A living room shared with children and pets needs to look considered and stand up to everyday life. Spills, paw prints, sticky fingers and the occasional dropped toy are all part of family living, so the furniture you choose should be ready for it. The aim is to keep the space calm and pulled together without feeling fussy or off limits. With the right materials, layout and storage, you can have a room that genuinely welcomes everyone in the house. Below are nine practical ideas to help you create a living room that handles real life while still feeling like somewhere you actively want to relax in.<\/p>\n
Family rooms benefit from fabrics that take a few knocks. Look for tightly woven weaves, chenille and performance fabrics that resist staining and pilling. Removable cushion covers are useful because they can be cleaned without too much fuss. Our range of fabric sofas<\/a> includes options designed with family use in mind, so the seat continues to look smart after years of cuddles, biscuit crumbs and film nights.<\/p>\n Sharp corners and toddlers rarely mix well. A coffee table with softer, rounded edges reduces the chance of bumps and bruises during play. Oval and circular tables also create a gentler flow around the seating area, which is helpful when small children are learning to walk. If you prefer a more solid surface, choose a sturdy wooden frame with a smooth finish that can handle regular wipe downs.<\/p>\n A patterned rug is a clever choice in a busy household. Subtle prints disguise small marks far better than a plain pale rug, and a flat weave or low pile is easier to vacuum after pets have been padding around. Choose a size that anchors the seating, so paws and feet land on the rug rather than the floor edge.<\/p>\n Clutter is the quickest way to make a living room feel chaotic. Plenty of storage furniture<\/a> lets you tuck away toys, blankets, leads, brushes and the small daily items that pile up. A long sideboard, a closed cabinet or a bench with hidden compartments all help keep things tidy at the end of the day, without making the room feel like a playroom.<\/p>\n Children climb. Dogs jump up. Cats use the back of the sofa as a viewing platform. Your seating needs a solid frame underneath the upholstery, with strong joints and proper support. Investing in a well made piece of seating means it can take a few years of family use without sagging, twisting or creaking.<\/p>\n If pet hair is part of daily life, a leather seat is worth considering. Hair brushes off easily and most marks come away with a soft damp cloth. The look softens beautifully over time too. Our leather sofas<\/a> are available in classic and contemporary shapes, so you can find a finish that suits your style as well as your routine.<\/p>\n Glass coffee tables can show every fingerprint and crumb, and they are not always the friendliest option around running children. A padded footstool with a tray on top gives you somewhere to rest drinks and books while removing the worry of breakages. Choose foot stools<\/a> with removable, washable covers for extra peace of mind.<\/p>\n Long curtain cords, dangling tie backs and trailing hems are tempting for curious hands and playful kittens. Wall mounted curtain poles set at a sensible height, along with shorter, neatly hemmed curtains, help to keep these out of reach. Roller blinds with cordless mechanisms are another option worth thinking about for younger households.<\/p>\n2. Opt for Rounded Edges on Tables<\/h3>\n
3. Use Rugs That Hide a Multitude of Sins<\/h3>\n
4. Build in Storage for Toys and Pet Bits<\/h3>\n
5. Pick Frames That Are Built to Last<\/h3>\n
6. Consider Leather for Easier Wipe Downs<\/h3>\n
7. Swap Glass Tables for Footstools<\/h3>\n
8. Keep Window Dressings Out of Reach<\/h3>\n
9. Create a Quiet Corner for the Pets<\/h3>\n