Outdoor Cushions Buying Guide: What To Look For When You Shop

When it comes to creating a welcoming and stylish outdoor space, outdoor cushions and pillows play a pivotal role. These accessories not only add personality but also elevate the comfort level of your outdoor seating area. In this guide, the Nicesoul experts walk through the art of selecting outdoor cushions and answer some common questions to help you make informed choices as you build your dream outdoor space.

1. Define Your Color Scheme

Selecting the perfect outdoor cushions begins with determining your color scheme. Consider the existing tones in your outdoor space, from the surrounding greenery to the architecture of your home, and choose a hue that harmonizes with the space.

The Nicesoul color palette is inspired by nature and specially designed to suit any outdoor space and style. With a simplified color scheme that can easily be mixed-and-matched with our frames, Nicesoul’s outdoor furniture sets make the perfect base for personal touches (like colorful throw pillows or a patterned outdoor rug) that make your space uniquely yours.  Order a complimentary set of swatches here.

2. Prioritize Comfort

Beyond aesthetics, comfort is key. If your outdoor cushions aren't comfortable, you're simply not going to use the space nearly as often. Avoid stiff fabrics and uncomfortable cushion fillings, like hollow-fill fiber or stiff polyester.

Nicesoul's cushions are wonderfully plush. The secret behind our ultra-comfortable outdoor cushions is a multi-layer memory foam that offers the same luxurious comfort of a premium mattress. Plus, our seat cushions are 4 inches thick so you can wonderfully sink into your Nicesoul sofa to relax and unwind.

3. Look for Fabric Quality

When shopping for outdoor cushions, it's important to check the fabric used for the cushion cover and the fill. Look for materials labeled as "performance fabric" or "all-weather fabric." These fabrics are designed to withstand exposure to the elements and are often more durable than standard indoor fabrics. They should resist fading, mold, and mildew. It's also essential to have UV-resistant fabric for outdoor cushions. This feature prevents the fabric from fading or deteriorating due to exposure to sunlight, so opt for cushions with UV-protective coatings or treatments.

To make Nicesoul's cushions incredibly durable and looking crisp season after season, our team developed our proprietary performance fabric, NicesoulOpenWeave™ which feels soft to the touch but is engineered for the outdoors. Made from recyclable materials, this hand-sewn fabric resists water, stains, mold, and fading.

As for the fill material, avoid cushions with low-quality fillings that may flatten or deteriorate quickly. Instead, opt for cushions with high-density foam or multi-layer memory foam (like Nicesoul's cushions). These materials provide better support and resilience over time.

4. Opt for Easy Cleaning

As you research and shop for outdoor cushions, check the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Durable outdoor cushions are usually easy to clean. Look for cushions (removable covers are a plus) that can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water or machine-washed for added convenience.

As for Nicesoul's cushions, our NicesoulOpenWeave™ cushion covers are incredibly easy to clean. Simply rinse off any dirt, wine, coffee, or tea stains and let air dry. Stubborn stains are quickly washed away with a gentle detergent, diluted in warm water. Alternatively, the cushion cover can be removed and machine washed.

5. Inspect the Stitching and Seams

Quality outdoor cushions have double-stitched seams and reinforced stitching at stress points. This ensures that the cushion cover remains intact, even with regular use and exposure to the outdoors.