When adding new outdoor lifestyle furniture to your patio, there are many factors that you must take into consideration. The most important of which are the cushions you and your guests will be resting on. From shape to stuffing options, the devil’s in the details when deciding which cushions will work best for your outdoor furniture.
Sizing Made Simple
The simplest place to begin your outdoor cushion journey is by determining which sizes of cushion you’ll need for a perfect fit for your furniture. The only tools required for getting the specs you need are measuring tape, a pencil, notepad, and some time to focus.
Measuring the sitting surface of your furniture consists of two steps:
- Width: The width of your furniture piece is simply the distance between the left and right sides of the sitting surface. Lay your measuring tape from left edge to right edge and measure accordingly.
- Depth/Length: To find the depth of your cushion, simply measure from the front edge of the seating surface to the back, where it meets the backing of your chair or sofa.
Once your measurements have been taken, you can head to your favorite outdoor accessory website and either submit them for a custom sized cushion or sort by size to find the right dimensions for your comfortable cushions.
Shape Up
Shape is another crucial factor in choosing the perfect cushion for your outdoor living area. Every piece of your outdoor furniture set is unique. They require properly shaped cushions and coordinating pillow & cushion covers in order to provide a comfortable sitting experience.
Finding the right cushion shape is a breeze. For the cushions you rest on, simply choose a cushion that fits the shape of the sitting surface, whether it be square, round, or something more unique. These cushions can be custom shaped to fit your furniture’s dimensions- just be sure to order them from a retailer that provides bespoke services.
No matter what shape your cushions are, there is a cushion cover that can fit them to a “T”. Don’t neglect using a cover for your outdoor investments, as they will keep them in top shape even in the harshest, sun-filled summers.
Material Matters
When it comes to outdoor cushion textiles, not all materials are created equal. Choosing cushions made from durable, weather resistant materials and utilizing high quality pillow & cushion covers will make a world of difference when it comes to maintaining the integrity of your cushions.
There are a number of textiles that are not suitable for extended exposure to the elements. These include cotton, canvas, linen, and other porous textiles will fare poorly in rainy or wet conditions. In contrast, PVC backed polyester fabrics are designed to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Make it a point to purchase cushions and protective accessories such as sofa covers made with weather resistance in mind. A water and UV-proofed patio is the secret to outdoor living success 365 days a year.
Aesthetic Appeal
The design of your backyard living room is just as important as its functionality. This is especially true when it comes to your cushions. Cushions and pillows not only provide you comfort but aesthetic appeal as well.
It’s crucial that you keep visuals in mind when adding cushions to your patio mix. Color coordinating the cushions with the rest of your outdoor furniture and accessories like solar shades will create visual harmony for a cohesive outdoor aesthetic you’ll be proud to call your own.
Stuffing Smarts
When it comes to the comfort of a cushion, the importance of stuffing can’t be overstated. A properly stuffed cushion will provide you and your guests a relaxing patio experience, while one that lacks sufficient filling will give you nothing but grief- and a sore backside.
The general rule of cushion and pillow stuffing is that the thicker, the better. While this theory can be put to the test when shopping for cushions in person, you will have to go by seller’s descriptions when purchasing online.
Be sure to read the product description and details regarding the stuffing materials used in any cushion you’re considering. Be on the lookout for foam and dacron fillings, as they are highly comfortable and resistant to flattening out. Clustered polyfill should be avoided at all costs, as it is a cheap substitute for proper stuffing and will turn even the most well-made cushion uncomfortable.
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