Is Vinyl the Only Option? Discover Waterproof Upholstery Fabrics That Offer Style and Comfort

If you’re managing an aged care facility, you know the struggle: finding aged care furniture that’s waterproof, easy to clean, and, let’s be honest, doesn’t look like it belongs in a hospital. For years, vinyl has been the go-to for durability, but what if there were options that added more style without sacrificing practicality?

Let’s explore some fresh fabric choices that break the “vinyl mould” and give your facility that warm, welcoming feel – while still standing up to the everyday demands of aged care.

1. Polyurethane (PU): Softer, Stylish, and Ready for Residents

Vinyl can be a little… well, sticky. Enter polyurethane – or PU – a softer, flexible material that brings comfort and style to high-use areas.

Imagine This: Your residents are relaxing in a communal lounge. Instead of the typical vinyl armchairs, you have seating covered in soft PU fabric in warm, inviting tones. PU’s durability and softness make it perfect for lounges and relaxation areas, while still standing up to rigorous cleaning protocols.

Why It’s a Great Choice: PU fabrics are tough on germs but gentle on skin, with a more “homely” feel. Plus, they come in a range of colours and textures, so you can break away from the usual clinical look without losing the benefits of a waterproof fabric.

Advantages:

• Breathable and softer to the touch than vinyl.
• Available in a wide range of colours and textures.
• Offers antimicrobial properties, supporting hygiene standards.

Disadvantages:

• Less durable in very high-traffic or high-abrasion areas.
• Depending on the quality of the product, can be more expensive than traditional vinyl.
• Sensitive to certain cleaning agents; care is needed in cleaning protocols.

What does it look like?

Here are some EPU fabrics from our partner Materialised, featuring the Endurance range. Endurance EPU polyurethane is crafted with an advanced molecular structure that enhances performance while minimising environmental impact—ideal for contract, hospitality, healthcare, dental, motorhome, and marine applications.

2. Silicone-Based Fabrics: Safe for Residents, Kind to the Planet

If you’re looking for eco-friendly materials that still hold up in a busy facility, silicone-coated fabrics are worth a look.

Imagine This: The dining area gets a lot of action, and spills are inevitable. Chairs with silicone-coated fabric are easy to wipe down, but they also resist stains and odours. That means your dining room doesn’t just look cleaner – it smells fresher too.

Why It’s a Great Choice: Silicone fabrics aren’t just waterproof; they’re also resistant to bacteria and mildew. Plus, they’re free of PVCs and heavy metals, which makes them an environmentally conscious choice for facilities looking to reduce their impact.

Advantages:

• Highly resistant to staining, moisture, and UV damage.
• Hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of PVCs and plasticisers.
• Retains shape, colour, and performance even with heavy cleaning.
• Eco-friendly with no harsh chemicals, making it suitable for eco-conscious facilities.

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial cost compared to other options.
• Limited design choices compared to PU or Crypton?.

What does it look like?

Here are some examples from the Materialised Silica range. Silica is the only environmentally friendly alternative to vinyl and polyurethane in the industry. Developed over two years, this innovative coated fabric is made from silicone and contains no PVC or solvents, all while delivering high performance.

3. Crypton?: The Stain-Fighting Powerhouse

Need something that’s practically “spill-proof”? Crypton? is an innovative fabric with a built-in moisture barrier – perfect for high-traffic areas.

Imagine This: One of your residents accidentally spills a cup of coffee in the common area. With Crypton?, there’s no panic. A quick wipe, and it’s like the spill never happened. And, with odour resistance, Crypton? keeps areas smelling fresh even on the busiest days.

Why It’s a Great Choice: Crypton? combines stain, moisture, and odour resistance, making it ideal for facilities where accidents happen daily. Plus, it’s available in various textures and patterns, so you can keep things looking both stylish and functional.

Advantages:

• Built-in stain, moisture, and odour resistance.
• Available in a wide variety of textures, patterns, and colours, adding style to function.
• Effective at repelling liquids, making it easier to maintain over time.
• Odour resistance keeps communal spaces smelling pleasant.

Disadvantages:

• Usually more costly due to its advanced properties.
• Due to its waterproof properties, fabric texture can feel less “natural” than domestic type fabrics.
• May require specific cleaning solutions to maintain its moisture barrier properties.

