Outdoor furniture cushions - think about this

A cushion consists of some type of filling or padding as well as a textile cover. The materials can also be treated, for example to withstand UV light and moisture or to resist mold and other challenges. Both filling, textile, and treatment vary from cushion to cushion. Some padded cushions for garden furniture contain foam rubber, while others have cotton filling. Some have polyester covers, while others have covers of cotton velour, linen, canvas, or similar. The choices are many, and what you should choose depends on how you intend to use the cushions.Polyester is very common, as it is in itself a water-repellent and quite durable material. If it is important to you to be able to leave the cushions out in light rain, polyester can be a good choice. Another advantage of polyester is that the cushions can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth.But other materials can also be of high quality and furthermore provide an exciting and different look in the outdoor space. If the cushion cover is removable, you can take it off the cushion and wash it. But remember to check the care label! Many cushion covers can only be hand washed at 30 degrees.The material thus affects both the maintenance and how long the cushion stays looking nice. What you ultimately choose depends not only on practicality but also on your own style and taste.

Length, width, and thickness of the cushions are important factors for the cushions to fit in the outdoor furniture, and for you to be able to sit or lie comfortably in them. However, size also matters for storage and cleaning. For example, if you are going to have a cushion for a sunbed or for reclining chairs, you will most likely want a model that covers the entire lying or sitting area. The cushion must simply fit. Choosing a cushion that can be folded can take up less space in the cushion box or when the cushions need to be stored dry for the winter. On the other hand, such cushions may have seams where debris can easily accumulate.

Here we go through important factors to consider when buying cushions for outdoor furniture.SizeMeasure the outdoor furniture and make sure the cushion you find fits.ErgonomicsThickness and how the cushion is sewn affect how comfortable it is to sit on. Some models have an integrated cushion, which can be practical on a sunbed or behind the neck on a reclining chair.QualityIt is wise to buy cushions that can withstand outdoor use. Even if you are careful to bring the cushions in when it rains, moisture and sun can affect the cushions in the long run, such as mold, stains, or sun fading. Different materials are more or less sensitive to external influences and weather forces. Quick Dry Foam is an example of cushion materials specially designed to withstand rain. Such cushions dry extra fast and can safely stay outside throughout the season. Cushions that have properties or treatments that make them especially well suited for outdoor use are usually well marked. For example, it may indicate that the cushions are UV-resistant, wipeable, or water-resistant.StorageCushions stay in the best condition if you protect them from the sun and rain when not in use. A cushion box or furniture cover is invaluable during the summer season. In winter, cushions should be stored in a dry and frost-free place.

Even if you buy cushions that can withstand being outside 24/7, they will of course get dirty faster if you don't have a proper storage solution. Many people therefore have a cushion box on their patio, so that cushions that are not in use can be quickly and easily put away. When autumn arrives, many choose to bring in and wash the cushions, and then store them in the shed or other suitable place for the winter. This way, you can quickly find clean and nice cushions when the spring sun reappears. Just make sure the cushions are completely dry before storing them for the winter, especially if you are storing them in a cool place - otherwise, you risk the cushions starting to smell, or even getting moldy.

In order to ensure that textiles, such as pillows, do not contain harmful substances, there are labeling schemes that you can look for. One of the environmental labels that can sometimes be found on pillows is Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. This is a global labeling scheme that indicates that the product meets threshold requirements for a variety of environmentally hazardous and health hazardous substances. Many of these substances are already regulated by law, but in certain cases the thresholds are stricter in the Oeko-Tex standard, which also includes some chemicals that are not yet regulated on an EU level.The Nordic label Swan can also be found on textiles. If the pillow is Swan-labeled, it means, among other things, that it does not contain certain harmful substances, that the working conditions in the production process meet a certain level, and that emissions related to the product are regulated.GOTS is another label that you can find on textiles, specifically on products made from natural fibers. These textiles should contain a certain amount of organic textile fibers, and there are two levels; a minimum of 70 percent at level 2 and a minimum of 95 percent at level 1. The labeling also includes several other aspects, such as the exclusive use of biodegradable chemicals, GMO prohibition, and traceable fibers.