The search for the perfect (and perfectly comfortable) set of quality outdoor cushions is real, folks. And it’s not going away any time soon. The outdoor furniture market has been projected to reach $23.8 billion by 20251. That’s a bunch of cushions! And in that sea of seat softeners, how do you find the absolute comfiest patio cushions? It’s simple, really. You just have to understand the three basic patio cushion factors: materials, filling, and sizing.
I tapped into the years (and years) of outdoor furniture experience over here at Patio Productions, and then I wrote everything you need to know about the comfy-factor of outdoor cushions. And as a bonus, you’ll also get some great patio cushion decorating and care tips. No fluff here, folks, just the good stuff!
Comfy Outdoor Cushions – At a Glance
- High-density foam cushions give superior comfort and support
- Water-resistant and UV-resistant fabrics are must-haves for surviving Mother Nature
- Removable cushion covers are great for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Thickness is super important – aim for at least 4 inches for optimal comfort
- Style it up! Mix, match, and complement colors and patterns to create your perfect outdoor oasis
The Fab Four: Factors for Fantastically Comfy Outdoor Cushions
Finding your perfect outdoor cushion is a mix of art and science. There’s a real artistry to blending colors and styles into a patio masterpiece. But a great cushion can’t be all about form. Function matters, and choosing an outdoor that functions well is definitely more of a science.
“Harmonia Living cushions have all of the key ingredients of great cushions,” says Tony Montijo, talking about the Harmonia Living cushions’ fabric, foam, threading, thickness, and construction. Tony’s the Vice President of Patio Productions, and a long-time veteran of the patio furniture game. He points out that Harmonia Living crafts stylish, durable cushions using the highest-quality eco-friendly materials, all while hitting a more budget-friendly price point.
So, how do you pick the comfiest cushion? Well, you need to know the best materials, understand foam and filling options, and make sure everything fits well.
1. Material Matters: Choosing the Right Fabric
An outdoor cushion’s fabric is pretty much the first thing a person notices. It’s crucial for maximum comfort and longevity. You want something that can stand up to Mother Nature while still feeling soft and inviting. Two popular options are Sunbrella and Olefin, but let’s compare them with other common outdoor fabrics:
| Fabric | UV Resistance | Water Resistance | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella | Excellent (1500+ hours) | High | 5-10 years |
| Acrylic | Very Good (1000+ hours) | Moderate | 3-5 years |
| Olefin | Very Good (1000+ hours) | High | 3-5 years |
| Polyester | Good (500+ hours) | Moderate | 2-3 years |
“Sunbrella fabric is the name everyone has heard of and it is of exceptional quality,” responded Tony when asked about fabric options. And he’s right, Sunbrella is definitely a standout option for outdoor cushion fabrics. It’s an acrylic-based material with a reputation for exceptional durability and resistance to fading, water, and stains.
Here at Patio Productions, we love Sunbrella so much that it’s our preferred fabric brand to use in our custom outdoor cushions. So if you want your patio furniture to stand out from the crowd, have Patio Productions custom-make your cushions.
Tony continues, “The main thing to look for [in outdoor cushion fabrics] is a solution dyed polyester (good), solution dyed olefin (better), or acrylic fabric (best).” Solution-dyed simply means that the color pigment is added to the material before it’s turned into a thread, so the color runs throughout the fabric instead of just the surface.
But Sunbrella isn’t the only great name in the high-quality outdoor cushion fabrics game. Outdura is another excellent choice, offering similar performance to Sunbrella but with a slightly lighter hit to your wallet. And for those seeking eco-friendly options, Revolution Performance Fabrics produces high-quality, sustainable outdoor fabrics made from recycled materials.
One of the main recycled materials (or, more specifically upcycled materials) used in many premium brands is olefin. It’s quick-drying and highly-resistant to mildew and fading. But it’s olefin’s sustainable nature that is remarkable… and a bit surprising. I’ll spare you the technical details, but here’s the interesting bits. Olefin (aka polypropylene) is made using the gas propylene, which is a natural byproduct of the oil production process. Wait, so how is a byproduct of oil production sustainable? Well, in order to make olefin, you have to first trap the gas as it separates out during oil production, meaning it’s not released into the atmosphere. So the propylene that would have polluted our air is instead chemically transformed into a long-lasting, super-resilient, no-fade material you get to use on your favorite patio sofa.
The other common fabric is polyester, which isn’t eco-friendly and doesn’t last as long as acrylic or olefin. As a patio furniture shopper, you have a options. Patio Productions stands by Sunbrella as the highest-quality, eco-friendliest option.
Pro tip: Look for cushions with removable covers. This feature significantly simplifies cleaning and maintenance, extending the life of your cushions.
2. Filling It Up: The Inside Scoop on Cushion Foam
“It’s what’s on the inside that counts,” right? It’s true for friends, and it’s certainly important for keeping your cushions comfier than other seating options. High-quality filling is just as crucial as great outer fabric. Finding the comfiest cushions means shopping for a material that maintains its shape and provides support, even after hours of lounging.
Again, here’s Tony discussing foam, which is our preferred filling option. “One interesting thing about foam is that density and firmness sound similar, but are two different things. What makes a good quality cushion is not necessarily firmness, but density. A more dense foam has more material that, even if it is softer, will take longer to break down and wear out than a less dense, but more firm foam.”
