An Outdoor Cushion is the Secret to Comfortable Patio Furniture (2024)

Outdoor cushions can enhance the appearance of a deck or patio, and provide a comfortable lounging experience.

When shopping, always measure the size of your patio furniture first. This will help determine the correct size cushion for your chair or sectional. Also, look for cushions with ties or fasteners. These will help secure the cushion to your chair to prevent you from sliding when sitting or the wind blowing it away during rainstorms.

The material of your outdoor cushions is another important consideration. Most outdoor cushions are designed to resist fading in the sun, damage from water, as well as mold and mildew. If you live in a climate with extreme weather, look for a cushion with a performance fabric like Sunbrella.

Still, no matter what material you choose (polyester and olefin are other popular choices), we recommend storing your cushions in an outdoor shed during storms or covering them with an outdoor furniture cover. This increases their longevity, so they'll look like new for years.

While researching the best outdoor cushions, we evaluated products on their size, material, durability, overall comfort, and ease of cleaning.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Elegant design

  • Thick and comfortable

  • Multiple colors and designs

  • Sold in sets of 2, 4, 6, 12

What We Don't Like

  • No ties to hold them in place

  • Lacks back cushions

With a tufted design and subtle textured pattern, the Sweet Home Collection Patio Cushions add a classic style to your outdoor space and come in various colors and packs, making them our best overall pick. These chair pads have a thick, fiber fill that comfortably contours to your bottom.

At 7 inches tall, they are the thickest on our list for a plush place to sit, no matter what lies underneath. Even though this option doesn’t have a back cushion, they're still comfortable to sit on for extended periods.

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 the chairs aren't completely dry. If rain or wind is expected, it's a good idea to bring them indoors.

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.

Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 7 inches︱Material: Polyester cover and fiber filling︱Weight: 5.49 pounds︱Machine Washable: Yes

What We Like

  • Comfortable and supportive

  • Classic tufted design

  • Ties keep cushions in place

What We Don't Like

  • Don’t fit every patio chair

These indoor-outdoor seat cushions from Pillow Perfect come as a set of two and despite their high-quality construction, they are very reasonably priced. The cushions are 5 inches thick, and the recycled polyester fiberfill offers the ideal mix of plushness and support. The durable polyester material also resists water, fading, and stains.

Each cushion has two convenient ties at the back, which help secure it to a chair. The tufted design adds dimension to the pillows and gives them a classic appeal. Note that these particular pillows have a unique shape—they measure 19 x 19 inches square and are rounded at the back. The U-shaped design doesn't fit every patio chair. However, Pillow Perfect offers this same pillow in various 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.

Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 5 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Weight: 5 pounds︱Machine Washable: No, hand wash or spot clean only

What We Like

  • Durable fabric

  • Eco-friendly

  • Resists stains and mildew

What We Don't Like

  • Not machine washable

Looking to add some extra comfort and style to your outdoor lounge chair? Check out these durable cushions from Honeycomb. They're made with tough olefin fabric and feature a 3.5-inch-thick polyester fiber filling that's soft and supportive.

Eco-conscious shoppers will also love this pick as the cushions have polyester fiberfill made from recycled plastic bottles.Like many cushions on this list, these can handle even the harshest weather conditions without losing their vibrant appearance. The olefin fabric is UV-resistant and water-repellent, so you don't have to worry about fading, stains, or mildew.

Cleaning is a breeze. All you need is a cloth, soap, and warm water. Overall, the Honeycomb chaise lounge cushion is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance the comfort and style of their lounge chair.

Dimensions: 22.5 x 70 x 3.5 inches︱Material: olefin fabric, polyester fiber filling︱Weight: 5 pounds︱Machine Washable: No

What We Like

  • Firm support

  • Extremely durable fabric and zipper closure

  • Removable, machine washable cover

  • 5-year warranty

What We Don't Like

  • Only available in solid colors

This two-piece set from Sand & Stable has some standout features that set it apart from the competition and justify its steep price tag. First and foremost, the covers are made of Sunbrella, an extremely durable fabric that is UV-, water-, and fade-resistant, as well as mold- and mildew-proof.

The seat is filled with high-density polyurethane foam, which offers superior comfort and support. Stuffed with a loose polyfill, the back cushion isn’t as firm as the seat but maintains its shape while you rest comfortably against it. The seat cover has a zipper closure for easy removal and washing (it's machine washable).

One set of cushions fits most standard-sized patio chairs, while multiple cushions can be placed side by side to cover an outdoor sectional or loveseat. 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 two dozen options to choose from. The one negative? They’re only available in solid colors—no patterns or designs.

Dimensions: 6 x 25 x 26 inches (seat cushion), 25 x 18 x 6 inches (back cushion)︱Material: Sunbrella, poly blend, and foam blend︱Weight: 5 pounds︱Machine Washable: Yes

What We Like

  • Incredibly comfortable

  • Removable seat cushion

  • Available in 40 colors

What We Don't Like

  • Unremovable back cushions

This three-piece set, which is an ideal fit for a loveseat, includes two back cushions and one seat cushion. Thanks to a 4-inch foam pad, the seat cushion delivers superior comfort. The olefin fabric is UV- and water-resistant, and likely shouldn't fade or lose its shape over time.

