Patio furniture cushions add many new dimensions to otherwise staid patio furniture. They make them comfortable and allow homeowners to enjoy long hours outdoors, they bring an element of individuality and style to the backyard and finally, they are a wonderful way to stamp your personality and create a specific theme in your home garden. Hence, get tips on the best way to accessorize your home garden with colorful cushions and what are the right materials for patio cushion fabric to look for.
Whether you are a homeowner buying patio furniture and cushions for the first time or already have cushions that have faded over the years, the choices open to you are many. Whatever the garden furniture you have, proper patio cushions are wonderful accessories that brighten the whole garden décor. Most people choose bright and colorful prints when buying patio cushions so that they blend well with a garden full of spring and summer blossoms. There are many themes you can go for and none of them will look out of place for a garden is a place where you can really let your imagination run wild.
White Wicker Beds
If you have standard garden furniture, then it will be easy to get standard size cushions that will be less expensive. Those who have had custom made furniture built will need to go in for specific sizes and shapes of patio cushions. Just make sure the dimensions of the furniture, cushions and cushion covers match perfectly so that they look well coordinated and are comfortable to sit on. There are many themes that you can choose from and popular ones are beach, tropical, birds or flowers.
If you like a beach theme then get lovely white or beige wicker furniture to resemble the sand and patio cushions with seashell prints or even an aquarium print. Popular patio cushion prints include big bold stripes, polka dots, tropical flowers and birds or solid colors. Young people with trendy and contemporary patio furniture may like big, bold stripes. A more formal setting could include solid white patio furniture with patio cushions in black and white stripes. However, remember that the lighter the color, the more difficult it is to maintain the cushions since they will be out during all kinds of weather.
Solid colors that are popular include black, teal, cream, yellow and coral. A combination of several solid colors gives a colorful look to patio furniture. Coral is a favorite for outdoor patio cushions when the theme is a beach or Tuscan setting. Patio cushion manufacturers have different shapes and sizes to suit all types of garden furniture like sofa sets, chairs, rocking chairs, ottomans, deck chairs, swings, recliners etc.
If you cannot go to a store and order online, then ask for a sample of cushion cover materials so that you can decide on the right combination. Those who cannot decide on what theme to select can get ideas from garden décor magazines or interior decorators. Once you settle on the right design for your cushions, the next important decision is to decide on the material, for these cushions need to survive outside and good quality fabric is very important. Some common patio cushion fabrics are:
• Olefin
• Acrylic
• Vinyl
• Vinyl polyester
Olefin or polypropylene is a synthetic material that can withstand stains, abrasions, mildew and fading due to exposure to the sun and rain. Olefin patio cushions are a popular choice and can last long. Wash them regularly using a mild detergent and warm water and dry completely before placing the cushions back on the furniture. Acrylic used for patio umbrellas is a strong, durable fiber that when used for patio cushion covers keeps them safe from all kinds of weather and looking as good as new.
When patio cushions are made from vinyl or vinyl polyester, the fabric is covered with waterproof molten vinyl. This makes it completely resistant to not only water but also food stains, oil, dirt, salt water, mildew, mold and chemicals. Those who do not have the time to clean patio cushions can go with this option for just a quick wipe down will do. Whatever the fabric you choose, make sure you do not use bleach or a strong detergent that can harm the fabric and make it fade quickly. A little bit of foresight in the choice and subsequent maintenance of patio cushions will keep them in great condition for many years.