To avoid any surprises down the road, cushions for a window seat, bench, or chairs need to use the right fabric, upholstery fabric. There are a number of questions to consider before selecting the fabric that go much deeper than the color or style. Let’s dive in.

Where and How it will be used

The most important questions aside from colors you may want to use, are where and how the cushion will be used. Will it be outdoors on a poolside chair that will never be protected from the elements? Will it be under a covered patio, in a sunny window on or an often-used kitchen bench? How often will it be used, everyday or only occasionally? All of these factors determine what fabrics to use or avoid.

Which Fabric is the Best Fabric?

Outdoors

For outdoor cushions that will be abused, I recommend a solution dyed acrylic. It will withstand the sun and high UV and will have a good double-rub count (meaning it will wear well.) Still, if a cushion is neglected, it will deteriorate much faster than one that is taken inside during rain, or when not in use. So I always recommend to protect your outdoor cushions and pillows from the elements when they are not in use.

Covered Patios

In covered patios, you have a little more flexibility. You should definitely still use a fabric specifically designed for outdoors since you will still have the issue of humidity and mildew. However, since it is protected from the sun and elements for the most part, you can expect a longer life out of the fabric (and foam) when it is under a covered area.

Kitchen or kids’ rooms

For kitchens or kids’ rooms, I highly recommend Revolution brand fabrics. They are durable and can be cleanable with bleach (even the dark ones). Some are even machine washable. At the very least, I would suggest a performance fabric since these cushions will be used more often.

Sunny indoor spots

When it comes to a sunny seat, I still recommend an outdoor upholstery fabric. The reason being if you don’t have a film on your window to prevent fading from UV, you’ll get a longer life out of an outdoor fabric that is designed to prevent UV damage even in an indoor sunny spot.

Closets, offices, or primary bedrooms

If the cushion is in a rarely used place such as a closet or office where people are not likely to sit on it long or often, the world is a little more open. I would still suggest an upholstery fabric both for its flammability properties and for its general durability. However if you know it will only be used by adults who know how to treat fabric you can go with a lower double rub count or embroidered fabric. You may still want to avoid a very loose weave that may get easily snagged.

A quick word on flammability

There is the requirement that any new seating cushion must meet the same flammability requirements as a piece of upholstered furniture. This can limit which fabrics can be used without a fire resistant lining, which is why it is always a good idea to consult with me when making your final selections for a cushion fabric.

Seat Cushion Fabric FAQ

Can I use a fabric that isn’t upholstery fabric?
Yes. But it either needs to meet the flammability requirements or it will need a liner or fire retardant treatment applied.
Can I use an indoor fabric in a covered patio?
You could, but I still don’t recommend it. You can, however, use an antimicrobial foam rather than a full dri-fast foam, which can result in a more comfortable feel and a lower price.
Can I use an outdoor fabric indoors?
Absolutely. Outdoor fabric has come a long way in the past few years. There are some amazing outdoor options that feel like indoor upholstery fabrics. Outdoor fabric will tend to hold up better and be more easily cleanable than some other fabrics.

Until Next time,

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