How to choose your outdoor cushions?

Once upon a time, outdoor furniture had no charm; it evoked no emotion. We saw shiny, rubbery plastics trying to pass as furniture, chairs that looked like children's toys, and strange, mysterious materials that have probably since been banned.

Fortunately, we've moved past this dark period in outdoor furniture history. Today's furniture features durable yet beautiful materials, modern styles, and, most importantly, comes with accessories like outdoor cushions that can be used indoors.

But when our cushions move outdoors, it can be hard to know exactly how to choose and care for these soft bundles of joy. That's where we come in.

We'll explain everything you need to know to choose the right outdoor cushions for your space and lifestyle, as well as how to care for and extend the life of these plush accessories.

1) Before Buying

If you're just starting to save outdoor furniture ideas on your Pinterest board, there are a few things to know before committing to a specific look. Just like indoor furniture, some pieces are better suited depending on each person, situation, and environment.

Maybe you love the look of a particular fabric or cushion, but you know you're too busy (or lazy) to clean it regularly. Maybe you love the idea of spending the whole summer sleeping on an outdoor lounge chair, but recognize you're more of a sit-and-snack person. Whatever you're looking for, there's a cushion for you. Consider the following questions:

- Where do you live? Your geographical location might mean more rain than you're willing to protect your cushions from. Or, conversely, too much sun, risking the color fading over time. Make sure you're ready to dedicate a little extra time to prevention (protective covers, anyone? Yes, please!) and that you have enough storage space to shelter your cushions when the weather demands it.

- Where will the product be placed? Is there a perfect spot where you'll set up your outdoor seating area? Keep this kind of information in mind when shopping for your outdoor furniture. Fallen leaves, tree sap and debris, and pollution can leave stains and marks on your furniture if not cleaned regularly, while a protective overhang will allow you to be more forgiving with cushion cleaning.

- How often are you willing to clean? Are you able to dedicate a little time to maintaining and cleaning your outdoor furniture? If so, you're ready to enjoy the comfort of outdoor cushions. If you really don't want to spend a single minute cleaning or maintaining (no judgment!), then a few chairs or something else will do. There are no wrong answers here.

Don't think about how you think you're supposed to spend your time outdoors. Instead, think about what an ideal day spent in your outdoor space looks like to you. For example, if you like to put your feet up and relax outdoors, you'll probably want an outdoor sofa with cushions on the back and armrests to lean on.

If you use your outdoor space as a place for happy hour with friends, or if you're more comfortable in a seated position, an outdoor armchair set or a sofa with storage space will be perfect for your setup.

In fact, you need to think about how much padding you'll need. Whether you need full-body comfort, adjustable chair cushions, or simply padding for your evening chairs, there's a wide variety of soft and stylish outdoor furniture available.

2) Cushion Filling

A) Consider All Cushions

Before you started your search for outdoor furniture, you probably hadn't thought about the materials cushions are made from.

Knowing this, our team works hard to ensure that the materials used to create our outdoor cushions can withstand the elements. And while this doesn't mean you should leave them out during a hail and wind storm (more on that later), it does mean you can be confident they'll be much more forgiving when a surprise spring shower arrives uninvited.

B) Foam and Cushion

You may remember sleeping on foam mattresses during childhood sleepovers, but the foam used in our outdoor cushions is a different beast entirely.

Most outdoor seat cushions are filled with high-density foam. High-density foam is resilient and resistant to deformation, meaning you'll spend less time fluffing your outdoor seat cushions and more time simply sitting.

That's why it's perfect for everyday use and high-traffic areas. Spent the afternoon sipping lemonades on your balcony? An outdoor cushion cover is ideal for resting your head and relaxing!

C) Polyester Fiber Filling

Now we're getting more technical in our article. Can you imagine the popularity you'll gain when you drop this polyester knowledge at your next happy hour? Whoa. Leave some for the rest of us, pal.

Remember this: Back cushions on outdoor furniture are typically filled with foam, polyester fibers, or a combination of foam and polyester fibers (also called polyester fiberfill or polyfill).

Polyfill is a soft and comfortable material commonly used in outdoor furniture due to its non-allergenic and mildew-resistant properties. It's often contained within a waterproof and water-resistant fabric.

