While researching the best outdoor cushions, we evaluated products on their size, material, durability, overall comfort, and ease of cleaning. The Sweet Home Collection Patio Cushions are our best overall pick thanks to their stylish design, comfortable seat, and durable cover. Here are the best outdoor cushions to suit various pieces of furniture. The polyester covers provide some resistance to water, stains, and fading. However, these cushions lack one key feature: ties to secure them in place. Not surprisingly, the cushions may tend to slide off if chairs aren’t completely dry. It’s a good idea to bring them indoors if rain or wind is expected. Available in a variety of solid colors and striped designs, you can be sure to find the perfect match for your patio decor. They come in packs of two, four, six, or 12, allowing you to cover an entire set of chairs. These cushions are machine washable, but it may be best to spot clean as needed with a damp cloth. Note that these particular pillows have a unique shape—they measure 19 x 19 inches square and they’re rounded at the back. The U-shaped design doesn’t fit every patio chair. However, Perfect Pillow offers this same pillow in a variety of styles, including lumbar and throw versions. With that many choices, you’re likely to find the right fit for almost any piece of furniture. Plus, you can buy matching cushions for an entire patio set. For easy cleanup, these pillows can be spot-cleaned or hand washed with mild detergent and cool water. The seat cover has a zipper closure for easy removal, and it’s machine washable. One set of cushions fits most standard-sized patio chairs. Multiple cushions can be placed side by side to cover a larger area. Depending on your furniture’s measurements, you could order two sets for a loveseat or three for a sofa. The cost could add up quickly, but it’s important to note that the Sunbrella fabric is backed by a 5-year warranty to ensure its longevity. These cushions come in a great selection of colors, with 2 dozen options to choose from. The one hitch? They’re only available in solid colors—no patterns or designs. Quality Outdoor Living’s cushions come in an excellent selection of colors and patterns. With over 30 options to choose from, including striped, solid, and floral patterns, you can find the best match for your backyard space. The cushions are also available in three sizes, and they’re best suited for square seats. Another perk is that these cushions are easy to clean using mild soap and warm water. They can be spot cleaned with a rag and rinsed off with clean water. The only real downside to these chair cushions is they’re expensive; the cost quickly adds up if you need to outfit multiple patio chairs. In addition to a bench version, Perfect Pillow offers this cushion in a variety of styles. If you want matching cushions for all of your patio furniture, you’re in luck, with almost 2 dozen options to choose from. Bench cushions by Perfect Pillow also come in a nice assortment of colors and patterns, adding to their versatility. With a reversible design and piped edges, these throw pillows add plenty of style to your outdoor space. They are available in 12 colors, from vibrant options, such as avocado and tangerine dream, to more neutral hues such as sandstone or cocoa. They only come in solid colors, however; there are no patterns to choose from. Covers are machine washable and feature a hidden zipper for easy removal. This is a major plus, considering that most of our picks can only be spot-cleaned. The Bayou Breeze cushion is not machine washable, but it can be spot cleaned with soap and water. Since the cushion is sewn closed, there is no way to remove the cover. This Adirondack chair cushion is available in three solid colors: blue, red, and beige. Bayou Breeze backs this product with a limited 1-year warranty, but you need to show proof of purchase to obtain coverage. These cushions are available in an impressive selection of colors—25 in all. They also come in three sizes, so you can find the best fit for your sofa or loveseat. In addition to loveseat covers, Quality Outdoor Living offers matching cushions for patio chairs; a great option if you’re aiming for a uniform backyard patio set.
Cover Material
Polyester, one of the most common cover materials, is durable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant, making it an ideal option for outdoor use. Olefin (polypropylene) is stain- and water-resistant. It also offers some protection against UV rays, which means it’s less likely to fade than polyester. Since olefin is cheaper to produce than Sunbrella, you may find that products made with olefin cost less than similar products made with Sunbrella. The biggest downside of olefin is that it can heat up and even melt in extreme temperatures. Cushions covered with Sunbrella offer the best quality on the market. According to Rebecca Breslin, Senior Design Manager at Wayfair Professional, “Sunbrella is more durable than polyester, as it is more stain and UV resistant.” It is also mold- and mildew-proof. But we’ve seen reports of Sunbrella objects transmitting static electricity, which can zap bare skin. To ensure customer satisfaction, Sunbrella products are often covered under warranty for up to 5 years.
Filling
The interior fill of an outdoor cushion directly correlates to its comfort level. The most common fill materials are foam and polyester. A cushion with a foam filling provides a firmer level of support. Foam quality is measured by its density. The denser the foam, the more supportive it should be. Polyester fiberfill is softer, fluffier, and less dense than foam. These types of cushions tend to lose their shape and flatten out over time.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHugh is a freelance writer specializing in home decor and lifestyle content. For this roundup, Sage considered dozens of outdoor cushions, carefully evaluating each product’s size, materials, weather-resistance, overall comfort, and ease of cleaning. For expert insight on outdoor cushions, she interviewed Rebecca Breslin, Senior Design Manager at Wayfair Professional.
