Faux leather Vinyl fabric is great for upholstery and accessories such as bags and belts. It’s popular for covering seats, cushions, and boat interiors. Flannel backed vinyl and clear vinyl are popular for protective table covers, and most vinyl can easily be wiped down to clean up spills. Depending on the backing, some vinyl fabrics have a stretch in them, which makes it easier for upholstering furniture. Vinyl is sometimes called faux leather because it’s a great alternative to real leather.