If you’ve invested in our outdoor cushions, then you already know how much they elevate both the style and comfort of your outdoor space. Whether you're sipping morning coffee at one of our bistro sets or hosting a long lunch with friends at an 8-seater, seat cushions are the finishing touch that turns a simple garden chair, lounger, or bench into a spot you’ll want to linger.
At Lazy Susan, our cushions are thoughtfully made with an outdoor-grade polyester/cotton fabric and a quick-dry polyester filling — a combination that’s soft, supple, supportive, but built to handle the elements. They’re designed not to fade or wear easily, and with removable, machine-washable covers, keeping them clean is refreshingly low-effort.
That said, as any British gardener knows, the UK summer can be beautifully unpredictable — blazing sunshine one day, a surprise downpour the next, and an amber wind warning as we sit and pull this article together. Prolonged sun exposure for both outdoor furniture and fabrics is the common problem we want to address in this post.
Welcome to Lazy Magazine’s essential guide to summer patio cushion care — packed with expert tips and clever tricks to help you protect your investment from the sun's harmful rays, create additional UV resistance, beat the elements, and enjoy your garden in full colour all season long.
Why Do Garden Cushions Fade in the Sun?
Sunshine is one of the great joys of outdoor living — but it can also be one of the biggest threats to our outdoor furniture, particularly outdoor cushions and other fabric accessories such as throws, rugs, and parasols. While a sunny outdoor setting is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays will gradually take a toll on fabrics.
Over time, sunlight begins to break down the chemical bonds in dyes, causing rich, vibrant colours to fade into pale, chalkier versions of themselves. Even high-quality fabrics can start to lose their lustre after just one season if they aren't equipped with built-in UV protection and stabilisers. And it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Continuous exposure to UV can weaken the fabric’s structure — fibres begin to degrade, seams may fray, and even the most durable materials can become brittle and prone to wear.
Heat plays a supporting role. Dark-coloured fabrics absorb significantly more sunlight, leading to higher surface temperatures. In a sun-trap like a south-facing garden, navy or black cushions can become 30 to 40 °C hotter than the surrounding air. Not only does that make them uncomfortable to sit on, but it also speeds up the breakdown of both the fabric and internal foam — further compounding the effects of UV damage.
Then there’s moisture, a familiar issue in our changeable climate. Even a passing shower or a night of heavy dew can soak into cushions that aren’t designed to handle it. When water lingers, it creates an ideal breeding ground for mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours — not to mention the long-term damage it can cause to the inner padding and stitching.
That’s why materials matter. Outdoor furniture cushions with quick-dry filling and breathable, water-resistant covers — like those in the Lazy Susan collection — are designed specifically to combat these challenges. They dry out quickly, resist moisture build-up, and maintain their shape and appearance longer — no musty smells, no soggy seats, just fresh, ready-to-use comfort even after a surprise summer shower.
In short, keeping your cushions looking their best through a UK summer means choosing fabrics that are just as clever as they are comfortable. It’s not enough for them to look good straight out of the box — they need to withstand strong sun, unexpected rain, and everyday use without losing their colour, shape or charm. With the right materials and a little TLC, your outdoor seating can stay looking fresh, inviting, and ready for anything the weather throws at it.
What To Look For in Outdoor Cushion Designs
Professional furniture designers will often recommend solution-dyed acrylic fabrics for extreme sun exposure. These high-performance materials are known for resisting fading, mildew, and staining even in intense heat and humidity, making them ideal for sun-drenched patios in warmer climes than ours.
Other strong options include vinyls, olefin (polypropylene) and polyester blends, especially when they are treated with UV stabilisers to slow fading and fibre degradation.
However, in a temperate climate like the UK, where intermittent rain, cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and moderate sunshine are more typical, an ultra-heavy-duty acrylic isn’t always the most practical — or the most comfortable — outdoor cushion choice.