3) What Fabrics?

A) Polyester

Polyester, one of the most common outdoor fabrics, is a top choice for good reason. You might immediately think of the scratchy fabric your mom dressed you in, but today's polyester is soft, stylish, and versatile.

It's resistant to stretching and scratching, easy to clean, mildew and rot resistant, and lightweight. In short, everything you could want in an outdoor cushion fabric. For example, the sea cushion cover in polyester fabric, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use!

B) Olefin

Ole what? Olefin is another popular outdoor cushion fabric, known for its smooth texture and durability. When you or your kids decide to sit on your sofa after cooling off in the pool or after a run through the sprinkler, you can relax knowing that olefin fabric is not only water-resistant but also quick-drying.

Because it can be produced in a wide variety of colors, weaves, textures, and styles, olefin is a great way to add interest to your outdoor space.

C) Acrylic

No, we're not talking about your nails. Acrylic is another fabric you'll encounter when looking for the perfect outdoor cushions and furniture. It resists wrinkles, fading, and mildew, meaning it's ideal for all sorts of climates.

If you want to sip a drink on your trendy armchair, go for it. Just make sure to clean up anything you spill.

4) Cushion Care and Cleaning

A) Prevention

It's easier to brush your teeth daily than to deal with cavities, right? When it comes to your outdoor cushions, the same principle applies: Prevention is key.

Here are some proactive steps you can take to avoid any regrets about outdoor cushions:

- Keep them out of direct, prolonged sunlight. I can already hear the questions. "What's the point of having outdoor furniture if it can't be in the sun?". Okay, let's clarify: while the fabrics used for outdoor pillows and cushions are more fade-resistant than most indoor fabrics, they're not magic. Leave them alone when not in use and store them indoors or under a protective cover. Think of it as sunscreen for your outdoor cushions. SPF now stands for "Super Protected Furniture".

- Protect them from the elements. You're not really fighting to sit outside and enjoy strawberry margaritas in a downpour – and neither are your outdoor cushions. Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bring your cushions indoors, store them in a dry, airtight box, or protect them with a waterproof furniture cover. Outdoor furniture covers are also very useful for protecting your cushions from dirt like tree sap and bird droppings.

- Fluff them regularly. If your outdoor cushions have been stored away for the winter, they need a little fluffing to refresh them. Or, if you prefer a certain seat over others and notice it's a bit dented and saggy, a good fluff will restore it to its original glory. Fluffing doesn't just make them look fresh; it also extends the life of your outdoor cushions by helping to distribute the cushion filling evenly, ensuring even wear on all cushion surfaces. This also helps protect your outdoor furniture frame from direct contact and wear.

B) Outdoor Cushion Cleaning Tips

Even with everyone being careful, some messes are inevitable. Here's how to deal with some problems after the fact.

Clean regularly. We're not saying you need to deep-clean your outdoor cushions every time you want to relax outside, but a little general maintenance won't hurt anyone.

It's not pleasant to sit on dusty leaves, dried dirt, or any other gifts from Mother Nature. So we recommend taking a soft-bristled brush (or the small brush that comes with your dustpan) and regularly sweeping off your outdoor cushions. This minimizes the risk of dirt or dust embedding itself in the fabric and causing abrasions or deep stains.

Treat spills and stains. If some of your gourmet ranch dip escapes your chip, you're not out of luck. Use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Then, mix a tiny bit of dish soap in a jar or bowl of water, and dip a soft cloth into only the suds. Gently dab the soapy mixture into the stain, then let it air dry completely.

Machine wash if necessary. If you want a deep clean, most of our outdoor cushion covers are removable and machine washable. Just be sure to read the cleaning instructions for your specific item to ensure your washing machine doesn't damage the fabric. Use a mild detergent and hang to dry.

Even if you try to prevent damage and clean up messes immediately, accidents happen. If you'd like another chance with your outdoor cushions, you can contact us to purchase replacement cushion covers for most of our outdoor items.

Add style with outdoor cushions and a blanket for cool summer nights.
Now that you know what to look for in your ideal outdoor cushions – and how to keep them clean and fresh – it's time to start planning your dream patio.

Prepare your Pinterest board, check Instagram for inspiration, and get your game plan ready. It's time to get comfortable.