Our Favorite Outdoor Cushions Are Made From an Unusual Material to Prevent Fading

Spacious backyards, charming patios, scenic balconies—all these lounging spaces become even more enjoyable when you add furniture fitted with comfortable outdoor cushions. Outdoor cushions are designed to handle outdoor weather and come in different sizes and shapes to suit everything from benches and loveseats to lounge chairs, patio chairs, Adirondack chairs, and more. 

After looking at dozens of popular options on the market, comparing their construction and aesthetics, and speaking with a design expert, we chose the Arden Selections Oceantex Deep Seat Cushion Set as our top pick. This back and bottom cushion set is made from fade- and UV-resistant Olefin fabric and is 6 inches thick, providing ample padding on virtually any type of outdoor furniture. Keep reading to explore our selections of the best outdoor cushions and see which features matter most when choosing the right ones for your deck, patio, or porch.

1. BEST OVERALL: Arden Selections Oceantex Deep Seat Cushion Set
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pillow Perfect Outdoor/Indoor Wicker Seat Cushion Set
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3. BEST HIGH BACK: Greendale Home Fashions High Back Outdoor Cushion
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4. BEST ADIRONDACK: Bayou Breeze Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion
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5. BEST ROUND: Greendale Home Fashions Round Bistro Outdoor Cushion
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6. BEST CHAISE LOUNGE: Classic Accessories Montlake Chaise Lounge Cushion
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7. BEST LOVESEAT: Quality Outdoor Living Universal Loveseat Cushion
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8. BEST BENCH: Classic Accessories Montlake FadeSafe Bench Cushion
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Outdoor Cushions Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Once you buy patio furniture, you’ll likely still need to invest in seat cushions. Here are some of the best outdoor patio cushions for different types of patio, deck, and porch seating to make your outdoor furniture even more comfortable and inviting.  and they may be exactly what’s needed to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor space at home.

Best Overall

Arden Selections Oceantex Deep Seat Cushion Set

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What We Like

• Bottom cushion ties on
• Made from recycled fishing nets
• 6-inch thickness increases comfort

What We Don’t Like

• Not machine washable

Specs

• Material Oceantex olefin fabric made from 100% recycled fishing nets
• Dimensions Back cushion 22.5 inches long by 24 inches wide by 6 inches high; bottom cushion 24 inches long by 24 inches wide by 6 inches high
• Machine washable No

The Arden Selections deep-seat patio cushions earned our top spot for effectively blending sustainability, durability, and aesthetics. Made from Oceantex olefin fabric crafted from recycled fishing nets, this back and bottom cushion set is UV protected to prevent fading. The pillow back is finished with a high-end welt, and the seat cushion uses a simple banded design for a sleek appearance. 

While other sizes are available, the bottom cushion on this deep-seat set is an impressively large 24 inches square, and the back measures 22.5 inches long by 24 inches wide. The 6-inch-thick cushions are generously filled with 65% recycled polyester for an excellent balance of support and comfort. Most retailers carry six or more color options, and each is easy to maintain with spot cleaning or light wiping with a damp cloth. 

Get the Arden Selections outdoor cushions at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, Target, Overstock, or Arden Selections.

Best Bang For The Buck

Pillow Perfect Outdoor/Indoor Wicker Seat Cushion Set

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What We Like

• Great price for 2 seat cushions
• Ample color options to suit any style
• Shape is perfect for wicker chairs

What We Don’t Like

• No ties to keep them in place
• Bottom seat cushions only

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions 19 inches long by 19 inches wide by 5 inches high
• Machine washable No

These tufted Pillow Perfect cushions come in a wide variety of colorways to add a splash of style to indoor and outdoor spaces. The two-piece set is made from water- and fade-resistant polyester with a woven surface texture and 100 percent recycled polyester fiberfill for a plush and cozy feel. Considering that this set comes with two pillows, it’s quite reasonably priced, and we love that the brand also makes complementary lumbar and throw pillows (sold separately) for those looking to outfit all their patio furniture with cushions. 

These outdoor patio seat cushions measure 19 by 19 inches and have rounded backs that are ideal for wicker furniture and larger bistro chairs. Like our top pick, these outdoor cushions are not machine washable and should only be spot cleaned with water and mild detergent. They are also reversible, allowing you to flip them without changing the look of your space. 

