By Savannah Sher | Published Jul 22, 2022 8:53 AM

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When you have kids, a couch can be transformed into an imaginary pirate ship, a fairy-tale castle, or a safe refuge when the floor becomes “lava.” Family couches play host to movie nights, pillow fights, snack time, and so much more, so they have to stand up to sticky hands, spilled beverages, and the occasional accident. The couch acts as the centerpiece of nearly every living room, so choosing the right one is essential when it comes to furnishing your space. Shopping for the best kid- and pet-friendly couches online, however, can quickly become overwhelming since there are so many options available at a wide range of prices. This article breaks down what to look for when shopping for the best couches for kids and discusses the key considerations to keep in mind as you shop.

Keep reading for tips on choosing the best option, and explore our curated picks for some of the best kid-friendly couches.

While it’s easy to assume that all couches offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality and whether they’re appropriate for busy family homes. Features like material, construction, color, and washability can make one option better for a family’s needs than another. Keep reading to learn about these important features to consider when choosing the best couch for kids.

Sofas are covered or upholstered in a wide variety of materials. Natural materials like cotton, silk, linen, and wool look great but are more delicate and require more diligent maintenance. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can be designed to resist wear and tear. Microfiber and polyester are some of the most popular options for kid-friendly couches because they’re affordable and easy to clean. Both materials come in many different styles and can be crafted to look like velvet, chenille, or corduroy. Pet owners should look for a tightly woven fabric since it doesn’t show hair as readily. A model with removable and washable sofa covers is the best option when dealing with heavy stains.

Leather provides a sleek and upscale look but can be wiped clean, making it an excellent option for homes with young children. Choosing the right kind of leather, however, is key. Aniline leather is natural and untreated, which makes it more susceptible to scuffs and scratches. Look for pigmented leather for a more durable option. Opt for a model made with top-grain leather, which is more durable than split-grain leather.

When it comes to choosing a sofa, the right size for your home depends on both the size of the available space and the size of your family. Couches typically measure 72 to 84 inches in length, though longer models are also available. Anything shorter than 72 inches in length is considered to be a love seat and typically seats two people.

Standard sofas are 35 inches deep, though depths can vary based on the model. Sofas designed for small spaces may be shallower, with depths as low as 31 inches. Models with deeper seats—of up to about 40 inches—are more comfortable for some users, allowing them to curl up and relax.

Standard three-seater couches are the norm, but there are also a number of different configurations available to suit a variety of needs. Sectional couches are a great choice for larger spaces and allow the entire family to sit together to watch a movie or have a game night. Small sectionals simply have a chaise lounge on one side, while larger sectionals may have an L or U shape.

A sleeper sofa comes in handy when hosting friends or family. Sleeper sofas come in different sizes and configurations and can accommodate one or two sleepers.

Sofa frames are typically constructed from wood. Higher-end models will likely use hardwood frames, whereas more affordable couches may use engineered wood as a cheaper alternative. Avoid frames made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard because these materials are more likely to deteriorate over time. As an alternative to wood, some couches feature frames made from plastic or metal, both of which are durable options.

Couch cushions are typically filled with foam, polyester, or feathers. Foam and polyester are the best options for kid- and pet-friendly couches because feathers don’t dry out quickly if they become wet.

Most couches are available in a variety of colors, and when choosing a couch for a home with children, picking the right color is paramount. While it may seem obvious, it bears noting that white and cream-colored fabrics will inevitably be much more difficult to maintain, whereas mid-tone colors won’t show stains and pet hair as easily. Patterned and textured sofas are even more kid- and pet-friendly because they hide minor stains and imperfections. Since a couch is a major financial investment, it’s important to choose a color or pattern that is relatively timeless rather than something that’s trendy right now.

Now that you’ve learned more about the most durable couches for families, it’s time to start shopping. The following are some of our top picks for the best family couch. These recommendations were selected because of their kid-safe materials, quality construction, and excellent durability.

