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Outdoor cushions are cushions made for garden and patio furniture, such as benches, chairs, loungers and swings. They add comfort, style and a personal touch to outdoor living spaces, and as custom cushions they can be made to fit any size, shape or style of outdoor furniture.
This guide covers the main types of outdoor cushion, the materials used, how they are used and how to look after them.
| Options | Key Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Cushion types | Bench, chair, chaise longue, swing or hammock | Each is shaped to fit its furniture |
| Polyester | Synthetic fabric | Durable, easy to clean; outdoor grades resist the weather |
| Cotton | Natural fabric | Soft and comfortable, but less durable and weather-resistant |
| Solution-dyed acrylic | Performance outdoor fabric (for example, the Sunbrella brand) | Resists fading, staining and weather |
Outdoor cushions are designed for specific types of furniture:
Each can be made to measure for comfort and style. See our guides to cushion shapes and custom cushion sizes.
Bench cushions add comfort and style to outdoor benches. They are usually long and rectangular and can be custom made to fit any size or style of bench.
Chair cushions come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the design of the chair, and can be custom made to fit any outdoor chair.
Both bench and chair cushions can be made in materials including polyester, cotton and performance outdoor fabrics, depending on your preferences for comfort, durability and style.
The most common cover materials for outdoor cushions are polyester, cotton and performance outdoor fabrics, each with its own characteristics. See our guides to fabric selection and water-resistant fabrics.
Polyester is a synthetic material widely used for outdoor cushions because it is durable and, in outdoor grades, resists sun, rain and other elements.
Polyester cushions are usually easy to clean and maintain, although they may not feel as soft or breathable as natural fabrics such as cotton.
Outdoor cushions make benches, chairs, loungers, swings and hammocks more comfortable and stylish. Made in a variety of colours, patterns and designs, they also let you personalise your outdoor space. For cushions inside the home, see our guide to indoor cushions.
Outdoor cushions provide a soft, comfortable seat that makes outdoor furniture more enjoyable to use. They can be filled with foam, polyester fibre or down, depending on your preferences for comfort and durability. For outdoor use, foam and polyester fibre are generally more practical than down, which can hold moisture. Our cushion fillings guide compares the options, and closed-cell foam resists water well.
Regular cleaning keeps outdoor cushions looking their best and stops dirt building up, while proper storage protects them and prolongs their life.
Most outdoor cushions can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, with a fabric cleaner for tougher stains. Let cushions dry completely before storing them to prevent mould and mildew. Our cushion maintenance tips explain more.
Outdoor custom cushions are a great way to add comfort and style to your outdoor living space. Made to fit any size or style of furniture, in a range of materials, colours and designs, they can last for many years with proper care, whether you need bench, chair, lounger or swing cushions.
Continue exploring outdoor cushions and materials across our glossary:
Whether it is a garden bench, a set of patio chairs or a swing seat, the Foam & Covers team can make outdoor cushions and covers to your exact measurements, with foam cut precisely to fit.
Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .
We make custom cushions and covers for settings of all kinds — Benches, Caravans, Windows Seats, Sofas and many more!