Best Fabrics for Indoor & Outdoor Cushions- The Ultimate Guide
Ever feel overwhelmed trying to pick the perfect fabric for your cushions? You’re not alone.
With so many available options, each promising comfort, style, and quality, it’s easy to feel swamped and stuck between falling for the look or pushing for performance. Let’s take the guesswork out of choosing the right fabric, based on your lifestyle and space, and to help you make a wise and informed decision for your cushion fabrics, we’ve curated a comprehensive collection of our premium fabrics.
Whether you're refreshing a sunny patio nook, creating a cozy reading corner, or elevating comfort on your indoor lounge, this blog is your go-to guide for understanding our fabric lineup—how they feel, how they perform, and which ones are best for your specific needs.
Why Fabric Choice Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to cushions, fabric isn't just a design choice: it’s a performance factor too. Since cushions often stay in the demanding, high-touch areas, the right fabric can make all the difference in keeping them plush and vibrant for years, and elevating your space at the same time.
At ZIPCushions, every fabric in our collection is handpicked for a purpose, ensuring that every cushion and pillow not only looks good but also stands the test of time. We also take into account the hustles of a busy lifestyle, which is why we offer easy-care fabrics that can take on everyday life and are resilient and truly family ready.
Here are some of our top-performing fabric picks:
Indoor Fabrics: For Comfort & Elegance
For indoor settings, the focus is on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Our indoor fabric collection includes:
1. Velvets: Velvet adds just the right shine to a formal space that still wants to feel cozy.
Velvet Fabric Collections - Prosperity, New Royals, New Melody, and Sugar
2. Linens and Linen Blends: Breathable and durable, offering a casual yet refined look suitable for various decor styles.
Collections - Onella and Cassia
3. Chenille: Love lounging with a book? Chenille’s warmth and softness make it ideal for lazy Sundays.
Collections - Chenille Soft, New Molfino, Comfort, Odyssey Textures, Merino, Lush Chenille
4. Faux Leather: Provides the upscale appearance of genuine leather without the maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy households.
Collections - Artico, Phantom, Napoleon Leather, Altima, Aboone, Stamskin By Serge Ferrari
These fabrics are designed to offer comfort and style, ensuring your indoor spaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Outdoor Fabrics: Durability Without Compromise
Outdoor cushions and pillows require fabrics that can withstand the elements. Our outdoor fabric selection includes:
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Sunbrella®: Renowned for its durability and high performance, Sunbrella fabrics are water-resistant, fade-resistant, child and pet friendly, designed to last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Sunbrella Fabrics also come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty against fading.
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Agora: Agora fabrics also offer excellent resistance to water and fading. Available in a variety of classic solids and timeless patterns, they help your outdoor cushions stay vibrant, stylish, and intact through changing seasons.
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Stamskin by Serge Ferrari: A high-performance fabric with a leather-like finish, Stamskin is water and UV resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Blue Sky: A sturdy, versatile fabric known for its soft texture and weather-resistant performance. Blue Sky fabrics are available in various color themes and elegant textures to complement different decors, while protecting against UV exposure, moisture, and mildew. They are ideal for elegant yet practical outdoor seating.
Longevity isn’t just comfort—it’s a sustainable choice. Our outdoor fabrics are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions while maintaining their appearance and comfort. With superior resistance to fading, moisture, and wear, they help reduce waste and the need for frequent replacements, making them a smart, lasting investment in both comfort and sustainability.
Specialty Fabrics: Unique Textures and Patterns
For those looking to make a statement, our specialty fabrics offer distinctive textures and designs:
- Bling II: Features shiny foil accents that add sparkle and elegance to any space.
- Fusion Prints: Vibrant and summery, these prints bring a fresh, energetic feel to your decor.
- Alessia Soft Solids: Smooth and comfortable, these fabrics offer subtle elegance in a range of colors.
- Tatva Patterns: Intricate and expressive, these designs add an artisanal charm to your cushions.
- Cocoon Boucle: With its soft, looped texture and cozy appeal, Cocoon Boucle delivers a tactile experience that’s as inviting as it is stylish, perfect for layering warmth and character into any corner of your home.
- These fabrics are perfect to infuse personality and flair into any living space.
Key Considerations to Make the Right Choice
Selecting the appropriate fabric depends on several factors:
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Usage: Consider how often the cushion or pillow will be used and in what setting.
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Maintenance: Some fabrics require more care than others: choose one that aligns with your level of maintenance.
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Aesthetic: Ensure the fabric complements your existing decor and personal style.
A Quick Fabric Selection Guide
Need / Use Case |
Recommended Fabrics |
Cozy, elegant indoor lounging |
Velvet, Chenille, Cocoon Boucle |
Pet and kid-friendly homes |
Sunbrella, Agora, Blue Sky, Faux Leather (Artico, Phantom, Altima), Chenille |
Low maintenance / easy to clean |
Sunbrella, Faux Leather, Agora, Stamskin, Blue Sky |
Sumptuous fabrics for formal aesthetics |
Velvet, Faux Leather, Bling II |
Casual everyday use (indoors) |
Linen & Linen Blends (Onella, Cassia), Alessia Soft Solids |
Durable outdoor performance |
Sunbrella, Agora, Stamskin, Blue Sky |
Indoor-outdoor versatility |
Stamskin, Sunbrella, Agora, Blue Sky |
Adding artistic or bold character |
Fusion Prints, Tatva Patterns, Bling II |
Soft textures and layering |
Chenille, Cocoon Boucle, Velvet |
At ZIPCushions, we also offer fabric samples to help you see, feel, and compare your options firsthand, making it easier for you to choose with confidence before placing your cushion order.
The Bottomline
Choosing the right fabric is crucial in creating a comfortable and stylish home environment. With ZIPCushions' extensive fabric collection, you can find the perfect match for your indoor and outdoor needs. Our commitment to quality and variety ensures that your cushions and pillows not only look great but also provide lasting comfort.
Your comfort begins with the right fabric—let’s help you find one that feels like home. Explore our complete fabric collection and start customizing your cushions today.
Note:This blog post provides an overview of ZIPCushions' fabric offerings. For personalized recommendations, please contact our customer service team.