I’m not an interior designer nor a home stylist. In fact, I’d never tell anyone how to style their home. I can barely style my own home, which is why I have my friend Nancy help me (she's very talented).
But I do own a dog. And throughout the years of having my own home and dogs, I’ve discovered the importance of pet friendly home decor. For example, I've learned a few things about how to choose pillow covers for my sofa, chairs and bed.
Things to Think About When You're Shopping for Pillow Covers
There are some key things to think about when choosing a pillow cover if you own a pet. Whether or not you allow your pets on the sofa and bed, please don’t be silly enough to believe that when you leave the house, they aren’t immediately lounging comfortably in places you forbid them.
So, here are a few tips to think about when choosing your pillow cover:
1. Buy removable pillow covers
Throw pillow covers with zippers are a must (You can find some envelope style ones, but they are a pain to put back on).
If your pet soils your pillow, you simply remove the cover and wash it. If your beloved kitty tears the cover, it’s far easier to repair it when you can remove it from the insert. So, buying removable pillow covers makes it easy for you to wash and repair them. It also makes it convenient for switching out covers if you get tired of the one you have or if you like changing out pillow covers according to the season.
2. Have a variety of pillow covers in different patterns and solids on hand
I say this because if one pillow cover is damaged, you’ll have a backup replacement. Throw pillows can be a very affordable way to decorate your home. Putting in a sunken living room is not.
3. Purchase a variety of pillow cover sizes for your sofa and bed
The large pillows, for example, a 20-inch square pillow, should anchor each of the ends of your sofa. This will also allow your dog to perch there and stare at you while you’re eating popcorn.
If you're interested to know how to set up pillows on a couch, on a regular size sofa the 2-2-1 rule can be handy. The idea behind this rule is this:
You'll use five pillows in total: two larger matching pillows, two slightly smaller matching pillows, and one unique accent pillow. The larger pillows hug the ends of the sofa, the slightly smaller matching pillows sit next to each of the larger pillows. The accent pillow sits in the middle of the sofa.
These will fall over during a game of fetch with your dog, or be tossed aside by guests. But, hey, you tried.
4. Choose eco-friendly pillow covers
Since this is my thing, I'm going to say a few words about it.
Eco-friendly pillow covers are made from materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. Organic cotton fabrics, bamboo-based fabrics, linen fabrics, wool fabrics, hemp fabrics, Tencel fabrics, silk fabrics, and non-toxic dye fabrics are all examples of sustainable textiles used in making eco-friendly pillow covers.
Choose OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. OEKO-TEX certification is a widely recognized standard for ensuring that textile products are free from harmful chemicals. The certification criteria are based on a comprehensive set of guidelines that are designed to protect the health of consumers and the environment. This certification ensures that the fabric is safe for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Pillow covers made from this type of fabric are also less likely to cause respiratory problems or other health issues caused by inhaling toxic chemicals.
5. Look for machine washable throw pillow covers like cotton blends and linen
Throw pillows with washable covers are another essential if you own pets. Because you WILL be washing your pillow covers. I admit that cotton may require more care because it can shrink and fade. But even though polyester is more durable than cotton, it isn't a sustainable material, nor is it biodegradable like cotton.
And this might not appeal to you, but bold floral throw pillow covers are going to hide muddy paw prints better than a solid cover will. Just sayin'.
Having pets means that we will eventually replace home decor items once in a while. But I'd give up my sofa before I'd send my dog away.
A word about cotton linen fabric
When it comes to cotton versus linen, cotton linen pillow covers offer a good balance of properties from both fibers. You get a fabric that is breathable, durable, hypoallergenic and comfortable, with better wrinkle resistance compared to pure linen. (Disclosure: Yes, you will find pillow covers in cotton linen fabric in my shop.)
6. Avoid pillow covers with tassels, buttons, ribbons embroidery, etc.
These decorative additions to your pillow covers are like catnip to cats and a stuffed toy to a dog. I once owned an adorable Boston Terrier who managed to nearly destroy an entire room of Berber carpeting. The loops in the carpet were just too tempting for her not to pull on.
If you must have a throw pillow cover with any of those items on it, then supervision will be required.
7. Find an effective tool for removing pet hair from pillow covers (and sofas and chairs, etc.)
Unless you own a hairless pet, you'll have hair. Even though 100% cotton and tightly woven cotton repel hair better than other cottons, again, you'll have hair. Learn more about good pet hair removal tools.
Final Thoughts About Decorating with Pillow Covers
Your choice of a decorative pillow cover should be an expression of who you are. Personally, when people come into my home, I’d like them to get a sense of my own style and interests.
I mean, you wouldn't really style your home like a hotel room, right? These places have no personality and very little color. I can hardly remember what the rooms at any of the big hotel chains I stayed at looked like. Do you want memorability or not?
So choose a pillow cover that you love. Honestly, I don’t even care if it doesn’t go with your sofa or easy chair or with the painting above your sofa. If your choice makes you feel good, go with it. Rejoice in your freedom to have whatever pillow you want and don’t give in to the urge to explain why you chose a pillow cover featuring a photo of your cat drinking a beer.
Whatever pillow cover you settle on, though, please don't chop your pillows. Don't choose violence. Just occasionally fluff them, especially after your pet has been sitting on them.
