When the days get longer, and the weather warms up, many of us venture into our gardens to enjoy the summer days and sultry evenings. Dressing your outdoor furniture to be as comfortable and attractive as possible makes your time in the garden all the more special, and outdoor cushions could be just the thing to achieve this. If you're wondering how to pick through all the options available, this buying guide is here to help you out.
Whether you're looking for some waterproof cushions for chairs or large pieces for your bench or sofa, we've got you covered. We've listed our favourites from Argos, Amazon and eBay, including everything from tropical covers, to bright orange fabrics to bring you the top 10 best outdoor cushions in the UK. So if you think these may be something you’d use, keep reading our buying guide to find out more.
Quick List - Top Outdoor Cushions
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
If you’re not sure where to start when choosing the best outdoor cushions, we’ve included all the main considerations in this handy buying guide. So, let’s take a look at what they are.
How we spend our time in the garden depends on the space and the types of furniture we have. When it comes to shopping for cushions to adorn our well-chosen pieces, think about how you plan on using them, as there are a few different types to consider.
Scatter cushions add a touch of colour and interest to your furniture, as well as adding some padding to benches and chairs that may be a bit uncomfortable. Seat pads are also a great way of making outdoor chairs softer, for cosy dining and long lunches that last well into the evening.
Cushions designed for sun loungers are elongated to give you full body padding against any hard wood or metal - these tend to have seams and folds that follow the contours of the lounger. Floor cushions are also becoming popular, and are a great way of adding additional seating if you’re short on space or are entertaining a crowd al fresco.
There are two main types of fabric available when shopping for outdoor cushions - cotton canvas and coated polyester. This section will take a look at each one and their pros and cons.
Cotton canvas has been used for many years for outdoor furnishing and is well-known for its strength and versatility. It offers excellent value for money and can be easily dyed, so comes in a whole host of different colours to match your decor.
However, unless it's been coated in a protectant, canvas cushions usually won't be water-resistant. If these are left outside, they could lead to problems with mould or mildew, so unless already treated, you will need need to waterproof them yourself, at least once a year. You should also avoid using cleaners that contain chlorine, as they can easily bleach the colour and ruin the cushion.
Coated polyester is composed of woven polyester fibres encased in a protective layer, which is usually PVC. This fabric is very strong and isn’t susceptible to rips and tears. It's also usually water-resistant or waterproof, so it won’t absorb any moisture after being left out overnight during heavy showers.
The downside of coated polyester is that it can get really hot in the sun, so might be uncomfortable to sit on during very hot days. It also tends to lose colour and fade in the sunlight, which you will probably notice over time. It's worth noting, too, that bleach-based cleaners should be avoided as they can degrade the protective coating.
There are two main types of filling used for outdoor cushions, each with slightly different properties. Polyester fill is a popular choice as it's soft, fluffy, and cost-effective, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of support. Clustered polyfill is similar, but the fibres are wrapped in small bundles. While this does make the cushions a little firmer, they are still at risk of quickly becoming flat.
Foam fillings aren’t as common as polyester but are often used when the cushion warrants something a little denser to stop it from collapsing so easily. However, foams can be very heavy, so can be cumbersome to move around, and can emit a strong chemical smell.
By their nature, outdoor cushions are likely to come in contact with moisture, whether it be early morning dew or water patches left by passing rain. To keep your outdoor cushions in shape for as long as possible, you'll need to stop them from coming into contact with any moisture. Or, simply opt for waterproof cushions.
Water-resistant cushions stop moisture from completely soaking into the fabric, as any water can simply be wiped off. Because the moisture is repelled, there’s little chance of mould and mildew becoming a problem, so they can be left out overnight or during short showers. It's these little touches that make life that bit easier!
Cushions meant to be placed on a seat or sunlounger can easily move around while you’re sitting or lying on them. Needless to say, this can be a bit annoying! The cushions don't sit straight, they slide out from under you, and they can easily end up flopped on the ground covered in dirt.
To avoid this nightmare, simply opt for outdoor cushions with ties. That way, you can secure the cushion to the furniture to help them stay in place while you're relaxing - and they look much neater.
If you’re regularly using your outdoor cushions when dining or having drinks, it’s likely that at some point, something is going to get spilt on them. Especially if you have kids, as our little darlings seem to be able to make a mess out of anything!
Cushions with removable covers for machine or hand washing definitely help, as it gives you the option to clean off the stain without getting the whole cushion soaked. This is much easier and quicker to clean and means that you don't run the risk of harbouring any lingering moisture that could lead to mould or mildew.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Izabela Peters Waterproof Outdoor Garden Cushion | ![]() | Designed, Printed, and Handmade in the UK | |
2 | SINCERE High Density Foam Patio Bench Seat Cushion | ![]() | Customisable Foam Cushion Pads and Covers | |
3 | HOMESCAPES Pin Stripe Black and White Floor Cushion | ![]() | Additional Seating for Garden Parties | |
4 | Field & Hawken Luxury Sage Sun Lounger Cushion | ![]() | A Tailored Design That's Durable and Practical | |
5 | Artscope Set of 4 Decorative Cushion Covers | ![]() | Strong Breathable Fabric That's Water Resistant | |
6 | Habitat Sun Lounger Seville Cushion - Orange | ![]() | Thick Foam Filling That Doesn't Go Flat | |
7 | VonHaus 2 Pack Scatter Cushions – Blue/Denim | ![]() | No Need to Worry About Accidental Spills | |
8 | Argos Home Garden Chair Cushion - Cream | ![]() | Comfortably Cushion the Back and Seat Of Your Chair | |
9 | SuperKissen24. Sun Lounger Cushion Seat Pad - Set of 2 | ![]() | Designed to Fit Your Furniture Perfectly | |
10 | Argos Home 2 Garden Cushion Pads - Coastal Stripe | ![]() | Comfortable Cushions With a Beachy Vibe |
The soft, breathable fabric used to make these cushions has also been treated with an antifungal agent to keep it looking and feeling like new. Izabela Peters cushions are designed, printed, and handmade in the UK to high-quality standards, and the covers are easily wiped clean or machine washed.