Get the Pillow Perfect outdoor cushions at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, Overstock, or Pillow Perfect.

Best High Back

Greendale Home Fashions High Back Outdoor Cushion

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What We Like

• Available in almost 40 colors and patterns
• Cushion ties on at top and back
• Circle tack construction keeps fill in place

What We Don’t Like

• Best stored covered when not in use

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions Back cushion 24 inches long by 21 inches wide by 5 inches high; bottom cushion 20 inches long by 21 inches wide by 5 inches high
• Machine washable No

These high-back patio chair cushions feature one-piece construction that stays securely attached thanks to ties at the top and back. Their eco-friendly soft polyfiber fill is made from 100% recycled bottles and overstuffed to a comfortable 5 inches thick. With three hinged segments and circle tacks across each, the fill is comfortably distributed and will not shift or bunch. These cushions are available in nearly 40 colors and patterns to accommodate virtually every personal preference.

Though Greendale Home Fashions recommends keeping these cushions covered when not in use, they are constructed of heavy-duty polyester that is resistant to water, stains, fading, and mildew. To keep them looking great, spot clean as needed with a mild diluted soap solution. 

Get the Greendale Home Fashions high-back outdoor cushions at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Adirondack

Bayou Breeze Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion

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What We Like

• Specifically designed for Adirondack lounge chairs
• UV and water resistant
• Secures via elastic band

What We Don’t Like

• Not as thick as many outdoor cushions
• Only comes in 2 colors

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions Back cushion 28.5 inches long by 20 inches wide by 2.25 inches high; bottom cushion 17 inches long by 20 inches wide by 2.25 inches high
• Machine washable No

The Bayou Breeze outdoor lounge chair cushions are designed to enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of Adirondack chairs. Available in deep navy or crisp crimson, these polyester cushions are UV protected to resist fading for long-lasting color vibrancy. They have an elastic band across the back to keep them in place and are easy to maintain with simple spot cleaning. 

While these lounge chair cushions are only 2.25 inches thick across the back and seat, their polyester fill still provides plenty of soft support and comfort. They are water resistant, however, it is recommended you cover them when it rains to keep them looking their best as long as possible.   

Get the Bayou Breeze outdoor cushions at Wayfair.

Best Round

Greendale Home Fashions Round Bistro Outdoor Cushion

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What We Like

• Great price for a 2-piece set
• String ties keep them in place
• Center tack prevents fill from shifting

What We Don’t Like

• Not machine washable

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions 15 inches in diameter by 4 inches deep
• Machine washable No

These 15-inch round bistro seat cushions from Greendale Home Fashions boast a heavy-duty outdoor polyester fabric covering resistant to water, stains, fading, and mildew. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to add some character to more neutral patio furniture. We also really like that they feature center-sewn circle tack construction and string ties to keep both the filling and the cushions in place. 

These overstuffed cushions provide ample support with a soft poly fiberfill made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. Like most of the products on our list, the manufacturer recommends keeping the pillows covered and dry when not in use, though each patio chair cushion is relatively easy to spot clean with mild detergent and warm water. 

Get the Greendale Home Fashions round outdoor cushions at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Chaise Lounge

Classic Accessories Montlake Chaise Lounge Cushion

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What We Like

• Ties at the back
• Comes in several colors and sizes
• Double-stitched seams for lasting durability

What We Don’t Like

• Spot clean only

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions Back cushion 32 inches long by 26 inches wide by 3 inches high; bottom cushion 48 inches long by 26 inches wide by 3 inches thick
• Machine washable No

The Montlake chaise lounge cushion from Classic Accessories is a top pick for poolside and backyard lounging. This chaise cushion includes a semi-firm 3-inch foam fill that provides optimal comfort while relaxing in a reclined position. The fade-, water- and stain-resistant cover keeps the rain out and protects the foam interior and has convenient ties on the bottom to secure the cushion to the chair. 

The Montlake lounge cushion is designed to be enjoyed for years, and its high-quality construction offers incredible value. Double-stitched construction and bound interior seams offer additional strength and durability. This lounge cushion is available in multiple sizes and colors to suit many spaces.

Get the Classic Accessories outdoor chaise lounge cushions at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Overstock, or Classic Accessories.