It’s hard to find a sofa that works with nearly any interior design style, but the West Elm Henry Sofa comes pretty close. It has a classic boxy frame, sits low to the ground on solid wooden legs, and features a sturdy frame made from kiln-dried engineered hardwood. The best part is that it’s available in dozens of different fabrics, from eco-friendly materials to performance materials that are designed to withstand the everyday wear and tear that’s typical in a busy family home. Shoppers can choose from plenty of colors, including lots of mid-tone options that hide pet hair and minor stains.

The seat cushions feature fiber-wrapped, high-resilience polyurethane foam cores with a medium firmness. They’re also flippable, which comes in handy if one side becomes stained or damaged over time. The back cushions are poly-fiber filled, and the covers zip off for ease of cleaning. Specific cleaning instructions vary based on the fabric.

Get the West Elm Henry sofa at West Elm.

The fabric covering the IKEA Kivik sofa is made from recycled polyester, making it a family-friendly choice that’s both economical and eco-friendly. Because it sits almost directly on the ground, it’s perfect for toddlers to climb onto, and since there’s little room underneath, toys won’t get lost underneath on a daily basis. One downside with the Kivik—and IKEA sofas in general—is that they’re available in only a few colors. The Kivik, for example, is available in four colors: gray/beige, gray turquoise, anthracite, and beige. Luckily, plenty of third-party companies sell covers that can be used to customize IKEA sofas.

The frame is made from a combination of fiberboard, solid wood, plywood, and particleboard The seat cushions are filled with high-resilience polyurethane foam and the back cushions are filled with polyester fiber balls.

Get the IKEA Kivik sofa at IKEA.

The best sectional for families should be durable and include a slipcover that’s easy to clean when accidents occur. The Big Sur Sectional from Pottery Barn is a popular option because of its appealing design and customizability. It has an oversize look that’s ultracozy, making it perfect for naps and movie nights. Shoppers can choose whether they want the chaise lounge on the left- or right-hand side depending on the configuration of their living room. They also have the ability to opt for bench seating or individual cushions based on their preference.

In order to keep this sofa as child-friendly as possible, it’s best to choose one of Pottery Barn’s many performance fabrics, which are designed to withstand plenty of wear and tear without incurring any damage.

Get the Pottery Barn sectional at Pottery Barn.

A sleeper sofa makes a great addition to any home, making for a multifunctional space that can be used for lounging or hosting guests as needed. Not all sleeper sofas, however, are made equally. To ensure guests get a good night’s sleep, consider the West Elm Urban Queen Sleeper Sofa, which features a memory foam-topped mattress that uses cooling gel to ensure optimal comfort, no matter the temperature. The mattress is queen-size, and the sofa itself is 89 inches long, meaning it can comfortably seat three people.

The wood frame and polyester-filled cushions ensure durability, while the removable covers can be professionally cleaned as needed. Shoppers can choose from dozens of upholstery options, including performance fabrics that are designed to withstand stains and tears.

Get the West Elm sleeper sofa at West Elm.

The West Elm Kids Foamnasium Blocksy Couch may not function as a primary living room couch, but its soft surface and low profile make it perfect for a kids’ room or playroom. It’s made up of four components: two folding bases and two wedge cushions that can be arranged in myriad ways.

Because the shell of this toddler sofa is made from 100 percent nylon, it can simply be wiped clean as needed. The material is antimicrobial and fire-retardant, making for an ultrasafe play structure. Both the shell and foam filling are Greenguard Gold certified, ensuring they don’t emit any harmful chemicals. The couch is available in five colors: mint, pewter, baby blue, pink, and gray.

Get the West Elm kids couch at West Elm.

Midcentury modern style may have originated decades ago, but it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Opting for a midcentury couch is a great option for a room with vintage flair, and this model from Burrow is our top pick for chic yet kid-friendly homes. The upholstery is made with a synthetic fabric called olefin, which is naturally scratch- and stain-resistant.

