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How to Choose and Measure Patio Cushions for Your Outdoor Space

Holly Honeycutt

By Holly Honeycutt
Updated April 25, 2024

Good patio cushions are essential to creating a relaxing and comfortable environment for your patio, deck or screened-in porch. We’ll show you how to select the right size and type, as well how to care for them so they last longer.

A patio with a coffee table, outdoor rug and a large wicker sectional sofa and light beige cushions.

Replacing Outdoor Patio Cushions

Like most homeowners, you probably enjoy spending time outdoors when the weather is pleasant. If your current patio cushions or patio cushion covers are worn or faded or you’re looking for a new style or color and you want to replace them, you’ll first need to measure them.

Because cushions come in a variety of sizes ranging from 12 inches by 12 inches to 24 inches by 24 inches, it's important to choose the size that best fit your needs.

Measuring Cushions for the Correct Size

A black metal outdoor chair with light beige cushions.

To measure your patio furniture:

  1. Measure the width of your patio furniture from arm to arm.
  2. Then measure the depth from the front to the back of the seat.
  3. Finally, measure the height going from the base of the seat top to the top of the back.

1-Piece Cushions
Combine the back height and the seat depth for the total length, adding one inch for a comfortable fit.

2-Piece Cushions
For the seat cushion, measure the seat width and depth. With the seat back, measure the back height and the width.

Tip

In order to get the correct size back cushion, subtract the seat cushion depth from the back height.

Cushion Types

An assortment of throw pillows in different colors, sizes and patterns.

To maximize your time outdoors, it’s important to have comfortable patio furniture. We carry a large variety of new and replacement patio cushions to suit every furniture type including:

Other Considerations
After you purchase the right patio cushions for your furniture, don’t forget throw pillows, lumbar pillows and bolsters. These smaller decorative pillows are the perfect accent to add color, pattern and texture to your porch, deck or patio.

Style and Features

An outdoor patio with a wicker and black metal loveseat with white and black cushions.

As the weather changes and everyone heads outdoors, you’ll want to ensure that your outdoor space is as stylish and comfortable as your home’s interior. Clean lines and warm neutrals look great in modern spaces. Traditional or transitional spaces can feel inviting with florals, stripes, damask ,ikat or animal prints in various shades of blue, green and red. 

Coastal motifs feel beachy and casual in shades of blue, cream, white and coral. For more rustic locations, think of wood tones, brown, taupe and deep red. If you prefer a casual, bohemian vibe, use bright pops of color and pastels with tropical or geometric patterns.

Features
No matter what your style is, there are features to keep in mind that can add years to the life or your patio cushions. 

Water Resistant
It’s a good idea to invest in patio cushions that have a water resistant coating to protect them from the elements. 

Fade or UV Resistant
Cushions that are fade or UV resistant will maintain their color for longer, giving you years of enjoyment out of your patio cushions.

Mildew Resistant
Mildew resistant fabric on your replacement patio cushions or patio cushions prevents them from getting damp, moldy and smelly.

Stain Resistant
Paw prints, food, fallen leaves, dirt and debris collect over time on your outdoor cushions making them dingy and dirty. Look for cushions that are stain resistant and easier to clean.

Reversible
Many patio cushions only have the decorative fabric on one side so you can’t flip them over. Reversible cushions are covered on both sides, giving you double the wear.

Other Considerations
If you like a more traditional look, consider tufted patio cushions. To keep your cushions in place, look for patio cushion with ties that will secure them to your outdoor furniture.

How to Care for Patio Cushions

A patio with a wicker loveseat and two chairs with blue cushions and an outdoor rug.

Once you’ve invested in your outdoor furniture and patio cushions, you’ll want to take some preventative measures to ensure they’ll last for years to come. Here are a few tips:

  • For an extra layer of protection on cushions that may not be water resistant, consider a water repellent fabric protector. It dries quickly, repelling rain, snow and moisture. Apply every year for best results.
  • Once your cushions are out for the season, turn them on their side when not in use. This will help them dry quicker after it rains.
  • If you’re not using your cushions or it’s time to put them away for the winter, then it’s best to bring them indoors. If you don’t have room inside, consider patio cushion storage or furniture covers. When using furniture covers, make sure they fit loosely to prevent mold and mildew.

How to Clean Patio Cushions
Before you store your cushions for the winter, it’s a good idea to clean them. Here are some general guidelines, but you should always follow the instructions for cleaning your specific cushions.

Step 1: Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with the attachment to get the top level of dirt and grime off the cushions.

Step 2: Fill a bucket with water and add a ¼ cup of Borax and 1 tablespoon of dish detergent.  Then use a hard-bristle brush to scrub the mixture into the cushions. Let it sit for five minutes. If your cushions are particularly soiled, repeat the process.

Step 3: Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the solution off the cushions. Don’t use a pressure washer because it can damage the fabric.

Step 4: Lean the cushions vertically against a wall and let them fully dry before storing them.

Finishing Touches

An outdoor patio with a white dining table and six dining chairs with light blue cushions.

Now that you have new patio cushions, consider a few other updates to create the perfect outdoor space.

Patio Umbrellas
Add an umbrella to provide shade on hot summer days.

Outdoor Rugs
Use an outdoor rug to frame your dining or seating areas.

Outdoor Lighting
Hang string lights or use solar lights to create ambiance.

Outdoor Heating
Add a new firepit or patio heater to extend your time outdoors on cool evenings.

Grills
Entertain friends and family all season long with a new gas or charcoal grill.