What Should I Consider When Buying Patio Cushions?

Choosing the right cushions for your patio furniture is almost as important as selecting the furniture pieces themselves. After all, your final goal is to make the patio inviting with a unified look, not have it appear as if everything were purchased because it was on sale. If you are wondering how to go about selecting the right patio cushion for your furniture and patio, here are a few tips.

Just as accent pillows and upholstered furniture help to define a living room or den, patio cushions can either pull the area together or make it look like a disjointed collection of odds and ends. A key element in getting the right cushions and covers for your furniture is to look around at the colors you already have going on the patio. This includes the color of the exterior wall, any support posts if the patio area is covered, and even the choice of plants you have in the space. Decide which of these colors you want to draw out in the finished look. If the patio cushions are intended to pull the color scheme together, then identify two or three colors that must be in the print or stripe design for the cushion material.

Along with the color or colors of the patio cushions, it is also important to consider the texture. Ideally, the covers of the cushions will be somewhat soft and pliable to the touch. This will make stretching out of the chaise lounge or enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the chairs all the more inviting.

Understanding the weather conditions will also influence your final decision about your selection of patio cushions. People who live in warmer climates with higher humidity and more rain will want the cushions to be covered with material that will hold up well under constant exposure. This means no mildew and no mold developing as the months go by. Nothing can make a patio chair more uninviting than a film of mold spreading across the seat and back cushions.

Keep in mind that even if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, there is always the option of buying your own material and covering a set of cushions you buy on sale. Fortunately, there is a good chance you will not have to drag out your sewing machine. Patio cushions are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, and material options. Home stores usually have a great selection, as do lawn and garden shops. There is even a good chance that you can even find what you are looking for at one of the larger discount retail chains.