From dogs and cats to rabbits and guinea pigs, pets can bring great joy to a home. However, having a pet means understanding how to live with the animal while maintaining your home’s look and functionality. At Altra Home Décor, serving the greater Phoenix area, we’ve helped numerous clients achieve the right balance for a home with pets. Read on to learn about some pet-friendly suggestions, and be sure to speak with one of our consultants for more ideas about your particular situation.

Features to Keep in Mind

When you start your search for pet-friendly window fashions, look for a few key features. For example, look for an option that resists chewing, tears, and scratches. You’ll probably also want something that’s easy to clean; with pets around, stains and animal hair are likely, so you’ll want to keep on top of it. Finally, think safety first: dangling cords can present a choking hazard, especially to young puppies and cats of all ages, who will likely try to play with the cord. Choose a cordless option that will keep your treatment looking great and safer for playful pets.

Treatments to Explore

Although a number of Hunter Douglas window fashions work well for homes with pets, these are the ones we recommend the most often:

• Interior Shutters. Palm Beach^™ Polysatin^™ Shutters are designed to withstand both the incredible intensity of the Arizona sun and the wear and tear pets can cause. They are UV-resistant, water-resistant (great for dogs that slobber), and built with internal aluminum bracing and resin blocks for superior strength. Plus, they’re easy to clean and add sophistication to any space.
• Roller Shades. Designer Roller Shades from Hunter Douglas are one of the most affordable and versatile window treatments on the market today. They’re designed with one continuous panel that rolls up into the headrail so that it is no longer visible on the window. Sleek, minimalist, and with clean lines, roller shades complement nearly any décor and come with a range of cordless operating systems.
• Vertical Blinds. Somner® Vertical Blinds come in vinyl, fabric, and aluminum in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can make an aesthetic statement while adding practical protection. Damaged slats are easy to replace, so pet-related wear won’t affect the treatment as a whole.

Tips to Extend Your Treatment’s Condition

It’s always important to maintain your window treatments, and that importance increases if you have pets. Be sure to regularly clean, dust, and remove pet hair according to the instructions for the treatment you have. Consider using non-toxic specialty sprays or other products that discourage chewing or other interaction; just test in a hidden area first to make sure the product won’t stain before you apply it everywhere.

Pet-Friendly Window Fashions in the Greater Phoenix Area

Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!