Now that the weather is warm and we are spending more time outside, how does your outdoor furniture look? Often, the furniture is in good shape and may need a refresh with a good cleaning and coat of paint. The challenging part is when you want to replace cushions or pillows. If you have ever shopped for them, you will notice a wide variety of options, which can be confusing, so I decided to investigate.
Choosing Fabric
Only choose a fabric labeled for outdoor use, including polyester and solution-dyed acrylic or olefin. These fabrics are processed to include a UV protector, and they repel water and stains. The solution-dyed acrylic is more expensive and durable than less expensive polyester. Solution-dyed indicates that the fibers were dyed in a color solution before being woven; therefore, the colors and images are not printed after the cloth is made and thus fade less.
I recommend investing in quality outdoor fabric, choosing a solid color that will last over the years. You can always add inexpensive polyester throw pillows to change the look and feel of your outdoor sitting area. In researching this article, I found that the Sunbrella company (one of the manufacturers of solution-dyed acrylic) has a recycling program for their Sunbrella fabrics; click here to learn more.
Protect your outdoor fabric from the elements to retain its look. When not in use, cover it to shield it from sun, rain, and other weather conditions. Alternatively, consider using a storage container, and if you experience harsh winters, store your furniture under cover to ensure its longevity.
Choosing Cushion Fill
When purchasing cushions, you want to understand what’s inside the fabric and its durability. The goal is to have comfortable cushions that drain well if left out in the rain and retain their shape. The Cushion Source explains each type of cushion and its rating. Again, the better you take care of your outdoor furniture, the longer it will look beautiful.
A few tips and resources:
- Cleaning tips from Sunbrella.
- Invest in outdoor furniture covers.
- Store cushions in deck storage boxes from Wayfair or Home Depot.
Remember, all space can be beautiful, whether inside or out, and I am here to help! Give me a call at 610-955-8202 for your summer refresh.
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz. Feature image licensed from Shutterstock.