Splurge vs. Save: The Ultimate Guide to Furnishing a Home for New Parents

Flooring costs will floor you, folks. Even the most budget-friendly materials can come with a hefty price tag depending on the square footage of your home. Our top tip? Invest in floors that cater to your family and lifestyle. Engineered hardwoods are our go-to for pet and human parents alike because, unlike traditional hardwoods, engineered flooring is crafted specifically to be moisture blocking and scratch resistant. In other words, scratchy paws and sticky fingers don’t stand a chance against these dreamy and durable floors.

Not ready to splurge on new floors? Pet proof and child guard your current floor situation with a few easy-to-clean area rugs. Avoid unsightly rips and unsavory scents by sticking to a low-pile rug that you can easily vacuum and spot clean. Outdoor rugs are great picks because they are, quite literally, designed to withstand the elements. What more could you hope for in a rug that’s going toe-to-toe with your toddler and/or terrier mix?

Leather sofas are your best bet for comfort and style during the stage of your life that’s heavily influenced by drooling dogs and/or dirty diapers. The durable material has long been associated with high-end furniture and for good reason. Leather is beloved by many because of its natural resistance to punctures and tears. Another biggie? Unlike your dream linen sofa, leather furniture is ultra-easy to wipe clean after accidents.

Save your beloved sofa from BC (before children) with a stylish slipcover. Choose your slipcover in a resilient fabric like canvas and pick a hue that minimizes the wear and tear of everyday life. Hot tip: Select a shade that matches your pets’ coats to better disguise the remnants of their seasonal shedding.