9 Smart Kid- and Pet-Friendly Fabric Tips

Packed with saturated shades of coral and green, this light and bright family room features neutral, kid-friendly upholstery. For a wise investment in furniture fabric, consider pieces that work with a wide variety of color schemes.

When choosing a sofa for your family room, consider both cushion styles and configurations. Sofas with loose-back seat cushions allow you to simply unzip the covers and toss them in the wash; however, these cushions will lose their structure more quickly than those with fixed backs. Homes with more active kids and pets may opt for sofas with fixed backs since they're less likely to be regularly used. In most cases, though, removable seat cushions are always the most ideal choice for young families since they can be washed or flipped over in the event of an accident.

Interior designers suggest keeping all major upholstery pieces neutral, from sofas to armchairs to custom rugs. When staple pieces are neutral, stains or spills are less likely to show. An excellent color alternative to beige or tan is greige — a mix of beige and light gray.

When you're looking to add color to a high-traffic room, consider using it in a temporary way. Although this family room uses coral on the walls and window treatments, the main furnishings are neutral. To tie in the dominant color with the furniture, add throw pillows in saturated corals and pinks.

In need of a neutral tone but not interested in beige, tan or cream? Consider a new breed of neutral hues that offer just enough saturation to add color to a space, yet have enough white undertones to keep them subdued and understated. Sage green is a beautiful tone that works well in both kid and adult spaces. Plus, it's just as masculine as it is feminine.

Texture plays a key role in the practicality of upholstery fabric. Any time light or bright-colored fabrics are used for pillow or seating, it's best to opt for coarse or nubby textures to help hide flaws. Fabrics with smooth or flat textures are less forgiving of mishaps, like spills or smudges.

Add carefree comfort to the family room with box floor cushions made from indoor-outdoor fabric. Often made from acrylic, these cozy cushions are stain-resistant, fade-resistant and can be cleaned with a hose.

To minimize pet hair on upholstered furniture and window treatments, keep oversized lint rollers on hand. These are twice the thickness than standard lint rollers and will remove more pet hair from your favorite furnishings.

In rooms occupied by kids and pets, slipcovered seating is a smart choice. This breakfast nook is equipped with seating for six. If kids spill their drinks or drop crumbs on the chairs, there's nothing to worry about; the slipcovers can simply be removed, washed and re-fastened. For an extra carefree approach, consider indoor-outdoor fabrics.