Outdoor cushions can spruce up an outdoor space, bringing colour and pattern as well as comfort.
Author
:
Amber-Rose Hurst
Contributor
:
Charlotte Dunford
Published Date:
2 April 2024
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While many consider interior and exterior spaces completely separate while designing, outside areas can benefit from the same soft touches and decorative pieces as indoor rooms, such as outdoor cushions.
Outdoor cushions can uplift a garden scheme, bringing colour, pattern and texture as well as comfort. There’s myriad styles available with designs to suit every type of garden, from country cottage to chic modern schemes. Here, we round up 25 of our favourite cushions for outdoors, plus handy outdoor cushion storage options.
Outdoor cushions to suit every style of garden
1. Set of 2 Bird Print Outdoor Cushions, Marks & Spencer
Maximalist in style, these cushions are ideal for bringing a splash of colour and a tropical feel to patios and sunrooms.
RRP£25
Available from Marks & Spencer
2. Yellow Gingham Outdoor Cushion, Basil Bangs
Add a playful country feel to your garden with this gingham outdoor cushions, available with a matching outdoor rug.
RRP£65
Available from Antipodream
3. Whichford Cushion, Garden Trading
Also available in deep navy, this outdoor cushion from Garden Trading is the perfect way to subtly elevate your existing garden furniture.
RRP£40
Available from Garden Trading
4. Indoor Outdoor Rectangular Cushion, Cox & Cox
For a more natural garden scheme, plain outdoor cushions in neutral tones ensure comfort on days spent lounging in the sun.
RRP£30
Available from Cox & Cox
5. Frill Stripe co*cktail Cushion, Colours of Arley
Bold, colour-clash stripes give this cushion a playful feel, while the frilled edge adds a soft, feminine touch.
RRP£125
Available from Colours of Arley
6. Courtyard Daisy Outdoor Cushion, Andrew Martin
Taking inspiration from an antique textile, this mosaic-style cushion is completed in a warm, autumnal palette.
RRP£74.25
Available from Andrew Martin
7. Large Contorno Cushion Cover, Oka
With a global-inspired motif, this cushion is perfect for bringing a holiday feel to your garden.
RRP£65
Available from Oka
8. Olivia Sage Outdoor Cushion, Ella James
This outdoor cushion from Ella James features a painted Ikat-style design, complemented by sage green piping and a cream-coloured back.
RRP£39
Available from Ella James
9. Geometric 4 Pack Outdoor Cushions, Gardenista
Great for any garden scheme, this set of monochrome aztec print outdoor cushions are water-repellent, durable and great value.
RRP£39.97
Available from Amazon
10. Lemons Outdoor Cushion, Furn
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Bring a feel of the Amalfi Coast to your garden with this fun lemon motif cushion from Furn. Made of UV-resistant and water-repellant fabric, this outdoor cushion is designed to withstand sunshine, showers, and spills.
RRP£15
Available from Furn
11. Summer Garden Cushion, John Lewis
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Embroidered with beautiful, realistic dragonflies, ladybirds, bees and flowers, this sage green outdoor cushion is the perfect addition to a garden.
RRP£20
Available from John Lewis
12. Skala Indoor/Outdoor Cushion Cover, Oka
For a garden that celebrates natural materials, this outdoor cushion cover from Oka is handwoven from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
RRP£95
Available from Oka
13. Striped Outdoor Bolster Cushion, Marks & Spencer
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Vibrant, eye-catching stripes add a fun and whimsical touch to this outdoor bolster cushion. Finished with a charming scalloped edge, it is crafted from water-resistant fabric that can withstand a light shower.
RRP£17.50
Available from Marks & Spencer
14. Plain Indoor Outdoor Cushion, John Lewis
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If you're looking for a plain outdoor cushion, John Lewis offer a range of great quality options available in green, red and blue.
RRP£12
Available from John Lewis
15. Cherry Blossom Outdoor Cushion, Izabela Peters
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Designed in an elegant cherry blossom print, these luxury waterproof garden cushions are designed, printed, and handcrafted in the UK.
RRP£18.99
Available from Amazon
16. Pure Cotton Striped Tasselled Outdoor Cushion, Marks & Spencer
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Add a cosy feel to your outdoor space with this vibrant striped cushion. Crafted from pure cotton, it features a smart water-resistant coating for durability. Playful tassels adorn each corner, while its reversible design offers versatility with a plain colour on the flip side.
RRP£19.50
Available from Marks & Spencer
Best outdoor bench cushions
1. Bouquet de Fleurs Garden Mattress, Birdie Fortesque
Suitable for use on a garden bench, lounger or simply laid on the grass, this water-resistant, double-sided outdoor mattress has a charming vintage feel.
