Whether you're setting up outdoor space in your home or for your business, the question of outdoor furnishings, like cushion fabric will arise sooner or later. Since the indoor environment is much more controlled and less affected by external factors, you might not have ever given any thought to the cushion cover material.
However, when you are planning for an outdoor seating area, it will be an important decision that you'll have to make as you don't want to invest in cushion fabric that can't withstand the outdoor environment and needs frequent replacement.
The right outdoor cushion fabric is the one that is weather resistant and can stand the test of rain, humidity and the scorching sun. The best option for your outdoor setting will largely depend on the climate, location of your area, as well as matching your colour theme. In this article, we are going to help you choose the best fabric for outdoor cushions.
Keep reading to learn more!
Best outdoor cushion fabric
There are multiple options available for outdoor cushion cover material that you can choose from. Take a look at a few of the most popular used fabric for outdoor cushions below:
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a highly durable, synthetic material used for outdoor cushion fabric. It is weather-resistant and can withstand rain, humidity, or sunlight.
- Vinyl: Like Polypropylene above, Vinyl is a good option for outdoor cushion fabric. It is easy to clean and durable. However, if you live in a hot climate, then this isn't the option for you. Vinyl absorbs heat and can become quite hot to the touch under continuous exposure to sunlight.
- Textilene Fabric: Textilene is another fabric option for outdoor cushions. It is synthetic and made of polyester and vinyl. It can withstand all external factors. However, it may not be as comfortable as other fabrics because of its PVC coating.
- Cotton: Cotton has been a popular choice for cushion material for centuries. It is comfortable and affordable. However, if untreated cotton is used, it will be vulnerable to humidity and mildew after some time.
- Solution-Dyed Acrylic: Solution-dyed acrylic is a great choice for outdoor cushion fabric. It is highly durable, synthetic, and weather resistant. Plus, it remains soft to the touch and is very comfortable. The solution-dyed process incorporates the colours into the molecules of the fibre, which creates a stronger bond than what would be achieved by dyeing the thread or the fabric itself. This means that the colour doesn't just sit on the surface; it goes all the way through making it extremely resistant to fading.
The best outdoor Fabric for cushions
The best type of outdoor cushion fabric depends on what you're looking for. For some, durability is the top priority, while others put comfort first. Determining the best fabric for outdoor cushions also relies on the price range and the overall cost of the arrangement.
If you go for a lower price, the outcome is probably not going to be as durable or comfortable. This will increase your expenses in the long run because the cushions will require replacement sooner.
If you're looking for something affordable and durable at the cost of some discomfort in the warm weather, then vinyl will make a good choice. If you're looking for comfort exclusively, then cotton would be the best option.
If you want both durability and comfort, then the best option is solution-dyed acrylic fabric. It maintains its colour even when exposed to harsh UV light for long periods. Moreover, it is also weather and mildew resistant. The solution-dyed cushion fabric is easy to clean and quite comfortable.
Final words
Choosing the right type of outdoor cushion fabric ultimately comes down to your priorities and personal preferences. Depending on the climate of your area, its geography, and your budget, you can use the information we provided about each type of fabric to choose the one that works the best for you.