This is where our cushion range stands out. Made from a special outdoor fabric blend that’s been carefully engineered for UK conditions — it balances durability with everyday comfort:
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Material
A polyester/cotton cover that is soft to the touch yet still tough enough to resist fading and wear in seasonal sun is a practical choice. -
Performance
Quick-dry polyester fibre padding, ideal for handling various weather conditions. From sudden summer showers to overnight dew — they dry fast and bounce back into shape. -
Maintenance
Machine-washable outdoor cushion covers, with zips for easy removal, meaning spills or grime from daily garden life can be tackled quickly and effectively. -
Safety
A fire-tested fabric blend that offers an added layer of reassurance for use on patios, balconies or conservatories.
While not the same as 100% acrylic, our poly-cotton outdoor cushion construction offers a number of key advantages — especially when it comes to the demands of a British garden.
One of the standout benefits is comfort. The addition of cotton fibres makes the fabric noticeably softer and more breathable, giving it a more natural, inviting feel. They are less inclined to move around and ideal for milder UK days, where you want your cushions to feel cosy and relaxed, rather than stiff or plasticky.
This fabric blend also helps to moderate heat build-up. Unlike synthetic-only materials that can quickly overheat in direct sunlight, the cotton content helps regulate surface temperature, so your cushions stay more breathable and comfortable to sit on — even in a sunny, south-facing garden.
And because the UK doesn’t experience the same extreme UV levels as hotter climates, this poly-cotton mix doesn’t require the intensive UV treatments that are often necessary elsewhere. That makes it a more cost-effective and climate-appropriate choice for outdoor furniture in British outside spaces — offering all the durability you need, with the softness and practicality you’ll appreciate every day.
In short, a Lazy Susan outdoor cushion is designed with the British summer in mind: resilient enough to handle seasonal UV, moisture, and temperature changes, while staying soft, practical and inviting. They're a smart, stylish choice for those who value both comfort and performance in a real-world garden setting.
Practical Tips to Keep Garden Furniture Cushions Looking New
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Strategic Placement & Shade
Position cushions under a parasol or pergola when possible. Keeping them out of direct midday sun halves wear and helps retain vibrancy. Rotate seat positions seasonally so one side doesn’t suffer constant sun exposure. -
Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
Blot spills immediately, then clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Avoid bleach‑based cleaners, as they can strip dyes. Machine‑wash or hand‑wash covers at 30 °C as needed — Lazy Susan cushions feature zippers for easy removal. Dry thoroughly before re‑zipping to prevent mildew, especially given UK summer damp spells. -
Seasonal Storage & Protection
While Lazy Susan cushions are labelled waterproof for summer showers, waterproof ≠ weatherproof. Long‑term outdoor exposure leads to staining, mould and faded colours. For non‑use periods or extended wet weather, bring them indoors or into a dry decking box. Storage chests with ventilation are ideal. For extra protection, invest in UV‑resistant outdoor furniture covers rated for cushions; these often use heavy‑duty polyester with vents to prevent condensation. -
Refreshing the Fill & Fluffing
Over time, cushions can flatten or sag. An expert tip: fluff cushions regularly to redistribute fibres and maintain loft; replacing torn or worn foam with high‑density polyester fibre fill helps restore comfort and shape.
Technology Match: Lazy Susan Cushions + Fabric Performance
What sets Lazy Susan’s cushions apart is their carefully considered balance between practicality and comfort — a design approach that reflects how we use our outdoor spaces in the UK.
At the heart of each cushion is a quick-dry polyester fibre filling, designed to resist sagging and retain its supportive shape over time. Unlike lower-quality fills that can clump or flatten after a few downpours, this material bounces back quickly, keeping your seating comfortable and looking neat from spring through autumn.
The cover fabric blends polyester and cotton, offering the best of both worlds: it’s soft and breathable to the touch, yet durable enough to handle the challenges of outdoor life. While it’s not a full-grade acrylic, popular with a certain leading brand, it’s engineered with fade-resistant qualities that make it robust enough for typical UK conditions — where UV exposure is moderate but still a concern over time. The fabric used across Lazy Susan’s cushion range is specifically designed not to fade or wear across a wide variety of colour options.
Another standout feature — and one that customers love — is that all our cushions come with machine-washable covers. Many high-performance outdoor cushions don’t offer this level of convenience, but Lazy Susan’s thoughtful design makes it easy to keep them clean and fresh without fuss.