What Tony’s saying is this: for seat cushions, high-density foam is your best bet. It offers firm, long-lasting support without being too hard. For back cushions, a combination of foam and polyester fiberfill can provide that perfect balance of support and plushness.
And for thickness: Tony recommends a cushion that is 4 inches or more. “Ideally 5 1/2 inches and up as a finished cushion is what you would want.”
Other Cushion Features You Should Consider
- Dacron: a pillowy sheet of polyester fiber glued or laminated onto the foam’s surface for additional comfort and softness.
- Suspension seating: another comfort booster; Harmonia Living uses wicker suspension seating which typically lasts the full life of the furniture.
- Flippable: a convenience feature that does what you’d expect (not all patio cushions are flippable). Get a spill or bird dropping on your cushion? Spot clean it, flip it over, and your cushion is good to go until your next full wash.
3. Size Matters: the Right Outdoor Cushion Fit
The best patio cushions need to look great and be super comfortable. That means picking cushions that fit ‘just right’ (shout out to Goldi and her Three Bears). So grab a flexible tape measure, a notepad, and a pencil (or just the tape measure and your phone’s notepad app). Here’s how you measure your patio furniture for outdoor cushions that will fit just right (and pass even Goldilocks’s high standards):
1. Measure Width:
- For chairs: Measure from the inside of one arm to the inside of the other arm.
- For benches or armless chairs: Measure the entire width of the seating area.
2. Measure Depth:
- Start at the front edge of the seat and measure to the back.
- For chairs with a curved back, measure to where the back and seat meet.
3. Measure Seat Back Height:
- For chair backs: Measure from the top of the seat to the top of the chair back.
- For cushions that wrap over the top: Include the thickness of the seat in your measurement.
4. Determine the Thickness:
- Measure the thickness of your current cushions if you’re happy with them.
- If you’re buying new cushions, aim for at least 4 inches thick for optimal comfort (Tony recommends 5.5 inches).
Fit Tip: it’s better to choose cushions that are slightly larger than your measurements rather than too small. You can usually squeeze something down a bit, but there’s not much you can do about obvious gaps between cushions.
As someone who’s done my share of cushion mis-fitting, I have a few more measuring tips. First of all, measure twice. It’s so easy to get those little 1/2 inch markers confused, so a quick second pass with the measuring tape can save you tons of headache (and some cash).
Then, note down any little stylistic elements or tapering of your furniture that would impact your cushion size, shape, or fit. Does your chair have any curves or contours that the cushion needs to adhere to (or overhang)? Does the sofa’s seat taper from front to back, meaning one edge is shorter than the other? If so, measure both and note them down. What about attachment points for ties or fasteners? You’ll want to measure and note the location of each of these, so your new cushions function as effectively as possible.
4. Style and Substance: Making Your Outdoor Space Pop
Comfort may be king for those outdoor cushions, but you also want them easy on the eyes, right? You can find long-lasting luxury outdoor cushions of every style and color, and made from the best materials here on PatioProductions.com. But even better, check out our custom outdoor cushions. It’s the same beautiful, comfortable, and high-performing options, just tailored to your unique tastes and style!
And since we’re talking about making your outdoor space look tailored to your tastes, don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns. A solid base color with complementing or patterned throw pillows creates a cohesive, interesting look for your outdoor space.
Comfy Outdoor Cushion Care
You’ve spent all this time and creative energy investing in your perfect outdoor cushion look. You want to keep it looking great and feeling comfy for as long as possible, so you need to know the proper care and maintenance tricks. Luckily, we have’em right here!
- Regular cleaning: For routine cleaning, mix a quarter cup of mild soap with a gallon of lukewarm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the fabric, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow cushions to air dry completely before use.
- Protect from the elements: When not in use, store your cushions in a dry place or invest in high-quality outdoor furniture covers to protect them from harsh weather.
- Address spills immediately: Blot (don’t rub) spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining.
- Deep clean annually: At the start of each outdoor season, give your cushions a thorough cleaning following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wrapping It Up: Your Ticket to Outdoor Comfort
Choosing the comfiest outdoor cushions is all about knowing about materials, fillings, size, style options, and maintenance. And the great thing is that when you choose the right stuff (like Sunbrella or Outdura), those comfy cushions will last you a good, long time!
But no cushion is invincible. And when you’re ready to refresh the look (and uber-comfy feel) of your backyard or patio furniture, Patio Productions is here for your patio cushion needs. Or stop by our San Diego store. There really is no substitute for a good old fashioned outdoor cushion test drive.
I hope this was helpful, and I hope you bring life outdoors soon!
Article References:
1) Size of the outdoor furniture market in the United States from 2015 to 2025, Statista.com
Eben Jol is a creative media specialist with over 10 years of experience creating helpful content for outdoor brands. In that time he has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry and has a keen understanding of what topics customers and information seekers need to know when they are planning and furnishing their outdoor space. He has gathered data and reported on industry insights for organizations such as the ICFA, and in his spare time, loves relaxing in his own backyard (and the great outdoors at large) with his wife and 3 kids.
