You love your home. You love your pets. But if you’ve ever watched your dog track his muddy paws across your curtains or your cat turn your blinds into a climbing frame, you’ll know that keeping your windows looking stylish is easier said than done.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between pet-friendly and show home-worthy. You just need to pick the right fabrics, styles, and finishes that work with your life (and your four-legged housemates).

Here’s what every pet owner should know about choosing the right curtains and blinds.

What to Avoid If You’ve Got Pets

Let’s start with the don’ts. Long, puddling curtains might look romantic in the showroom, but they’re basically a playground for pets. Cats climb. Dogs chew. And anything that trails along the floor is a magnet for fur and dirt.

Delicate fabrics like silk or sheer voile won’t survive a single swipe from sharp claws. And blinds with hanging cords not only attract curious cats, but they’re also a real safety hazard.

Ready-made curtains that don’t fit properly are another issue, as all that extra fabric just invites pets to mess with them. Go made-to-measure, and you eliminate those tempting gaps and flappy edges.

Pet-Friendly Curtain Fabrics and Styles

The best curtain fabrics for pet owners are ones that can handle a bit of mess. Think cotton blends, linen-look polyesters, or anything with a tight weave that won’t snag easily.

Patterns or textured fabrics are also your friend. They’re much better at hiding paw prints, pet hair, or little marks than a solid cream or plain pastel (ever tried to get a muddy paw print out of a white towel? Nightmare).

Style-wise, go for eyelet or pencil pleat headers as they hang neatly and are harder for pets to grab or pull on. If your pets are particularly energetic, consider a shorter curtain drop that doesn’t touch the floor.

Blinds That Work Well with Pets

Roman blinds are a great shout, as they’re smooth, simple, easy to clean and have no cords. Roller blinds are another solid choice, especially in rooms where your pets roam during the day. They’re sleek, discreet, and harder for pets to mess with (especially when made to measure).

Vertical blinds? They work in some homes, but just be warned, some cats love swishing through them like they’re part of the game, so prepare to lose a few of those bottom chains.

No matter what style you go for, look for wipeable finishes or easy-clean linings. These make life way easier when your dog inevitably drools on your blinds or your cat brings in half the garden.

Stylish Homes (and Pets) Can Co-Exist

Believe us when we say, you can have a gorgeous space without constantly yelling “Get off the curtains”! Choose fabrics that fit your lifestyle, make smart style decisions, and you’re good to go.

If you’re not sure how to keep your new curtains or blinds looking their best, don’t worry. We’ve got handy care guides available on our website to walk you through it.

Buy Your Made-to-Measure Curtains from The Sewing House

Pets are part of the family, but so is a well-dressed window. Buy your made-to-measure curtains and blinds from The Sewing House for pet-friendly fabrics, expert fit, and zero compromise on style.