Depending on the weather, outdoor furniture transforms your home’s exterior into its own unique living space for you and your family to enjoy. In addition to lounge chairs, chaise lounges, sofas, loveseats, benches, and ottomans, outdoor furniture often includes outdoor cushions to provide added comfort. Depending on your taste and style, outdoor cushions come in a variety of colors and materials.
To keep their appearance and feel, your outdoor cushions must be cleaned and maintained just like your indoor furniture. With a little care, your patio cushions will look and last longer. Although outdoor materials are purposely made to stand up to harsh weather conditions, you can make them look even better.
Things to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Cushions
When it comes to outdoor cushions, there are several options, and you should consider certain factors before making your final choice.
Price. What is your budget for outdoor cushions? Although more expensive materials tend to last longer and have better weather resistance, not all of us have a big budget for cushions they will use only during certain seasons. Choose cushions that are within your budget, and you will narrow your choices.
Weather. Your outdoor cushions will be affected greatly by the weather where you live. What is the humidity like in your area? Does it rain a lot in your area? How long will the cushions sit in direct sunlight? The weather has different effects on different materials used outdoors, even though they were intended to be used outdoors.
Effort. How often do you vacuum your couch cushions? When choosing an outdoor cushion material, consider how much time you are willing and able to spend maintaining it throughout the year.
Longevity. Do you plan on keeping your patio cushions for a long time? Changing your cushions regularly to freshen up your space is popular among some people, but if you’re planning to make long-term investments in cushions, opt for a stronger material. Your individual preference may affect the time you are going to use your cushions, but the type of material that is best should be determined by how long you plan to use it.
Storage. Are you planning to keep your outdoor cushions outside year-round, or are you going to store them indoors during the winter? You should choose an outdoor cushion that will stand up to the wear and tear your cushions will experience.
How to Choose Outdoor Furniture Cushions
1. Measure the furniture to determine the size of the cushions
Before throwing away your old cushions, measure them first to ensure that you get new cushions that fit perfectly. If you’re replacing a cushion, make sure it matches its shape, thickness, width, and length.
The furniture itself can be measured if you don’t have the old outdoor cushions, or if you never had any on your patio furniture. You will need a tape measure to take exact measurements of every seat you plan on reupholstering.
Make sure the new cushions fit snugly by paying special attention to the shape of each seat when measuring. Your seats may not fit well with cushions with square backs if they have curved backs. If you can’t find an exact match, consider a cushion that is roughly the right shape even if you can’t find an exact match.
2. Select the Right Cushions for Your Chairs
There are two types of cushions for outdoor chairs: one-piece and two-piece. A one-piece cushion can be draped over a chair’s seat or can be used to cover both the chair’s seat and back. With two-piece sets, one cushion sits at the seat of the chair, and the other rests at its back.
Cushions made for outdoor use can sit loosely on a piece of furniture, or they can be secured with ties or buttons. It may appear that the second design is more convenient, but the cushions must either be attached to an exposed arm or bench frame for it to work.
3. The Best Cushions for Outdoors are Made of Outdoor Materials
Due to exposure to sunlight and harsh weather, outdoor cushions usually wear out after a few years. If you get cushions that are built to last, you can slow the process down. Consider these key features before you buy an outdoor cushion:
UV protection – Homeowners who live in an area with high summer temperatures and lots of sunshine should take special precautions against UV damage.
Water resistance – During periods of heavy rains or high humidity, water-resistant outdoor cushions are less likely to develop mold.
Durable fill – Foam and polyester fibers that make up the filling are strong and designed to withstand repeated use and drying.
All these features make cushions made with these features last longer than those without.
4. Choose the Best Color and Pattern for Your Furniture
Cushions for outdoor use must both look good and perform well. It’s important to find options that complement the style, placement, and color of your patio furniture. Try a cream-colored button-tufted cushion with a brown patio chair for outdoor dining. If you prefer a nautical theme for your outdoor cushions, stripes are a good choice. Consider the use of a smooth and complementary colored cushion for a more aesthetically pleasing chair. No matter what style you prefer, you can find outdoor cushions that will fit right in.
5. Accessorize With Your Cushions
Complement your outdoor cushions by purchasing matching accessories. Create a unified look with cushions, stools, umbrellas, and planters that match. A rug in the same colors as your cushions can do a lot to make your patio look cohesive and relaxing. Your color scheme can be embellished by playing with different planters’ shapes and sizes. Learn how to style your outdoor patio with The Best Outdoor Planters.
Types of Outdoor Fabric
Mold and mildew can damage cushions made from outdoor materials. However, each has its own properties that protect the cushion. In addition to waterproofing and UV resistance, it is important to look for strength, comfort, and durability in an outdoor cushion. Despite this, not all outdoor fabrics are created equal. Make sure you are buying cushions that suit your needs by reviewing the types of fabrics available before purchasing.
