18 best outdoor cushions – add colour, pattern, and texture to garden seating (2024)

FAQs

What is the best outdoor cushion color? ›

Cool tones are those ranging from blue to green including purple. They are perfect for creating cosy and classic atmospheres as well as fresh and innovative atmospheres. These shades can be combined with their opposite or complementary colours – perfect for your outdoor furniture cushions!

The best fabric for outdoor cushions is polypropylene fabric. Polypropylene was one of the first marine fabrics due to the fact it had superior UV resistance compared to other fibers. Polypropylene is the best choice for outdoor cushions because it dries quickly when wet and has no dye sites.

Acrylic also stays cool in hot weather making it an excellent fabric choice for outdoor furniture. Olefin or known as polypropylene is a synthetic fibre. Since the colour of olefin is dyed into the yarn, it is highly resistant to staining and fading. If you are living in rainy areas, olefin is a great choice.

Dacron is a synthetic fibre that is often used as a filling for outdoor cushions. It is lightweight, quick-drying, and resists mildew and bacteria. Dacron filling also provides a soft, comfortable cushion that retains its shape well.

One of the most popular paint colors for outdoor furniture is blue. This color is often chosen because it is calming and can be used in a variety of settings, such as outdoors, gardens, and pools. Other popular paint colors for outdoor furniture include green, yellow, and purple.

The best paints for this project are those specifically designed for outdoor fabrics. While you could use regular acrylic or latex paint, they often won't last as long. Look for an outdoor fabric spray paint for the best results.

Outdura and Sunbrella are two of the leading manufacturers of solution-dyed outdoor fabrics. Both offer high-quality, long-lasting products made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic. These fabrics are ideal for outdoor upholstery, indoor upholstery, umbrellas and awnings.

Most patio chair cushions have a thickness of 2.5" – 4" depending on the overall size of the chair and your desired comfort level. Replacement cushions for deep-seat patio chairs should be at least 5.5" thick to provide optimal support.

The most durable outdoor fabrics are Sunbrella fabric and Tempotest Italian Performance Fabric. These are fabrics that manufacturers use for a variety of purposes, well beyond furniture.

Teak wood is derived from teak wood trees called Tectona grandis and is largely considered to be the gold standard for wooden outdoor furniture. As a premium material, teak is known for its durability and low maintenance needs. Teak is weather-resistant, repels moisture, and naturally deters pests such as termites.

What is the strongest material for patio furniture? ›

Teak also has the highest decay resistance of any natural wood, making it the go-to choice for building yachts, home exteriors, and, of course, outdoor furniture. So, with that, we know that aluminum, teakwood, and all-weather wicker are the ideal materials for your outdoor furniture needs.

Ideal Storage Conditions: Keep your cushions in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent sun damage.

Leaving outdoor cushions unattended overnight isn't the best practice. While some cushions come with water-resistant features, they're not immune to the effects of persistent exposure. It's advisable to store them inside or keep them under covers to shield them from dew, insects, and possible mold growth.

Polyester filled cushions are considered robust and sturdy as they tend to keep their shape; they are typically more popular as decorative accessories as they offer a practical use.

So, to answer the question, “Can I really have white cushions outdoors” the answer is ABSOLUTELY. While high quality outdoor cushions can take almost anything you and mother nature can throw at them, keep in mind that everyday dirt and grim are more visible on light color fabrics.

When cleaning outdoor cushions of any color, and indeed cleaning outdoor furniture frames, too, it's always important to check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before you begin. This is particularly important with cleaning white outdoor cushions because white can so easily gray and stain over time.

So what is the optimum color for your modern outdoor furniture? It's best to go a few shades darker than white, like beige or grey. This way, you don't get the dirt and grime issue that crops up when using white, but you still get that bright reflection to bring a crisp modern look to your backyard.