Everything You Need to Know about Decorating Outdoors with Fabric
When decorating with soft materials outdoors, it is important to use fabrics, fills, and even threads that are designed for outdoors.
Fiber Content
The absolute best fabric content to use is a solution dyed acrylic, especially if it is going to be in direct sun and never protected from the elements. Polyester fabric is okay for outdoors too, but it will not last as long or be as colorfast as acrylic. Sunbrella is a well-know brand that makes this fabric, but there are many others, so don’t feel like it has to be Sunbrella to be good.
UV Resistance
In our hot Texas sun, UV resistance is key to keeping the outdoors areas looking new. The best way to do this, aside from picking fabrics that are solution dyed acrylics, is to protect your cushions and pillows from the elements. Using a nearby bin to put cushions when they are not in use is the best way to prolong the life of your cushions.
Handling the Elements
You have to think about not just the hot sun, but also the occasional freezing weather, the Austin humidity, and the pollen. Oak season in March and April especially puts our outdoor fabric’s cleanability to the test. Outdoor fabric can be rinsed off or hand washed and air dried. Covers that are still slightly damp will be easier to stretch when putting them back on. Still, that outdoor bin that holds your cushions when not in use is the absolute best way to fight the elements.
A word on Outdoor Inserts
Pillows
When it comes to resisting moisture like humidity, it is also important to remember the right insert and materials are key. Pillows must be polyfil. There is no way around it, even in a protected covered porch. Do not use down pillows outside.
Pillows don’t have to be boring just because they are outdoor anymore. In the past few years we have seen more and more outdoor trims come available. They are usually polyester but some are acrylic. While the can handle getting wet, they are not designed to sit out in the elements. Again for the longest life, you want to protect your pillows from the elements when not in use. (I sound like a broken record.)
Cushions
Outdoor foam is expensive and can be very firm. It is important to consider this when selecting outdoor cushions. There are anti-microbial options that are more comfortable, but really even those should be wrapped in a waterproof liner like Bellblock if they are anywhere outdoors except under a covered porch. Once the foam starts to mold or deteriorate, you cannot just recover it and hope for the best. Typically foam lasts about seven years if taken care of properly.
Outdoor Notions
Even the notions used need be specific to outdoors if you expect the item to last. I use Sunguard brand thread for outdoor projects. It is UV resistant and will handle the elements. Zippers should be ones that do not rust. Nylon is my go to. If you’re inluding outdoor curtains in your design, then you also have to consider the elements when selecting the hardware. And don’t forget about the wind. Outdoor curtains need to have a way to be tied back.
FAQ Decorating Outdoors with Fabric
Does brand matter?
Not necessarily. Sunbrella is probably the most recognized brand of outdoor fabric. However, there are many other brands with outdoor-appropriate weaves.
Can I use regular foam and pillow inserts?
The short answer no. If it is under a covered porch or you are dedicated to protecting the cushions and pillows from the elements when not in use, you can get away with anti-microbial foam, but really you want to use outdoor foam outdoors.
How do I make my outdoor space unique?
Mixing up fabrics and adding fun trims to throw pillows will make your space unique. I am here to help you make a one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
When you’re ready to look at sprucing up your outdoor space or reviving your outdoor cushions or pillows, send me some pictures and let’s chat.