The best fabric beds for pet owners have tightly woven, low texture upholstery in a mid tone colour, a sturdy frame that copes with jumping, and a base design that makes cleaning easy. Avoid loose loop fabrics such as some boucles, which can catch on claws, and very pale or very dark shades, which show fur. With the right choices and a few simple habits, a fabric bed can live happily alongside cats and dogs.
Our modern fabric beds UK range includes many designs in hardwearing woven fabrics that suit busy homes, and our wider bedroom furniture UK sale collection offers coordinating pieces built for everyday life. Below we explain exactly what to look for.
Some pet owners assume they need leather or wood to avoid damage. In reality, the right fabric can be very practical. Woven upholstery does not show scratches in the way some smooth surfaces do, it feels warm and soft, and it can be brushed or vacuumed clean. Fabric beds are also quieter than metal or wood when animals jump on and off, which matters if you share a bedroom with a restless dog.
The key is choosing well. Not every fabric is suited to claws, fur and the occasional muddy paw, and not every frame is built to handle a large dog launching itself onto the mattress.
When it comes to claws, the structure of the fabric matters more than its fibre. Tightly woven fabrics have threads packed closely together, leaving little for a claw to hook into. Flat weaves, tight twills and dense textured plains are good examples.
Loose weaves and looped fabrics are more vulnerable. Boucle, with its characteristic loops, looks beautiful but can be pulled by cats who like to knead. Chunky open weaves can also snag. If you love a textured look, choose a tight textured weave rather than a looped one.
Velvet is an interesting case. Because it has a short, dense pile rather than a weave on the surface, many pet owners find that claws do not catch easily. Fur can be removed with a damp cloth or rubber brush. However, velvet shows pressure marks and can look patchy where a pet regularly lies, which some people accept as part of its character.
Ask for swatches where possible. Run a fingernail across each one. If it catches or pulls a thread easily, a claw will too.
Pet hair is a fact of life, so choose a colour that hides it between cleans. As a rule, pick a shade close to your pet's coat. A golden retriever suits warm sand or oatmeal. A black Labrador suits charcoal or deep navy. A grey or tabby cat suits mid grey or mushroom.
Mid tones and gently textured or flecked fabrics are the most forgiving overall. They hide not only fur but also minor marks and the slight wear that comes with daily use. Very pale fabrics and very dark solids show everything.
A medium or large dog jumping onto a bed puts sudden, concentrated force on the frame. Over time, this can loosen weak joints and stress slats. Look for beds with bolted joints, solid timber or metal internal frames and a centre support rail with feet on double sizes and larger.
Slats should be closely spaced and securely fixed. Sprung slats flex under load, which can help absorb impact. If a product description mentions a weight capacity, choose a bed comfortably within it once you include the mattress, sleepers and pets.
Headboards take a battering too, especially if a dog likes to lean against them. A securely fixed, solid headboard is less likely to wobble.
While weave comes first, the fibre also plays a part. Synthetic fibres such as polyester and some polyester blends tend to be resilient, colourfast and easy to spot clean. Natural fibres like cotton and linen feel lovely but can absorb spills more readily and may crease or stain. Blends often give a good balance of softness and durability.
Some upholstery is described as easy clean or stain resistant, which usually means a treatment or fibre that helps liquids bead on the surface for a short time before soaking in. This can buy valuable seconds when a dog shakes off rainwater or a cat knocks over a glass. Read the care label carefully, as cleaning instructions vary between fabrics, and some can be cleaned with water while others need a solvent based cleaner.
It helps to think about the specific animal in your home. Cats tend to knead, climb and scratch, so headboards and corners are the main risk areas. A smooth, tight fabric on the headboard and a scratching post placed near the bed can redirect the urge to claw. Cats also like height, so they may perch on top of a tall headboard.
Dogs are more likely to jump, dig at bedding and bring in dirt from walks. The foot of the bed and the side they climb onto take the most wear. A washable throw in those areas, regular paw wiping after walks and a firm frame make the biggest difference. Larger breeds also add weight, so frame strength becomes more important.
Bed height matters more than many people realise. Small dogs, elderly pets and those with joint problems can struggle with tall beds, and repeated jumping down from a height can strain joints. A lower bed, or a set of pet steps, can make life easier.
On the other hand, if you prefer pets to stay off the bed, a taller frame can discourage them. Consider your own preferences and your animal's needs.
The space beneath a bed is a magnet for fur. Beds on legs leave an open gap that collects hair and dust but is easy to vacuum, as long as the gap is high enough for your vacuum head. Beds with solid bases, such as ottomans or drawer beds, sit flush to the floor, so nothing collects underneath.
Some pets like to hide under beds. If you have a cat that disappears beneath furniture, a solid base removes that option, which some owners prefer. Others are happy to give their pet a den.
A washable throw at the foot of the bed is the simplest protection. Choose one in a tight weave and keep a spare, so one can be in the wash while the other is in use. If your pet sleeps in a particular spot, a dedicated pet blanket there will collect most of the hair.
A mattress protector is essential. It guards against accidents, muddy paws and spills, and it can be washed regularly. A waterproof but breathable protector is the most practical option. If you are replacing an old mattress, our mattresses UK sale range covers every standard size.
Bedding should be tough and washable at reasonable temperatures. Tight percale or cotton sateen sheets release fur more readily than loose weaves or brushed cotton.
A little regular care keeps a fabric bed looking smart. Vacuum the upholstery once or twice a week with a soft brush attachment. A rubber pet hair brush or a slightly damp rubber glove lifts stubborn fur from fabric quickly. Lint rollers are useful for quick touch ups.
Deal with accidents and spills promptly. Blot rather than rub, use a cleaner suited to the fabric, and always test on a hidden area first. For organic stains, an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet messes helps remove odours as well as marks. Check the care instructions for your fabric before using any product.
Keeping your pet groomed helps too. Regular brushing reduces shedding, and trimmed claws are less likely to snag fabric.
Pets affect the whole bedroom, not just the bed. A washable or low pile rug is easier to keep clean than a deep shaggy one. Our modern rugs UK collection includes flatweave and short pile designs that release fur well.
Bedside tables with closed storage keep tempting items away from curious noses. Cables for lamps and chargers should be tidied away, especially with young pets who like to chew.
Many homes have both. The same principles apply: tight weaves, mid tone colours, sturdy frames and easy cleaning. For children's rooms where the family dog likes to sleep, our guide to upholstered single beds for UK children and teenagers highlights practical designs that stand up to daily wear.
When you are ready to choose, explore our range of upholstered beds at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Tightly woven, flat or low texture fabrics resist claws best. Avoid looped fabrics such as boucle, which cats can easily pull while kneading.
It can be. Velvet's dense pile resists snagging, and fur wipes off easily, though it may show pressure marks where a dog regularly lies.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, a rubber pet hair brush or a slightly damp rubber glove. Lint rollers are handy for quick touch ups.
A solid base stops fur collecting underneath, while a bed on legs is easy to vacuum beneath. Choose based on your cleaning routine and whether your pet likes to hide.
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