You can spot-clean the fabric using a clean rag and mild soap solution. The seat cushion has a side zipper, so it can be removed for easier cleaning. However, since the back cushions don’t have zippers, the design is inconsistent.

These cushions are available in an impressive selection of colors. 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.

Dimensions: 46 x 26 x 4 inches︱Material: Polyurethane foam︱Weight: 13.5 pounds︱Machine Washable: No; spot clean only

What We Like

  • Plush seating cushion

  • Built-in ties keep it securely attached

  • Weather-resistant fabric

  • Available in many sizes

What We Don't Like

  • Cover isn’t removable

Measuring 45 X 18 X 2.5 inches, this cushion fits most standard-sized outdoor benches and swings. A 100-percent polyester fiber filling gives this cushion a plush and cozy feel. The fabric is UV- and weather-resistant, which prevents it from fading and losing its firmness.

Built-in ties are a helpful feature, keeping the cushion securely attached to your outdoor furniture. The cover is reversible, so you can flip it over without changing the look of your space. Although the cover is not removable for washing, it can be spot-cleaned as needed with mild soap and warm water.

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 two dozen options to choose from. Bench cushions by Perfect Pillow also come in a nice assortment of colors and patterns, adding to their versatility.

Dimensions: 45 x 2.5 x 18 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Weight: 2.5 pounds︱Machine Washable: No; spot clean only

What We Like

  • Fits most standard-sized Adirondack chairs

  • Elastic strap to secure it in place

  • UV protection resists fading

  • Available in three colors

What We Don't Like

  • Cushion is on the thinner side

Adirondack chairs have a classic appeal, but they’re not extremely comfortable without cushions. At 45.5 inches in total length, this one-piece cushion from Bayou Breeze is specifically designed to fit the unique shape of an Adirondack chair.

A little over 2 inches thick, this cushion is the thinnest on our list. Still, it provides a decent amount of comfort and support. It has an elastic strap on the back, ensuring a secure fit on most standard-sized Adirondack chairs. Although the cushion has UV protection to resist fading, you should bring it indoors when not in use to preserve its longevity.

The Bayou Breeze cushion is not machine washable but 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 productwith a limited 1-year warranty with proof of purchase.

Dimensions: 45.5 x 20 x 2.25 inches︱Material: Polyester/polyester blend︱Weight: 1.75 pounds︱Machine washable: No; spot clean only

What We Like

  • Incredibly comfortable

  • Removable cover is machine washable

  • Available in 12 colors

What We Don't Like

  • Only available in solid colors

If you don't like the look of outdoor cushions but want to add comfort to wood or wicker patio chairs or sofas, opt for a throw pillow instead. This option from Outer is made with the brand's OuterWeave performance fabric, which is designed for optimal outdoor durability.

The removable covers resist water, fading from the sun, dirt, mold, and mildew. You can spot-clean them as needed or remove the cover completely and throw it in the washing machine on cold (just be sure to air dry them after).

Available in three sizes, the pillows are purposefully overfilled with recycled fiber for a plush, overstuffed look. The four available colors match the cushions on Outer's patio furniture for a cohesive look in your outdoor space. Another perk of shopping Outer products is the free design consultation and fabric swatches available on the website if you need help designing the look of your deck or patio.

While these aren't traditional cushions and definitely pricey for a pillow, we feel confident these will add comfort to any outdoor furniture piece and withstand the elements, no matter where you live. Plus, these pillows are covered by a 5-year warranty in case of excessive damage.

Dimensions: 18 x 18, 20 x 20, 12 x 20 inches︱Material: OuterWeave, polyester lining, recycled polyester fiber︱Weight: 1.5, 2, 2.5 pounds︱Machine washable: Yes

What We Like

  • Sunbrella weather-resistant fabric

  • Sleek design with 9 colors

  • Fabric-tab fasteners to keep cushions in place

What We Don't Like

  • Only available in one size

For optimal weather resistance, you can't go wrong with Sunbrella, the choice of many outdoor experts including Rebecca Breslin, Senior Design Manager at Wayfair Professional. The Andorra cushions from Crate & Barrel use this performance outdoor fabric in a sleek, minimalistic design available in nine attractive hues.

The cushions measure 19 x 20 inches and will fit most patio dining chairs., but we do wish they came in a few more sizes. While the 2.6-inch thickness may feel low, the plush polyfoam and fiberfill will support you for hours of sitting. If you're looking for something more plush opt for our best overall pick, the Sweet Home Collection Patio Cushions, which are a similar size and shape with a higher loft.

We love the slightly rounded corners that look chic on square chairs, and fabric tab fasteners keep them from sliding around as you move. The weather-resistant olefin fabric is mold, mildew, and fade-resistant, even when left out during rain. However, for the longevity of any outdoor cushions, we recommend storing them when not in use or using an outdoor furniture cover.

