Faux leather upholstery fabrics are a mainstay in commercial and residential interiors alike, offering durability, design flexibility, and ease of maintenance. For hospitality, restaurant, and contract applications in particular, faux leather provides consistent performance without sacrificing aesthetics.

At Fishman’s Fabrics, we offer a curated range of PVC (vinyl) and polyurethane (PU) upholstery fabrics—each suited to different functional and design requirements. Understanding how these materials differ can help ensure the right specification for your project.

PVC (Vinyl) Upholstery: Performance-Driven by Design

PVC upholstery—commonly referred to as vinyl—is constructed by applying a polyvinyl chloride surface layer to a fabric backing. This material is engineered for long-term durability in demanding environments.

PVC vinyl is valued for:

• High abrasion resistance
• Excellent moisture and stain resistance
• Ease of cleaning and sanitation
• Dimensional stability in heavy-use settings

These characteristics make PVC vinyl a frequent choice for restaurant seating and banquettes, hotel lobbies and public spaces, bars, lounges, and nightclubs, and healthcare and other regulated environments. While vinyl offers a slightly firmer hand, advances in surface embossing and finishing allow for a wide range of refined textures and finishes appropriate for contemporary interiors.

Polyurethane (PU) Upholstery: Softness and Aesthetic Refinement

Polyurethane faux leather is produced by bonding a PU surface to a textile backing, resulting in a material with greater flexibility and a more leather-like hand.

PU upholstery fabrics offer:

• A softer, more supple feel
• Enhanced drape and comfort
• A closer visual resemblance to natural leather
• Greater breathability than PVC

These qualities make PU well suited for boutique hospitality environments, residential and light commercial upholstery, and accent seating and decorative applications. For projects where tactile comfort and visual authenticity are key considerations, polyurethane is often the preferred option.

PVC vs. PU: Key Specification Considerations

Leather-Enhanced PU and PVC Upholstery Options at Fishman’s Fabrics

In addition to traditional PVC and PU offerings, Fishman’s Fabrics carries specialty upholstery materials that integrate genuine leather into their construction, providing an elevated alternative for commercial and hospitality projects.

The Dodge City Vintage Vinyl features a 70% leather / 30% vinyl composition, combining the natural character of real leather with the performance benefits of vinyl. This material offers visual depth, subtle variation, and improved durability, making it suitable for statement seating in restaurants, lounges, and hospitality interiors.

The Old West Vinyl is a technically constructed upholstery fabric designed to balance comfort, appearance, and performance. It has surface composition of 100% Polyurethane and backing of Leather / Polyester / Cotton Blend. The polyurethane surface delivers a refined, leather-like aesthetic, while the blended backing enhances stability and longevity. This construction supports consistent performance in both commercial and residential upholstery applications.

Specifying with Confidence at Fishman’s Fabrics

Whether you’re designing for a high-traffic hospitality environment or sourcing upholstery for a refined interior, material selection plays a critical role in long-term performance. Fishman’s Fabrics offers a considered selection of PVC vinyls, polyurethane faux leathers, and leather-enhanced upholstery fabrics to support a wide range of project requirements.

Our team works closely with designers, upholsterers, and commercial clients to help identify materials that meet both aesthetic goals and functional demands, ensuring each project is specified with confidence.