Altogether, this combination of resilient filling, soft-touch fabric, built-in fade resistance, and easy care makes Lazy Susan cushions an ideal match for the UK’s ever-changing climate — blending everyday comfort with year-round durability in a way that feels effortless.
Summary Table: How To Keep Your Cushions Looking Their Best
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Factor |
What to Do |
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UV & Heat Exposure |
Opt for light colours; shade strategically |
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Fading & Fibre Breakdown |
Use fade‑resistant materials; monitor wear |
|
Dirt, Spills & Mildew |
Clean promptly, wash covers, dry fully |
|
Flattening or Sagging |
Fluff frequently; replenish fill as needed |
|
Off‑Season & Storage |
Use dry storage boxes or indoor areas; protective covers help |
Our Expert Insight: Why Lazy Susan Cushions Perform Well
Our cushions offer a smart blend — soft-touch comfort yet engineered to resist fading and mildew. Their removable polyester/cotton covers and polyester fill strike the right balance in our unpredictable summers.
Using removable covers sets them apart — many high‑performance fabrics feel stiff or lack zip closures. This convenience encourages regular washing, which keeps the appearance fresh and prolongs the lifespan.
Lazy Magazine Tips for choosing fade‑resistant cushions for your outdoor furniture:
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Ask the retailer whether the cushion fabric has UV-resistant stabilisers and whether it’s solution‑dyed or top‑dyed.
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Check that the cushion is designed to fit on the outdoor furniture pieces you're buying. Our range features tie fastening to secure them to our garden chairs and benches.
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Request swatch samples, especially lighter shades — you’ll see how saturated the dye is.
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Check warranties, particularly on colourfastness — Lazy Susan offers a 3-year guarantee on their frames and cushions, which reflects confidence in their materials.
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For extra longevity, treat with a UV-resistant protective spray compatible with your cushion cover — many sprays also add stain‑resistance and mould protection.
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Avoid dark cushions in south‑facing gardens or exposed locations; lighter neutrals stay cooler and fade less.
Our Final Thoughts…
Cushions are more than soft seating — they’re the finishing touch that brings style, warmth and comfort to garden furniture. Keeping them looking fresh all season means combining thoughtful fabric choice, sun-smart placement, cleaning habits, and strategic storage.
Our cushions deliver: fade‑resistant fabric, quick‑dry polyester fill, removable covers, and machine‑washability — all designed for UK weather. With regular care and mindful use, they’ll stay looking crisp and inviting from early spring to the last barbecue in autumn.
So whether you're relaxing in the shade or entertaining under the sun, your Lazy Susan outdoor cushions are more than just accessories — they’re resilient, stylish companions built for a fresh look all season long.
Don’t forget to share your garden furniture! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your table styling photos to our Do Some Good campaign — we’d love to see how you bring your outdoor space to life with our cushions.
Quick Q&A: Protecting Outdoor Furniture & Cushions
Q: How do UV rays affect outdoor furniture?
A: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade colours and weaken fabrics, especially when cushions sit in direct sunlight. Over time, this leads to wear, brittleness, and a tired appearance.
Q: What are solution-dyed fabrics, and are they worth it?
A: Yes. Solution-dyed fabrics have colour built into the fibres, making them highly fade-resistant. They're ideal for cushions that are left outside regularly, such as trade patio furniture from hotels, etc.
Q: Are olefin fabrics good for outdoor furniture cushions?
A: Definitely. Olefin fabrics are moisture-resistant, quick-drying, and offer great protection against UV rays, making them a good choice for outdoor use.
Q: How does direct sunlight affect cushions, and how can regular maintenance help?
A: Direct sunlight can cause cushions to fade and fabrics to weaken over time. However, with regular maintenance—such as cleaning spills promptly, rotating cushions to even out sun exposure, and storing them when not in use—you can significantly extend their lifespan and keep colours vibrant longer.
Q: Do I need protective covers for my outdoor cushions?
A: Using protective covers helps shield your cushions from rain, dirt, and sun exposure — all of which can reduce their lifespan.
Q: What’s the best way to care for different materials?
A: No matter the material, regular maintenance is key with all types of outdoor furniture materials. Brush off debris, clean spills quickly, and store cushions during bad weather to keep them looking fresh.
