hide. For many pet owners, this is the more practical option.

Avoid frames with a gap that is just too low to clean but high enough for a pet to squeeze into. That combination traps hair and makes cleaning frustrating.

Corners, edges and chewing

Puppies and young dogs chew. Sharp corners at floor level can tempt them and can also catch a running dog. Rounded corners and smooth edges are kinder to both pets and furniture. Some gloss beds have softly radiused corners as part of their design.

Check for exposed elements a pet might chew: cables for LED lighting, fabric pull straps on ottomans, or decorative trims. LED cables should be routed through the frame or clipped tightly against it. If you choose a lit bed, look for one with a neat cable path.

Gloss beds with storage for pet owners

Storage beds are useful for pet households. An ottoman base can hold spare blankets, a pet bed for travel, grooming kits and seasonal coats without cluttering the room. Keep food and treats elsewhere, though; strong smells may tempt a pet to investigate the base.

For everyday pet supplies, a dedicated cabinet or basket nearby keeps things organised. Our modern storage furniture UK includes cabinets and units that keep leads, brushes and towels within reach.

Protecting floors around the bed

Pets bring in grit and mud, which can scratch both the floor and the lower edges of the bed. A rug around the bed catches debris and gives pets a comfortable place to lie. Choose something low pile, washable or easy to vacuum. Flatweaves and short pile synthetics are practical; deep shaggy rugs hold hair and are hard to clean. Our modern rugs UK sale include designs that suit busy households.

Felt pads under bed legs protect hard floors if the bed is nudged by a large dog.

Cleaning routine

Gloss rewards a light, regular routine rather than occasional deep cleaning.

• Daily or as needed: wipe paw prints and nose smudges with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth.
• Weekly: dust the whole frame with a dry microfibre cloth. Vacuum around and under the bed.
• Monthly: wash the frame with a mild, non abrasive cleaner diluted in warm water, then dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.

Avoid abrasive pads, ammonia, bleach and alcohol based cleaners, which can dull or damage the lacquer. Never use a scouring sponge to remove dried mud; soften it with a damp cloth first.

Bedding matters too. If pets share the bed, use a washable throw on top of the duvet and wash it frequently. A mattress protector guards against accidents.

Choosing colour with pets in mind

Think about your pet’s coat. Dark hair shows on white gloss, and pale hair shows on black gloss, although on any gloss it wipes away easily. A mid grey frame tends to disguise hair of most colours between cleans. If you have a white cat and a black dog, grey is the obvious compromise.

Habits that protect the bed

The finish of the bed is only part of the story. A few household habits make a bigger difference to how it looks after a year or two.

Give your pet a comfortable bed of its own close to yours. Many dogs paw at the side of a human bed because they want to be near their owner. A cushioned pet bed beside it often satisfies that need and reduces scratching.

For cats, a scratching post in the bedroom gives them an approved place to stretch and sharpen claws. Position it near the bed, as cats tend to scratch where they spend time. Regular claw trimming for both cats and dogs helps protect every surface in the house.

Wipe paws at the door after walks, especially in wet weather. Keeping a towel by the back door is a small routine that saves a lot of cleaning upstairs.

If you do not want pets on the bed, be consistent from the start. Letting a puppy up some nights and not others makes the rule harder to learn. A closed bedroom door during the day also keeps the room cleaner.

When pets are older

Senior pets have different needs. Joint stiffness makes jumping harder, and some older dogs and cats become less steady on their feet. If your pet has always shared your bed, consider a set of pet steps or a ramp beside it rather than encouraging jumps. A low gloss frame makes this easier.

Older pets may also have occasional accidents. A waterproof mattress protector and washable throws are sensible. Gloss frames are easy to clean if anything reaches them; wipe promptly and dry the surface.

Bedside cabinets and pets

Cats like to sit on bedside tables and knock things off. Closed cabinets with drawers keep items safe. Avoid placing glasses of water, candles or delicate objects on a bedside cabinet that a cat can reach. Again, gloss wipes clean if a drink does go over.

If you are choosing a bedside cabinet alongside the bed, our practical checklist for choosing a bedside table in UK bedrooms covers height, storage and stability, all of which matter more with pets around.

You can explore gloss beds and practical bedroom storage at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently asked questions

Will my dog scratch a high gloss bed?

It is possible, especially with heavy pawing. Pale gloss colours hide fine scratches better, and a durable lacquer finish resists light marks.

Are gloss beds better than fabric beds for pet hair?

Generally, yes. Hair does not cling to gloss and can be wiped away quickly, whereas it weaves into fabric.

Is an ottoman bed a good idea with cats?

Yes, a base that sits close to the floor stops cats hiding underneath. Just check the lifting base is closed before leaving the room so a curious cat cannot climb inside.

What is the best way to clean muddy paw prints?

Soften the mud with a damp microfibre cloth, wipe gently, then dry the area. Avoid scrubbing, which can scratch the finish.