21 outdoor cushions to inject an extra ounce of colour and comfort into your garden set up

Outdoor cushions are one of those homeware items – much like an outdoor rug – that you never knew you needed. Until you find yourself heading to Amazon to order five of them on next day delivery. 

Yes, reader, we’ve all been guilty of an impulse purchase but, thankfully, outdoor cushions are one item in your basket that you won’t regret paying for. In fact, in our British gardens, patios and balconies, we don’t get as much sun as we might like (*sigh*) and so, naturally, it’s up to us to bring the brightness to our outdoor spaces. The best way to do that? An outdoor cushion, of course.

Whether you’re a fan of the best rattan furniture styles or your garden is more antique with garden mirrors galore, there’s always going to be a place for an outdoor cushion, you just need to discover the different types so that you can decide what exactly you’re looking for. However, if you’re in a bit of a rush, here are our top two picks, shortly followed by a no-fuss list of the 10 designs we think you’ll like best. For the rest, plus more info including sizes, material and what we think, keep scrolling…

Set of 2 Orange Print Outdoor Cushions

Best outdoor cushions tropical

John Lewis & Partners Plain Garden Cushion, 43 x 43cm, Indigo

Best outdoor cushions cheap

The best outdoor cushions at a glance:

• The best outdoor cushion: Set of 2 Orange Print Outdoor Cushions, £29.50, M&S
• The best cushions for outdoor benches: Bench Cushion, £30.99, Wayfair
• The best outdoor cushion seat cushions: IKEA KUDDARNA Chair Cushion, Outdoor, 36 x 32 cm, £14.45, Amazon
• The best sun lounge cushions: Sun Lounger Outdoor Cushion – Coastal Stripe, £28, Argos
• The best outdoor cushions waterproof: MIULEE Waterproof Outdoor Cushion Covers 24×24, £14.19, Amazon
• The best outdoor cushion covers: Outdoor Pillow Covers Decorative, from £9.74, Etsy
• The best outdoor floor cushions: Orange Blossom Large 70cm Outdoor Floor Cushion Multi, £24, Furn
• The best outdoor scatter cushion: Lois Striped Outdoor Bolster Cushion, £12.50, M&S
• The best made to measure outdoor cushions: Custom Pillow Covers – Square, £26.24 (for a 19″ x 19″ cushion), Covers and All
• The best affordable/cheap outdoor cushions: Plain Garden Cushion, 43 x 43cm, Indigo, £10, John Lewis & Partners

What is the material used to make outdoor cushions? 

Generally speaking, outdoor cushions are made from polyester which is naturally water-resistant though not waterproof. So it’s a good idea to buy an outdoor storage box – like this one from Wickes – so you needn’t bring them inside every time the weather turns sour. That said, most polyester outdoor cushions will withstand a light shower from time to time. Elsewhere, some brands – like John Lewis – opt for cotton outdoor cushions, which have a softer finish, but aren’t quite as weather-resistant as their polyester counterparts. Though, for babies and those with sensitive skin types lounging in bikinis, cotton is less likely to cause a reaction. 

How long do outdoor cushions last?

If you look after them, outdoor cushions can last just as long as the ones you have in your living room sofa. The key? Read the care label on your cushions – if you spill something on them and they’re not machine washable, chances are they’ll need a quick spot clean. Likewise, if they’re not at all water-resistant, make sure to bring them inside if a shower breaks out. 

After more outdoor inspo? Head this way for the best hanging egg chairs, over here for the best BBQs, best chimineas, best fire pits and best patio heaters and make sure to check out our round up of melamine plates and boxed wine to drink with friends this summer! We’ve also got the best parasols, deck chairs, Aldi garden furniture and even picnic blankets and baskets for your al fresco get togethers. 

For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.

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