Patio Cushions to Decorate and Provide Comfort to Chairs, Benches and Chaise Lounges

A few simple patio cushions in any number of colors, patterns, and designs have the ability to transform any type of patio furniture into a completely different set. Also they can give new life to older chairs that may have otherwise been discarded.

If your current patio cushions have seen better days, or if you're in the market for another set or style of furniture that doesn't come with cushions of its own, here's some helpful information to keep in mind while you're browsing through the many styles and types that are available today.

Outdoor Fabrics and Patio Cushions

Choosing cushions that are made exclusively from fabrics specifically intended for outdoor use should be first on your list of criteria if you want to be able to enjoy your patio cushions for a long time. Outdoor fabrics are made to withstand the elements, like constant exposure to the sun, and also be resistant to dirt, and mold or mildew.

Some fabrics and materials used to create patio furniture cushions include acrylic fibers woven together to create a soft canvas-like feel to the cushions, and acrylic linen, which is even softer than the first, and spun polyester that's treated to resist stains. PVC, which has a stiff, almost plastic feel to it, and olefin fibers, which are also woven to create a soft cloth, are both used to cover patio cushions.

Depending on the actual type of fabric or material used, usually quickly spot cleaning with a mild fabric and then rinsing with clean water before allowing to air dry is all that's really necessary to keep patio cushions looking like new.

Of course, increased comfort is one of the main purposes of having cushions for the patio, and naturally, the thicker the cushion, the more comfortable it will be and the less likely you'll be able to feel the chair beneath you. If you have wrought iron furniture, or a set with wooden slats, you'll definitely want to choose cushions that are least two inches thick or so, and filled with something other than foam, which tends to retain water and wear down quicker than those made from poly-fiber blends.

Measuring Patio Cushions

Besides their aesthetic appeal, choosing cushions that fit your patio furniture properly is of extreme importance as ill-fitting patio cushions are not only uncomfortable, but they're unsightly as well. If you already have cushions that fit your chairs perfectly, simply measure those before you head out to the stores or log online to shop for a new set. Just keep in mind that older cushions tend to lose their shape a bit and spread out over time, so make adjustments if necessary in your measurements.

Always measure cushions from edge to edge rather than from seam to seam, keeping the cushions in their normal shape without pushing or smashing them down while measuring. If you can't find the exact, precise measurement you need, don't worry as you'll usually have about an inch to a half inch of leeway, either up or down, before they'll be too big or small for your furniture.

The length of the cushion refers to its entire length from the top edge to the bottom, and the back measurement is from the top edge to the bottom of the back where the cushion folds and meets the seat portion. Measure the seat from the back fold to the front edge of the seat part, and the width is from left to right at any point across the cushion. Finally, the cushion's thickness refers to its height while atop a flat surface.