Best Loveseat

Quality Outdoor Living Universal Loveseat Cushion

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What We Like

• Comes in multiple attractive colors
• Cushions are thick and comfortable
• Single seat pad stays in place

What We Don’t Like

• No ties to secure it

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions Back cushion 19 inches long by 46 inches wide by 6.5 inches high; bottom cushion 26 inches long by 46 inches wide by 4 inches high
• Machine washable No

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the day with Quality Outdoor Living’s loveseat cushion set. It boasts a 4-inch-thick polyurethane foam pad in the seat and two 6.5-inch-thick overstuffed fiber cushions for extra support in the back. 

The polyester fabric covering the set is water resistant, and the foam inserts allow water to permeate through and prevent the chance of mildew or mold growth. The weather coating protects the outdoor couch cushions against UV and fading for up to 1,200 hours in the sun. The cushions come in a variety of colors and patterns and should be spot cleaned only using a cloth and mild soap solution.

Get the Quality Outdoor Living outdoor cushions at Amazon.

Best Bench

Classic Accessories Montlake FadeSafe Bench Cushion

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What We Like

• Comes in several sizes and colors
• Resits stains and fading
• Seams are double stitched for durability

What We Don’t Like

• Might not be firm enough for metal benches

Specs

• Material 100% polyester
• Dimensions 18 inches long by 59 inches wide by 3 inches high
• Machine washable No

This Classic Accessories cushion contains one long piece of 3-inch-thick, triple-layered polyester foam seat padding. It comes in lengths ranging from 42 to 59 inches to accommodate benches of different sizes and uses double-stitched seams for extra strength and durability. 

The Montlake patio bench cushions are built to provide firm support for years to come. Though they are spot clean only, their innovative FadeSafe fabric is made from solution-dyed polyester to resist water, staining, and fading. The cushion also has straps at the back to enable secure attachment. 

Get the Classic Accessories bench outdoor cushions at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Classic Accessories.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Outdoor Cushions

Given that there are thousands of outdoor seat cushions available on the market, we started our research by reaching out to an industry expert for tips on what makes the best outdoor cushions. According to Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, a luxury estate landscape design company in California, it’s key to consider fabric choice, fill material, and color when choosing cushions. 

Dilmore points out that “There are some dyed acrylic fabrics that offer good UV resistance and color retention, which is one of the biggest challenges when maintaining cushions. Olefin fabrics are a durable and affordable alternative with excellent stain and mildew resistance.” In terms of fill, he says that “High density foam is some of the most common filling and is one of the best choices, it can offer support and comfort and will be more resistant to water, sunlight, and mildew.” With this in mind, we selected products for our list that use durable and easy to clean fabrics, comfortable and ample fill, and have UV protection to resist fading. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Cushions

When shopping for outdoor patio cushions, there are a lot of factors to consider. Aesthetics and size can play a significant role if you are trying to match existing outdoor furniture. Whether the goal is decorative or neutral colors for high-back patio chairs, lounge chairs, or patio benches, ease of cleaning can be another priority. And, for those who spend a lot of time sitting outside, comfort can be essential. 

Size

When searching for patio cushions, it’s important to first measure your furniture to narrow down the choices to appropriately sized options. While many chairs are offered in standard sizes to fit standard cushions, there are exceptions. No matter the color or material, a poorly fitted seat cushion can be a source of buyer regret. 

Outdoor furniture cushions have a standard depth of 19 and 23 inches, and deep cushions are generally between 4 and 26 inches long. After sizing up your furniture, consider the ideal cushion thickness, as cushions may be anywhere between 2 and 6 inches thick.  

Cover Material

Since patio cushions spend a fair amount of time outdoors, the type of cover material matters. Different materials have their own functional benefits and downsides.