Dimensions: 19 x 20 x 2.6 inches︱Material: Olefin, polyfoam, fiber︱Weight: Not Listed︱Machine washable: No; spot clean

What We Like

  • Ideal for deep-seated chairs

  • UV- and weather-resistant fabric

  • Thick padded cushions

  • Available in many colors and patterns

What We Don't Like

  • Not connection between top and bottom cushions

Arden Selections' Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion consists of two pieces. The bottom cushion is 24 inches long, making it ideal for deep-seated chairs. The bottom cushion is 5.8 inches thick, and the back one is 6.5 inches thick, some of the thickest options on this list, so get ready to lounge and sink into these on your patio furniture.

This cushion closely mirrors our best splurge option, the Sunbrella Sunbrella Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion, but with a slightly higher thickness. It also has a higher back, so it's great for lounge or Adirondack chairs with a tall back.

Adding to the comfort of these cushions, the fibers of the fill are positioned vertically to keep their shape over time. There's also a zipper to add additional fill if your cushions flatten over time. Made of polyester, which is both UV-, weather-, and fade-resistant, these cushions hold up well to the elements. Still, we recommend bringing your cushions indoors or storing them in a deck box or outdoor storage shed during intense rain or storms.

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 with clean water. They come in an impressive 22 colors and patterns, so there's something for every style. They have a tie detail to secure the cushions to your outdoor furniture, but we wish there was a connector between the top and bottom cushions so they don't slide.

Dimensions: 22.5 x 25 x 6.5, 24 x 24 x 5.8 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Weight: Not Listed︱Machine Washable: No; spot clean only

Final Verdict

With a stylish design, comfortable seat, and a durable polyester cover, the Sweet Home Collection Patio Cushions are our best overall choice. The best budget Pillow Perfect Outdoor/Indoor Tufted Seat Cushions are more affordably priced, and their design is equally durable and stylish. They also come with ties to secure them in place.

What to Look For in Outdoor Cushions

Size

Outdoor cushions come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit all types of furniture: patio chairs, loveseats, benches, Adirondack chairs, and more. To find appropriately sized cushions, you need to take accurate measurements of your patio furniture.

Using a tape measure, you can calculate the seat width, seat depth, and back height. Be sure to subtract the cushion thickness from the back height, or your cushion might be too large for the chair.

Options like our best overall pick, the Sweet Home Collection Patio Cushions are designed to fit most patio dining chairs while others like our best splurge, the Sand & Stable Sunbrella Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion can be used on a single lounge chair or as part of a set to cover an outdoor sofa or loveseat.

Cover Material

Polyester, seen in several options on this list including our best budget pick, the Pillow Perfect Outdoor/Indoor Tufted Seat Cushions, is one of the most common cover materials and is designed to be durable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant, making it an ideal option for outdoor use.

Olefin (polypropylene), seen in the Honeycomb Outdoor Textured Chaise Lounge Cushion (our best for lounge chairs), is stain- and water-resistant. It also offers 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, including our best Sunbrella pick, the Crate & Barrel Andorra Sunbrella Outdoor Dining Chair Cushions, are often covered under warranty for up to 5 years.

Fill Material

The interior filling 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, like our best for couches pick, the Quality Outdoor Living Universal Deep Seat Loveseat Cushion, 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. The best budget Pillow Perfect Pompeii Solid Indoor Sofa Cushion is stuffed with polyester fiberfill and fits most standard-sized outdoor benches and swings. Keep in mind these types of cushions tend to lose their shape and flatten out over time.

To combat this, look for an option like the Arden Selections 2-Piece Deep Seating Outdoor Lounge Chair Cushion (our best deep seat pick) that has a zipper in case you want to add more filling to firm up the cushion. This option also features vertical fibers in the filling to combat squishing over time.

FAQ

  • How do you clean outdoor cushions?

    Some outdoor cushions are machine washable, but cushions with non-removable covers can be spot cleaned using mild soap and water. “For tougher stains, you can use a diluted bleach and soap solution to spot clean,” Breslin advises. “The sooner you address the stains, the easier it will be to remove them!”

  • Can outdoor cushions get wet?

    Not many patio cushions are entirely waterproof, but most offer some degree of water-resistance. Materials such as polyester and Sunbrella, which tend to dry quickly, can be left outside on rainy days. Some manufacturers recommend storing cushions indoors when not in use to extend their lifespan.

  • How do you keep outdoor cushions from blowing away?

    Some outdoor cushions have built-in ties or velcro straps that attach to furniture, preventing them from falling off or blowing away in windy conditions. Breslin offers the following advice:“If you have cushions without either of these features, consider purchasing a cushion box to store them while they are not in use.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

Sage McHugh is a freelance writer specializing in home decor and lifestyle content. For this roundup, she 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,

Our Experts:

  • Rebecca Breslin, Senior Design Manager at Wayfair Professional
  • Julia Fields, associate editor at The Spruce
An Outdoor Cushion is the Secret to Comfortable Patio Furniture (2024)
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