The colours on this cushion are particularly vibrant, and the blue tit design is timeless and elegant. They dry very quickly if they happen to get wet, and paired with the antifungal agent, they will stay mould and mildew free. Such great quality and attention to detail, hence why it's our top pick!
While this particular cushion is a set size, SINCERE also make them to custom sizes which is ideal if you have garden furniture with a tricky or non-standard shape or size. The high-density foam provides excellent support, and the cushion has a non-slip backing so that it stays firmly in place.
These are a much more cost-effective solution for custom made cushions when compared with others available. The tailored foam pads and covers will allow you to completely kit out your garden in bespoke coordinating cushions at a fraction of the cost. Such a great option for a high-end look.
This floor cushion is just the thing for creating additional seating for summertime garden get-togethers. The striped design is fun yet classy, and the high-quality and durable filling stays thick and comfortable even with regular use.
This cushion is perfect for perching on and reading a book in the sun for a few hours, but it's also a great solution if you're short on outdoor space like a balcony. It's also really easy to stow away when not in use.
Field & Hawken's sun lounger cushion features a five-split, tailored design to support your head, back, legs and feet. The stitching is also pretty strong, making the whole cushion practical and durable.
The water-resistant cover is removable with a hidden zip, and there's also a full range of colour coordinating cushions to choose from. These are truly excellent quality, so they do demand a higher price, but if you're looking for high-end durable lounger cushions, they can't be beaten.
The bold botanical print of these cushions is sure to add a touch of class to your garden seating area. The sturdy cotton linen fabric is strong, breathable and comfortable to lounge on. It's also water-resistant, so can be left out overnight.
These cushions are just the covers, so you will need to buy pads, but once you've got these, they make fantastic scatter cushions to use just about anywhere. The quality is excellent, the hidden zips are strong, and the design is bright and bold - what more could you want?
Lounge in comfort with this bold and vibrant cushion from Habitat. This sunshine yellow cushion is made from soft cotton, with a supportive foam filling that won't go flat. The ties will ensure that it fits securely to your lounger, and it also comes with a 1-year guarantee.
While the foam is supportive, it can become a bit lumpy with use, so will need regular shaking and plumping to keep its shape. But if you can keep on top of this, these are such comfy cushions, and their funky yellow print will surely provide a burst of colour to your garden.
VonHaus's scatter cushions offer a vibrant pop of colour in their very on-trend geometric print. The fabric is water-resistant, so you don't need to worry about stains or damage from moisture, and the covers can be easily removed for hand washing to keep them looking like new.
The pads on these cushions could do with being a little bit firmer, but this is easily remedied by buying separate cushion pads if you want a bit more support. Other than this, we love the design as they are sure to liven up any dull corners of your garden.
This seat cushion from Argos is ideal if your garden chairs are a little on the hard side, as the full-coverage design means that it fits the seat and all the way up the back of the chair. It's made from 100% cotton, so it's soft and strong, and the neutral colour will complement most furniture.
However, these cushions aren't waterproof, and their pale colour means that they're prone to stains if anything gets spilt, but you can overcome this by using a protectant spray. Aside from this they're a fantastic price and are shaped to fit a wide range of different furniture.
These seat cushions are thickly padded for comfort and feature deep seams, allowing you to fold the cushion, so it fits your chair perfectly. They are easy to clean and are filled with a mixture of polyester fill and foam so that they hold their shape and last much longer.
These cushions look particularly inviting, and with the breathable fabric, they are comfortable to sit on even in hot weather. The ties on these cushions are a bit fragile and could do with being reinforced, however, they do make them easy to fit on most chairs.
These scatter cushions from Argos feature an attractive blue stripe design with a seaside feel and are sure to match most garden furniture well. They are made of a strong cotton fabric that feels soft to the touch and come with a 1-year guarantee.
However, these cushions are small, so while they make great scatter cushions, they may be too small to use as basic seats. Aside from this, they are comfortable, versatile, and great value for money.
If your garden needs a little help to become the relaxing outdoor space it deserves to be, then we have some fantastic recommendations of things to buy that can help you achieve that quiet corner of peace and tranquillity. Have a look below at just some of the many buying guides we have available.
No. 1: Izabela Peters|Waterproof Outdoor Garden Cushion
No. 2: SINCERE|High Density Foam Patio Bench Seat Cushion
No. 3: HOMESCAPES|Pin Stripe Black and White Floor Cushion
No. 4: Field & Hawken|Luxury Sage Sun Lounger Cushion
No. 5: Artscope|Set of 4 Decorative Cushion Covers
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games