Vinyl Fabric: Superbly Synthetic

Though once considered tacky, vinyl fabric is now being used in many different ways around the house. It can be found in blinds and awnings, and is becoming an accepted, and even desired, material for furniture, both indoor and outdoor. Vinyl fabric has many characteristics that help it perform as well as (or in some cases, even better than) the natural material it is replicating or replacing.

Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl has made a space for itself in the home around windows and sliding doors. Vinyl blinds are extremely popular because of their cost effectiveness and their flexibility. They are much less expensive than wooden blinds and are more appealing (and less likely to cut you) than metal ones. Vertical blinds are the contemporary choice for large windows or glass doors. Vertical vinyl blinds are common, as are vertical fabric blinds. Vertical blinds are sometimes made with vinyl fabric or come with a vinyl (PVC) backing to increase the amount of light they block, as well as to provide better insulation.

Outdoor Vinyl Fabric
To see vinyl fabric perform at its best, you'll need to leave the house (or at least look out a window). Outdoors, where the elements play a bigger factor, tough, resilient materials are preferred. Vinyl fabric is very resistant to water, especially when compared to a material like cotton. It is also able to handle heat and cold with relative ease.

Additionally, vinyl fabric is easy to clean, and can often be hosed down. This makes it an excellent choice for awnings, patio furniture, and convertible tops on cars. Vinyl fabric is also used for car interiors as upholstery and can have the look and feel of leather at a lower cost (and without an animal hide).

Vinyl Fabric Indoors
Aside from its use in blinds, vinyl fabric has long been used as a tablecloth because of its easy maintenance and water resistant surface. These tablecloths are especially good for households with small children. As you can imagine, kids and fine linen at the same dinner table are a risky combination to say the least.

In addition to the now classic, clear vinyl cushion covers, vinyl has made its way into the living room in a slightly subtler manner. On furniture, vinyl fabric is commonly used when the look and feel of leather is desired, but the real thing is not due to budget (or moral) restraints. It performs in much the same way as the genuine article. Some would have difficulty differentiating between a high-end vinyl product and actual leather.

Recognizing Quality Vinyl Fabric
Vinyl fabric has as many, if not more, grades than do natural materials. Certainly, you can judge by price with fair accuracy, but there are some other things to look for as well. Higher quality vinyl fabric is generally smooth and has a soft surface. The rougher and less uniform the surface is, the more likely you are to be looking at a lower end product. Cheaper vinyl fabric is not as durable, and is also more difficult to clean. To get the real benefits of this material, you may have to go up a grade or two.