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While we may believe our sweet pooch is perfectly trained or that our new puppy is too small to do any real damage, it’s still good to do some research before ending up with a living room anchored by a hair-covered, expensive velvet mistake. Certain fabrics are too tempting to scratch, while particular furniture pieces can prove a safety hazard. To find out what types of furniture your four-legged friend is most likely to destroy, we consulted dog experts and design pros. Read on to learn what dog parents should avoid–and what choices are up to the task.

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Velvet and other luxe fabrics

Though velvet upholstery, whether antique or modern in style, is a designer favorite, this plush fabric is a magnet for pet hair, is easily destroyed, and can be challenging to clean and repair. Many other luxe fabrics pose similar problems.

“Unquestionably, the worst textiles to have in your home if you have cats and dogs are silk, velvet, linen, suede, and tweed. In addition to being delicate and/or prone to snagging, most of these materials can’t withstand water or the enzymatic cleaners that are typically suggested for cleaning up pet stains,” explains Leonardo Gomez, CEO of Runball, a company that sells dog treats and toys.

Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home, concurs. “Cleaning dog hair from furniture is one issue that arises when you have dogs. Avoid using materials like corduroy, mohair, velvet, or chenille that are prone to attracting pet hair.” And when choosing a hue, keep the color of your pet in mind. You don’t want to buy a black sofa if you have a fluffy white dog.

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Leather (sometimes)

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