• Vinyl (PVC) covers are among the least expensive options. Vinyl is durable, water resistant, and stain resistant. However, this fabric can get extremely hot in the sun, and PVC is nonrecyclable. 
• Polyester covers are similarly water and stain resistant. Polyester dries more quickly than vinyl, making it resistant to mold and mildew growth. While polyester is affordable, this material is one of the most detrimental to the environment.
• Cotton canvas is another economical option, and it’s generally machine washable. However, this fabric lacks water resistance, which can cause problems with mold and mildew, and is vulnerable to staining. 
• Textilene features a woven mesh of polyester yarns coated with PVC. This synthetic material is durable and waterproof, but it will get hot and experience color fading in the sun.
• Olefin (polypropylene) is durable, stain resistant, water resistant, and maintains its color. This fabric is an upcycled material, so it’s better for the environment compared to vinyl and textilene.
• Sunbrella is water resistant, making it suitable to keep outdoors on sunny and rainy days, and it’s easy to clean with soap and water. It’s also mold and mildew proof. The UV-resistant fabric provides sun protection and fade resistance.

Fill

The interior fill of a cushion can affect its comfort and longevity. The most common fill options for outdoor cushions are foam and polyester. 

• Foam varies in density, with denser options offering more support. Dacron foam, for instance, is very firm and gives cushions a full and well-kept appearance. 
• Polyester fiberfill is a fluffy and comfortable material that’s more affordable than foam. Unless the cushion contains extra fill or a combination of polyester and foam, these cushions will flatten out over time.

Ties

Some outdoor chair cushions include ties, which keep the cushions in place when you move around, stand up, and sit down. Usually made from the same fabric as the rest of the cushion cover, the ties also prevent strong winds from blowing cushions off furniture, and they help keep the cushions clean by preventing them from falling to the ground. 

Depending on the type of furniture cushion, there may be different numbers of ties. Chair cushions may have just two ties, and cushions made for chaises and loungers may have several. Not all outdoor cushions are built with ties, so be sure to check for this feature if you’re interested in it.

Aesthetic

Cushions are a decorative element that can enhance both high-end and cheap patio furniture, and outdoor cushions and covers are available in numerous colors, patterns, and prints. A neutral color scheme may blend in with the surrounding decor or match the color of other outdoor furniture, and a bright hue or striking print may add a stand-out look to an outdoor area. 

The details and other design elements enhance the aesthetics of different cushions. Some cushion covers contain decorative features like tufts and welting, which is the thin piping along the edge of the cushion cover that accentuates a cushion’s shape. 

Ease of Cleaning

If you happen to find machine-washable cushions, cleaning them will be a lot easier. It also ensures a thorough cleaning as the detergent will penetrate through the pillow for a deep clean. 

Some cushions have removable cases that can be thrown in the washing machine, but the pillows inside may be spot cleaned only. And then there are cushions without removable covers that may require vacuuming and hand washing.

Read the cleaning instructions on the tags and follow the instructions carefully. Storing the cushions in a patio storage bench or inside the house when not in use helps keep them cleaner. Cleaning and caring for cushions will help extend the life of the product.

FAQs 

There is a lot to consider when choosing new seat cushions for a deck, porch, or patio seating area. If you still have questions about outdoor cushions, the following section may help. while others need to be stored inside when not in use. Read the product instructions for more details.

Q. What are the best-quality patio cushions?

Sunbrella covered cushions are water-, UV-, and fade-resistant, and also mold- and mildew-proof. Denser foam fillings offer both comfort and support.

Q. Are patio cushions waterproof?

Some patio cushions are waterproof, but most are water resistant. If you’d like to enhance waterproofing of your cushions for outdoor furniture, consider applying a compatible fabric protector. 

Q. Are patio cushions washable?

While some patio cushions are machine washable, most are spot clean only with a mild detergent and warm water. If your outdoor lounge cushions have mildew growth, you may be able to clean them with a mold remover. 

Q. Can you leave outdoor cushions outside?

Some cushions can remain outside, while others need to be stored inside when not in use. Read the product instructions for more details.

Q. What is the best color for outdoor cushions?

Generally speaking, the best color for outdoor cushions is a matter of personal preference in terms of style and maintenance. Light colors may be more resistant to fading, but darker shades can be easier to keep clean. 

Q. How do you keep outdoor cushions from blowing away?

The best way to keep outdoor cushions from blowing away is to ensure they are attached to your furniture, which is particularly easy if the cushions have ties. If your outdoor cushions do not have ties and are at risk of blowing away, you may want to attach some velcro strips to their undersides to keep them in place.

Q. How do you clean outdoor cushions?

How to clean patio cushions depends on the material the cushions are made from. All of the options on our list are spot clean only.

 

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