RRP£220
Available from Birdie Fortesque
2. Natural Linen Extra Long Bench Cushion, Graham and Green
Enhance the comfort of benches and oversized seating with these extra-long seat pads, luxuriously padded and upholstered in soft, textural natural linen. Ideal for adding a sense of coastal charm.
RRP£125
Available from Graham and Green
3. Geometric Bench Cushion, Marks & Spencer
The plush geometric print of this outdoor bench cushion is enhanced by charming tasseled trims adorning each corner.
RRP£39.50
Available from Marks & Spencer
4. Franca Stripe Bench Cushion, Broste Copenhagen
Brighten up your seating space with this candy striped yellow bench cushion. Add a touch of Scandinavian charm to your garden décor.
RRP£59
Available from Nordic Nest
5. Rectangular Tasseled Cushion, H&M Home
Woven from a blend of cotton and linen and complete with charming tassels at each corner, this outdoor cushion is the perfect choice for enhancing the comfort of your bench or day bed.
RRP£39.99
Available from H&M
6. Three Seater Outdoor Bench Cushion, Homescapes
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Inject a burst of colour into your outdoor seating with this vibrant mustard yellow bench cushion. Featuring a tufted design for enhanced comfort, this garden bench cushion boasts dense filling for a supportive base. If yellow isn't quite right for your scheme, it is also available in black, blue, grey, orange, green and more.
RRP£29.99
Available from Amazon
Grey Stripe Outdoor Bench Cushion, Dibor
Crafted from 100% machine washable organic cotton, this extra thick bench cushion is both practical and stylish, designed in a timeless natural beige and grey striped print.
RRP£32
Available from Amazon
9. Deoli Indigo Mattress - 70cm x 180cm, Bungalow
Inspired by the intricate woodblock prints from Rajasthan, this outdoor mattress is complete with corner tassels for a bohemian flair. The Deoli Indigo Mattress is perfect for elevating the comfort of your outdoor bench or chair.
RRP£135
Available from Burford Garden Centre
Best outdoor cushion storage
1. Garden Cushion Protective Storage Bag, Barlborough
Crafted from waterproof material to shield your furnishings from dirt and moisture, this outdoor cushion storage bag allows you to store your garden furnishings in your shed or outhouse easily.
RRP£29.95
Available from Amazon
2. Large Outdoor Cushion Storage Bag, John Lewis
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Made from strong 420D nylon fabric, this outdoor cushion storage bag has taped seams for moisture protection and UV30+ sun protection, for all-year-round use.
RRP£55
Available from John Lewis
3. Monte Carlo Cushion Storage Box, LG Outdoor
This outdoor cushion storage box combines durable aluminium frames with lifelike, all-weather synthetic wicker. Lightweight yet sturdy, this box is designed to withstand various weather conditions.
RRP£399
Available from John Lewis
4. Wooden Outdoor Storage Box, Sarah Raven
Featuring a gentle grey water-based wash finish and a weather-resistant zinc lid angled for efficient rain runoff, this storage solution is ideal for compact gardens or as supplementary storage when your shed falls short on space.
RRP£229
Available from Sarah Raven
How to clean outdoor cushions
After being exposed to the elements for long periods of time or have been subject to spills and stains during al fresco dining of summers past, outdoor cushions can begin to look less than fresh. So, before you begin hosting outside, it’s a good idea to restore your outdoor cushions back to their former glory.
Follow these simple outdoor cushion cleaning tips:
Remove the cushion cover: This simplifies the cleaning process and prevents the cushion pad from getting wet, which would prolong drying time unnecessarily since it likely doesn't require cleaning.
Check for stains: Inspect your cushions for any stains or damage that may need special attention. Make note of areas that require additional cleaning or repair.
Vacuum the cushion: Remove loose dirt and debris from your outdoor cushions by quickly vacuuming over them. Alternatively, give them a good shake and a pat to dislodge any dirt.
Use a mild detergent and gently scrub: Opting for a mild detergent can prevent fabric damage. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach as they can cause discolouration and harm the material. Follow the label instructions and dilute the detergent with water. Then, using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub your outdoor cushion.
Rinse: Use your garden hose, a watering can, or a splash of water from a bucket to rinse the cushion. Avoid using a pressure washer as it could damage the fabric. After rinsing, recheck any areas of concern to ensure they have been adequately cleaned.
Hang out to dry: Dry off any excess moisture with a fresh towel, then allow it to air dry, preferably in a sunny location or hung on a line.
