18 best outdoor cushions – add colour, pattern, and texture to garden seating

The best outdoor cushions won't just add comfort to your outdoor seating, they will also inject style and personality into your outdoor living area.

Plus, with options starting from less than £10, adding some affordable outdoor cushions to your patio makes for a quick, easy and budget-friendly update. A few clever choices can even give the best garden furniture a run for its money when it comes to giving your patio a new look.

Our edit of this season's best outdoor cushions rounds up the Ideal Home team's top recommendations for getting comfortable in the fresh air. 

Opt for on-trend ruffles and stripes, textural neutrals for a relaxed vibe, or colourful brights that will cheer up the garden even if the British weather isn't playing ball.

Best outdoor cushions

How to choose the best outdoor cushions

Outdoor cushions aren't just about adding comfort, they're also a way to add your stamp to your outside space, and an opportunity to have some fun.

Just like indoors, layering textures and patterns is a great way to add depth and interest to a smaller patio, or you can use prints and patterns to zone a larger outdoor space and create a focal point in the garden. Adding textiles to your outside space can also be a very affordable option, with outdoor cushions starting from less than £10. 

You might want to opt for outdoor cushions that echo the aesthetic of your inside living space for a cohesive indoor-outdoor look, or go bold and choose something entirely different to experiment with a different style.

Outdoor cushions are an opportunity to perhaps opt for something louder and brighter than your indoor soft furnishings as you won't be living with them day in and day out, so mix and match and get creative with clashing with patterns and prints for a stylish alfresco area. 

You'll also want to consider the material your outdoor cushions are made from. We all know that the British weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to opt for outdoor cushions made from materials that will offer some weather resistance.

The majority of outdoor cushions will be made from water-resistant polyester or cotton that's been given a water-resistant coating. Whilst this doesn't mean you should leave your cushions out in the pouring rain, it does mean they're far less absorbent than your average indoor cushion.

If you can, opt for outdoor cushions made from recycled PET fibres. These tend to be woven from repurposed discarded waste plastics – such as single-use plastic bottles – which makes them a more sustainable option.

As well as unwanted moisture, you also need to consider the effects of the sun on outdoor cushions. UV rays can fade coloured fabrics fast, so look for fade-resistant or UV-resistant cushions to prolong your investment's lifespan.

FAQs

Can you leave outdoor cushions outside all year?

Leaving your outdoor cushions outside during mild weather is okay. Otherwise, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place when not in use to protect them from mould, mildew, and the worst of the wet weather.

Therefore, proper storage is an important consideration. If storing outdoor cushions indoors during inclement weather isn't practical, then look to other storage solutions like the garage or an outdoor storage box.

Can you wash outdoor cushions?

Opting for outdoor cushions that have removable covers is a good way to ensure your purchase has more longevity. You'll need to check the care label for each specific outdoor cushion, but many outdoor cushions have covers that can be popped in the washing machine and washed. 

Those that don't have removable covers can generally be spot-cleaned to remove accidental spillages or dirty marks.

How we chose the best outdoor cushions

You can click here to find out more about how we test products at Ideal Home. 

To find the best outdoor cushions for this guide we tested bestselling lines, scoured the stores for the most stylish designs, and dived into the small print for details on construction and care. We also took into account third-party opinions via online reviews.