Vinyl: Vinyl is a plastic material made from PVC that is inexpensive. Water resistance and easy cleaning are properties of this material. The vinyl material generally feels plastic-like and can be uncomfortable, and it may get very hot if exposed to direct sunlight for hours on end. Cover vinyl cushions when not in use if you choose them.
Cotton canvas: Cotton canvas is softer compared to vinyl, but it’s still durable enough to withstand being exposed to the outdoors. Colors and patterns are available in many different colors, making it an inexpensive option. Canvas cotton will not, however, withstand water. If the weather is wet, you’ll need to protect your cushions by covering them and adding Scotchgard. It is not recommended to use cotton canvas for cushions that will be stored away for an extended period, because they may mold and mildew in storage.
Texteline: Texteline is woven from polyester fibers coated with PVC, enhancing its strength. Water-resistant and resistant to rips, Texteline is an outdoor fabric that is mid-grade. In the sun, texteline cushions tend to get hot and the colors fade as the plastic element heats up.
Sunbrella: Although Sunbrella fabric is more expensive, it is also the best fabric in terms of durability and longevity. The material used in Sunbrella is solution-dyed acrylic, which means both the outside and the inside are colored. Sunbrella is therefore fade-resistant. Furthermore, it is mold and mildew-resistant, as well as chlorine-safe.
Olefin: Another strong, but expensive fabric is olefin. Similar to Sunbrella, it is completely resistant to fading, water, mold, and mildew as well as chlorine. Outdoor cushions can also be made from olefin, which is commonly known as an umbrella fabric. Investing in covers made of Olefin or Sunbrella is a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan on using your cushions frequently.
Clean and Care of Patio Cushions
For instructions on how to properly clean and care for your outdoor cushions, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions in order not to void any existing warranties. Cleaning instructions can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website, or you can contact the customer service department for guidance.
When cleaning outdoor materials on a regular basis or on a spot, a mixture of mild soap, water, and gentle scrubbing should do the job. Let the cushions completely dry before using them or storing them, since any unseen moisture could lead to mold and mildew. It is possible to machine wash some outdoor cushions that have removable covers. Some cushions and brands call for the use of bleach. Check the cleaning instructions. To prevent damage to your cushions, always follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Do a spot test on a hidden piece of the material if you are uncertain about a particular cleaning chemical.
General Care & Cleaning Tips for Upholstery
To ensure your upholstered furniture maintains its new appearance for years to come, it is important to know the right cleaning techniques after purchasing it.
Follow these simple cleaning tips to ensure your couch, chair, or ottoman will provide you with years of enjoyment.
- Make sure the fabric cleaner you use also deodorizes, is safe for your fabric and does not contain harsh chemicals. Before cleaning furniture, lightly brush or vacuum it. While you clean, dirt will not be able to enter the fabric.
- Stains should be cleaned with a cleanser. Do not scrub or rub too hard when cleaning.
- You can remove the remaining cleanser with a damp sponge after a minute or two.
- Ensure that the fabric is thoroughly dried after cleansing. A window or fan near your furniture can speed up the drying process.
- If you have animals or small children, you may want to consider using a cover to protect your furniture. You will avoid stains this way.
- Your upholstered piece needs to be lightly brushed or vacuumed every week to remove dirt. The fabric will stay cleaner and require less care if the dirt is prevented from entering.
- Your cushions will wear evenly if you rotate them or reverse them frequently. Additionally, you’ll be able to detect stains sooner. Be sure to clean your upholstery with a weak solution if you see a stain.
Even if caring for your upholstered furniture is not always easy, you will reap the rewards in the end. A properly maintained upholstered fabric can retain its appearance for many years.
Silk Fabric Care & Cleaning
It’s recommended to dry clean silk items, but you may prefer to wash them by hand. To maintain your silk’s appearance, make sure you follow these guidelines.
Hand-Washing Silk Fabrics
- Prior to washing, check the color fastness. You can do this by placing a small portion of silk in lukewarm or cold water. Then place white cotton fabric on top of the silk and press with a warm iron. If there is any other color transfer from the silk to the white fabric, do not wash it.
- Items made from silk should not be bleached or boiled.
- When hand-washing light colored silk in warm water, use a cleaning solution that is designed for delicate lingerie.
- For a thorough rinse, use hot water three times.
- Put a clean, dry towel over your silk item to remove excess water. Don’t leave your silk wrinkled.
- Make sure that your silk item is not directly exposed to the sun or heat. Using a cool iron, press your silk after it has been evenly dampened. Don’t put too much pressure on seams.
- Avoid using a steam iron or trying to re-dampen the silk.
- The right side should be finished off lightly.
- Color fastness cannot be guaranteed because dark colors are obtained by adding coloring matters. Darker shades should therefore be used with caution.
For specific brands, please consult the product individual cleaning instructions on the fabric manufacturer’s website.