Outdoor Cushion Fabrics: What to Look For

Cushions are the part of outdoor furniture that ages fastest in strong sun, so the fabric matters more than the frame for how a lounge set looks after a few summers. Check the fabric and filling in the product characteristics, or ask us for a specific model.

Common outdoor fabrics

• Polyester: the most common and affordable. Coated versions shed water; colours can fade faster in full sun.
• Solution-dyed acrylic (for example Sunbrella): the colour goes through the fibre rather than sitting on the surface, so it keeps its colour longer. Our Ketler corner sofa and Jordano sofa use Sunbrella fabric.
• Olefin: a synthetic fibre that is also coloured in the mass, light and quick to dry, and usually priced between polyester and acrylic.
• Textilene: a coated mesh used for sunbed slings rather than cushions; it dries quickly.

What is the best fabric for outdoor cushions in Cyprus?

From June to September a terrace in Cyprus gets long hours of direct sun, and that is what fades and weakens fabric first. For cushions that stay outside all season, solution-dyed acrylic is the safest pick, because the colour is in the fibre and does not wash off the surface. Olefin is a good middle option. Plain polyester works for cushions that live under a pergola or come inside after use.

Nardi lists the fabric grade on its cushions. The Nardi Net chair cushion (46.5 × 48.5 × 3.5 cm, 0.3 kg) comes in yarn-dyed acrylic, olefin or Sunbrella, all treated against dirt and mould, and the Sunbrella version is also water-repellent. The cushion for the Plano sunlounger (200 × 67 × 6 cm) uses solution-dyed acrylic over a removable zip cover.

Reading the label

• Dye method: "solution-dyed" or "mass-dyed" means the colour runs through the fibre. "Printed" or plain "dyed" fabric fades sooner in full sun.
• Washing temperature: the Nardi acrylic covers wash at 30 °C, olefin and Sunbrella at 40 °C. A removable cover with a zip makes this practical.
• Water and dirt treatment: water-repellent means rain beads up and runs off; it does not mean waterproof, so the filling can still get wet in a downpour.
• Anti-mould treatment: useful for cushions that stay outside through the damp winter months.

Filling

Quick-dry foam lets water drain through. Standard foam holds water after rain, so stand cushions on their edge to dry. Foam density tells you how firm a cushion stays: the Plano cushion uses polyurethane foam of 25 kg/m³ wrapped in water-repellent polyester. Thin seat pads of 3-4 cm add comfort to a resin chair, while sunbed and sofa cushions of 6 cm and more give real softness.

Colour and the Cyprus sun

Light colours such as sand, beige and light grey stay cooler to sit on and hide fading better. Dark colours look sharp at first but get hot in direct sun and show bleaching more clearly. White shows dust and sunscreen marks quickly, which matters around a pool.

Making cushions last

• Store cushions indoors or in a storage box when not in use. The Jersey 130 box is painted aluminium and measures 130 × 61 × 63 cm, enough for a set of seat cushions.
• Brush off dust and sand; sponge stains with mild soapy water.
• Wash off sunscreen and salt water soon, before they set into the weave.
• Let wet cushions dry fully before you put them away, so they do not smell or go mouldy.
• Follow the cleaning label; see our cleaning guide and the care guide.

Common mistakes

• Choosing on colour alone and only then checking the fabric type.
• Leaving cushions out overnight in winter, when rain and dew soak the foam.
• Using bleach or a pressure washer on outdoor fabric, which strips the protective finish.

Replacement cushions for Nardi chairs and sunbeds are sold separately, see cushions and covers. For full lounge sets, browse outdoor sofas and the rope and rattan collection.