The Best Patio Furniture Cushions

Buying Guide

If you have patio furniture, you likely already know the health benefits of outdoor time. A little sun exposure each day can boost Vitamin D levels, improving your overall well-being.

But if you’re like many people, your outdoor seating can leave much to be desired — after all, it has to endure all kinds of weather, which maybe makes it less comfortable than you would like. Fortunately, you can easily upgrade your patio furniture, whether it’s by replacing an existing cushion or adding a new cushion to a chair that doesn’t have one. With a little careful measuring and some shopping around, you can dramatically upgrade the look and feel of your patio furniture.

When looking for furniture cushions, you’ll want to make sure that they fit properly. You might need to take some measurements and consider the type of chair you’re using. Wicker furniture offers a little more leeway in terms of size, while metal patio furniture sometimes needs a very specific type of cushion.

There’s also the area you’re covering with your cushion. Do you only need something to cover the seat, or does your back need support, too? If you need back and bottom support, you can find matching sets that will look as though they were made just for your chairs.

There are some other things to consider with outdoor cushions. The biggest challenge with outdoor furniture is that it’s exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means you’ll need both fabric and filling that can handle moisture without collecting mold or losing shape. The fabric itself will need UV protection if the cushion will be in direct sunlight, especially with brighter colors. You won’t want that color to fade too quickly.

Outdoor furniture will unavoidably accumulate dirt and grime over the months and years. With some types of outdoor fabrics, you can simply wipe the stains clean with a soapy washrag. But this can be inconvenient for a true cleaning. For that, cushions that have removable covers can be a better choice.

• If you have multiple chairs, you might want to buy cushions that are sold in sets. Buying in pairs could save you some money over purchasing single items.
• The amount of cushioning can vary dramatically from one seat cushion to another. If you prefer to sink into your chair, look for one with extra cushioning.
• If you’re eco-conscious, cushions are available that use filling made from recycled materials. This can help you reduce your carbon footprint while also creating comfortable seating for yourself, your family and your guests.
• Reversible cushions can come in handy. If you come outside on one of those dewy mornings, you can reverse the cushion for a dry place to sit. These can also help if your cushion gets dirty and you want to put off cleaning it a little longer.
• A cushion’s filling can move around and sometimes even bunch up. A top-quality cushion will be constructed to ensure that the fill stays in place over years of use.
• UV protection and water resistance are vital in any outdoor cushioning, but that protection doesn’t always protect against fading. For best results, keep your patio furniture out of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a covered patio, there are sun-shade options or table umbrellas you can buy that will keep your cushions out of the sun.
• You aren’t limited to chair cushions, of course. You can also find seat and back cushions for loveseats and outdoor sofas. Separate cushions work but you may prefer one long cushion that covers the entire seating area.
• Furniture cushions are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Shop around until you find the look that fits your personal tastes and outdoor décor.