Indoor vs outdoor cushion fabric
Sun, rain and everyday life are hard on cushions. Here is what makes outdoor fabric different, why the foam matters just as much, and how to keep cushions looking good longer.
What happens to cushions outside
Three things wear outdoor cushions out: sun, which fades color and weakens fibers; water, which soaks in, stays and invites mildew; and dirt and pollen, which settle into the weave. Indoor fabric is not built for any of them. A cotton cushion left outside for a season will usually look tired by the end of it.
How outdoor fabric is different
- Color that goes all the way through. Many outdoor fabrics are solution-dyed: the color is added to the fiber before it is spun, instead of printed or dyed on the surface. That is why they hold their color in the sun far better than ordinary fabric.
- Fibers that do not soak. Outdoor fabrics are usually acrylic, polyester or olefin. They shed water instead of absorbing it and dry faster.
- Finishes for water and stains. Many get a water-repellent finish so rain beads up and rolls off.
- A slightly different hand. Outdoor fabric can feel a little crisper than a soft indoor cotton or linen. Newer ones feel much closer to indoor fabric than they used to.
Always check the real thing. Screens and room light change how fabric looks. Order swatches and look at them outside, in the spot where the cushions will live, before you choose.
Do not forget the foam
Even the best outdoor fabric cannot help if the foam inside holds water.
- Standard foam is comfortable and right for indoors and covered porches. Outside, it soaks up rain and dries slowly.
- Quick-dry foam has an open structure that lets water run straight through, so cushions dry much faster after a storm. For cushions that live in the open, it is worth it.
Indoor cushions that take real life
Indoors, sun and rain matter less, but spills, kids, pets and sunny windows do not. A window seat in strong afternoon sun can fade an ordinary fabric over a few summers, and a kitchen banquette sees a lot of spills. For those spots, a performance fabric (the same kind of durable, easy-clean fabric used outdoors, or an indoor version of it) is a smart choice. For a reading nook or a bedroom bench, softer indoor fabrics are lovely.
Care and storage
- Brush off dirt before it settles in. Pollen and leaves are easier to remove dry.
- Clean spills early with mild soap and water, then rinse and let the cushion air dry. Always follow the care instructions for your specific fabric.
- Stand wet cushions on their edge so water drains out the bottom instead of pooling.
- Store them in the off season or during long stretches of bad weather, somewhere dry with airflow. A cushion storage box or a dry garage shelf works.
- Zippers help. A zippered cover can come off for cleaning, and the foam can be replaced later without a whole new cushion.
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Questions
Can I use indoor fabric on outdoor furniture?
On a fully covered porch that stays dry, sometimes. In the open, indoor fabric usually fades, holds water and mildews within a season or two. Outdoor fabric is the safer choice.
Are outdoor cushions waterproof?
Most outdoor fabrics are water-repellent, not waterproof. Rain beads up and runs off, but a long soak can still get through. Quick-dry foam inside helps the cushion dry fast when that happens.
Will outdoor fabric fade?
Solution-dyed outdoor fabrics hold their color much better than ordinary fabric, but everything left in strong sun changes over time. Storing cushions when you are not using them helps them last.
Can I use outdoor fabric indoors?
Yes. It is a good choice for kitchen banquettes, sunny window seats and anywhere with kids or pets.