What does it look like?

Here are some examples of Crypton fabric, some of which can be digitally printed with any pattern. Crypton is an elegant, soft, and beautiful choice for indoor spaces, featuring state-of-the-art water-based spill repellency and stain and soil release properties for easy cleaning and maintenance. It is designed to withstand high traffic in contract environments while resisting the growth of odor-causing microbes. Additionally, it includes a moisture barrier that protects seat cushions from liquids and is free from PFAS and other harsh chemicals. Crypton is GREENGUARD? Gold certified for low chemical emissions, with protection built into the fiber to ensure longevity. It is also EPA-approved for disinfection without bleach or harsh cleaners and is engineered for durability to extend the life of your furniture. Furthermore, it comes with a 5-year warranty for contract fabric use, making Crypton an excellent choice for both aesthetics and practicality.

4. Polyester Blends with Waterproof Backing: Looks Like Wool, Acts Like Vinyl

For those who want a soft, natural look without the upkeep, polyester blends offer a practical alternative with waterproofing power.

Imagine This: You’re designing a quiet lounge or family meeting area. Polyester blends give a cosy, wool-like look but can handle the demands of daily use in an aged care environment.

Why It’s a Great Choice: These fabrics come in different finishes and textures, allowing you to create a cosy, home-like atmosphere. They also resist mould and mildew, which is crucial for a busy, high-traffic facility.

Advantages:

• Available in a variety of finishes, from matte to satin, allowing for customised aesthetics.
• Cost-effective compared to other waterproof options.
• Resists mildew, moisture, and is well-suited for humid environments.
• Flexible and comfortable for extended seating periods.

Disadvantages:

• Less resistant to abrasion than PU or Crypton? in high-use areas.
• Can be susceptible to staining, especially with oil-based products.
• May not have the same degree of waterproofing as Crypton? or silicone-based fabrics.

5. Faux Leather/ PVC Vinyl: Luxury and Durability Rolled into One

Imagine This: Your reception area makes the first impression. Chairs upholstered in eco-friendly faux leather instantly elevate the look, providing that “wow” factor without the upkeep of real leather.

Why It’s a Great Choice: Faux leather is easy to wipe down, doesn’t crack as easily, and still delivers a polished, high-end look. It’s a great choice for areas where you want to make a positive impression, like lobbies or family meeting rooms.

Advantages:

• Water-resistant and easy to clean, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Retains a polished, high-end look without the upkeep of real leather.
• Durable and less prone to cracking than vinyl.
• Some eco-friendly options are available, making it a sustainable choice.

Disadvantages:

• Can feel firmer than fabrics like PU, which may affect comfort for some residents.
• Limited breathability compared to silicone and PU fabrics.
• Not as cost-effective as other options, particularly in high quantities.

What does it look like?

Here are some examples of faux leather from the Materialised Safe N Soft range. Safe N Soft is a waterproof faux leather upholstery that features the PreFixx? antimicrobial finish. For more detailed information, please visit our antimicrobial page and click on ‘PreFixx’ to access the downloadable specifications directly.

Key Considerations for Facility Managers

When selecting a fabric for aged care facilities, balancing comfort, style, and durability is essential. Here are a few tips to guide your choice:

• Match the Material to the Use: For high-traffic areas, consider options like Crypton? or silicone that can withstand constant use and cleaning. For lounges or relaxation spaces, PU or polyester blends provide a softer feel with suitable durability.
• Prioritise Hygiene Requirements: In areas prone to spills, fabrics with built-in antimicrobial properties and moisture barriers (like Crypton? or silicone) offer peace of mind and simplified cleaning.
• Consider Environmental Impact: If sustainability is a priority for your facility, eco-friendly choices like silicone-based fabrics and certain faux leathers can be beneficial.

A Stylish, Practical Alternative for Every Space

With the variety of waterproof fabrics available today, vinyl is no longer your only choice. By considering PU, silicone, Crypton?, polyester blends, and faux leather, you can design an environment that’s practical, stylish, and uniquely suited to the needs of your residents and staff.

We’d be happy to help you explore these options in detail and recommend the best fabric solutions for your facility – because every space deserves a little personality.