Shoppers have plenty of options for customizing their sofa, from the material used for the hairpin legs to the style of the arms and back cushions. The color selection is relatively limited with just five colors available, but there are a couple of mid-tone options that will conceal pet hair and minor stains.

Get the Burrow sofa sectional at Burrow.

Those furnishing a cozy, vintage-inspired space will appreciate the aesthetic of Interior Define’s Maxwell Fabric Sofa. It features English-style rolled arms and is available with ultradeep cushions, making for a comfortable and stylish product. It’s available with a variety of fabrics, and shoppers can customize the leg style, cushion style, cushion filling, length, and depth.

Interior Define’s line of performance fabrics come in a variety of styles but are all designed to hold up to wear and tear from kids and pets. These materials are tightly woven, durable, and easy to clean. It’s important to note that this sofa is upholstered and doesn’t feature removable slipcovers. The manufacturer recommends using water-free cleaning solvents when removing stains from the cushions.

Get the Interior Define sofa at Interior Define.

A modern leather sofa provides a high-end look to any living space and is actually a great choice for households with young children. Because any spills and stains can simply be wiped away, it’s easier to maintain than fabric. Sofas upholstered with top-grain leather, like this one from Abbyson, are even more durable and are also a good choice for dog owners. Cat owners, however, may do better with a fabric sofa that won’t be so easily damaged by sharp claws.

The cushions are filled with high-density foam, and a solid wood frame increases the sofa’s durability. It’s available in three colors: camel, espresso, and gray.

Get the Abbyson Holloway sofa on Overstock or Abbyson.

Those looking for the comfiest sofa available should consider a model with deep seat cushions, like this one from Crate & Barrel. The couches are available in two depths—41 and 46 inches—both of which are substantially deeper than the standard 35 inches seen in most sofas. Its large size allows users to curl up and relax and makes it ultracomfortable for an afternoon snooze.

The seat cushions are filled with soy-based polyfoam wrapped in a fiber-down blend, and the frame is designed to support cushions and eliminate sagging. Crate & Barrel offers 223 fabric options for upholstery, including nearly 200 that they categorize as kid- and pet-friendly. Care instructions vary based on the fabric chosen, but it’s important to note that this sofa does not have a removable slipcover.

Get the Crate & Barrel sofa at Crate & Barrel.

This stain-resistant couchis sleek and streamlined with on-trend angled legs that lend it a retro feel. The seat cushions are filled with a blend of foam and synthetic fibers, while the upholstery is woven with a polyester blend featuring a tight weave that won’t trap pet hair. The fabric is also UV-resistant, making it a great choice for sunny spaces.

One downside is that it’s available in only three colors—steel gray, light gray, and dust blue—but luckily all of them are kid-friendly hues that won’t show stains easily. The cushion covers are removable and can be cleaned with either water- or solvent-based cleaners.

Get the Upper Square Devale sofa on Wayfair.

After reviewing this guide, you now know more about shopping for a couch for kids. We recommend the West Elm Henry sofa for its quality construction and classic appearance. Those on a budget may appreciate the IKEA Kivik sofa, which offers terrific performance at a lower price point.

Years of experience covering home goods and furniture as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 40 sofa options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.

While you now know more about choosing the best couches for kids, you might still be looking for more information. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about buying the right couch for a busy family home.

A kid- and pet-friendly sectional is a great choice for a large household since it provides more seating than a standard three-seater sofa.

The most important factor when choosing durable couches for households with children is the material. Opt for a performance material made from a synthetic fabric like microfiber or polyester.

The most kid-friendly couch is made with a sturdy wood frame and has removable cushion covers that are upholstered in a performance fabric.

Couches typically last for between 7 and 15 years, though heavy wear and tear from kids and pets may shorten their lifespan.

Synthetic fabrics like microfiber and polyester are ideal for families because they’re designed to be stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Treated leather sofas are a great option for kids because they can easily be wiped down if a spill occurs. They aren’t, however, the ideal choice for pet owners because they can easily be scratched.

Natural materials like linen and cotton aren’t ideal for households with children because they stain easily and are trickier to clean.

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