Photography: Mindi Cooke / Styling: Tahn Scoon
Outdoor cushions might not be the first thing you think of when decking out your alfresco area, with things like outdoor coffee tables and chairs top of the list. Once those are ticked off, it’s time to turn to styling elements such as cushions to keep things comfortable yet stylish while hanging outside.
Whether you have a breezy coastal vibe or pretty cottage garden, there’s a style of cushion to suit your aesthetics. Just ensure they’re designed for outdoor use so they’ll hold up in the elements. There’s sun and rain to contend with, splashes from a swimming pool if you have one, spills from cocktail glasses and everything else the seasons can throw at them.
We’ve found a selection of outdoor cushions that are beautiful and durable.
2024’s TOP OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
- Perago Home ‘Tello’ outdoor cushion in Sage, $35, Amart (here’s why)
- Weave ‘Elba’ indoor/outdoor cushion in Ocean, $89.95, David Jones (here’s why)
- Morgan & Finch ‘Panama Stripe’ outdoor cushion in Forest Green, $14.95, Bed Bath N’ Table (here’s why)
The best outdoor cushions 2024
01
Perago Home ‘Tello’ outdoor cushion in Sage
$35, Amart
Best for: A lush cottage garden
This outdoor cushion is made from durable polyester so it can retain its shape and colour outdoors. The sage green and crisp white check print has an elegance about it that would look right at home in a cottage garden. It has a rectangular shape that can be used alone or mixed with other complementary printed cushions. Use it to make an iron or wooden bench seat more comfortable.
Key features:
- Rectangular shape
- Green and white check print
- 35 x 50cm
- Water- and fade-resistant
- Polyester
02
Weave ‘Elba’ indoor/outdoor cushion in Ocean
$89.95, David Jones
Best for: A sun-filled patio
Soft and comfortable, this cushion will elevate your outdoor space. The hand-painted watercolour floral geometric motif is inspired by handmade tiles found on the Mediterranean coast. It’s available in two colourways, including Ocean (pictured) and Olive. Treated with anti-mould and stain repellents, it’s resistant to the outdoor elements while also being beautiful. Suitable for indoors or out.
Key features:
- Hand-painted watercolour geometric motif
- Available in two colourways
- Treated with anti-mould and stain repellents
- 55 per cent acrylic, 45 per cent cotton
- Indoor/outdoor
03
Morgan & Finch ‘Panama Stripe’ outdoor cushion in Forest Green
$14.95 (usually $29.95), Bed Bath N’ Table
Best for: Elevating an outdoor lounge
You can’t go wrong with stylish stripes in forest green. This classic cushion is a nice size at 50 x 50cm and is made from polyester, making it UV fade- and water-resistant. It comes in three chic shades, including Forest (pictured), Smoke Blue and Eucalyptus.
Key features:
- 50 x 50cm
- Polyester outer and filling
- UV fade and water-resistant
- Three colourways
04
Podevache ‘Loma’ outdoor cushion
$107* (usually $146), Amara
Best for: Timeless elegance
This rectangular cushion has a nature-inspired leaf design in a calming green hue. It’s a lovely way to add comfort to an outdoor seating. The 100 per cent polyester material is water repellent and will withstand the elements. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
*Currency conversion correct at time of publishing.
Key features:
- 40 x 60cm
- 100% polyester
- Water repellent
- Indoor/outdoor
- Rectangular shape
05
‘Azure Palm’ large square outdoor cushion in Blue
$49.95, Pillow Talk
Best for: Coastal and tropical settings
Featuring a tropical palm print and white piped edging, this outdoor cushion is just what any coastal outdoor area needs for extra comfort and style. The 60cm square cushion has a removable cover and is UV- and water-resistant.
Key features:
- 60 x 60cm cushion
- White piped edging
- UV- and water-resistant
- Polyester with a microfibre insert
- Removable cover
06
Sage Lane ‘Deniece’ outdoor cushion in Navy
$49.95, Temple & Webster
Best for: Poolside style
Navy stripes are always in. This cushion is a chic and comfortable way to style your outdoor furniture. It’s made from polyester, so it’s durable and resistant to fading. There are two shades, including Navy (pictured) and Black.
Key features:
- 50 x 50 cm
- Polyester
- UV resistant
- Two colourways
07
Business & Pleasure Co. ‘The Small Square’ throw pillow in Rivie White
$79.99, The Iconic
Best for: Simple outdoor comfort
The perfect outdoor cushion if you’re after something free of prints. There are four block colours to choose from, including Rivie White (pictured), Rivie Pink, Rivie Mimosa, Rivie Green. Go for white-on-white or add a pop of colour to your outdoor area. They’re spill and stain resistant as well as ultra comfortable.
Key features:
- Three sizes (65 x 65cm, 46 x 46cm, 70 x 38cm)
- Exclusive Pleasuretex fabric
- Filled with Trillium and all-weather foam
- YKK zippers that can be removed for cleaning
- Indoor/outdoor
- Six colourways
Can outdoor cushions be left outside?
While yes, outdoor cushions can be left outside (and often are!), it’s beneficial to put them away from the elements when not being used. Even those that are designed for outdoor use will be preserved best the less time they have outside in the sun, wind and rain. So when you’re planning your outdoors space, perhaps have cupboards or an undercover storage area where you can stash them until you’re going to use them. If you really want to leave them outside, they will hold up best somewhere with a roof or covering.
What to look for when buying outdoor cushions?
First of all, ensure it says they’re designed for outdoor use. They might even be indoor/outdoor, which means they can also be used inside, but you wouldn’t want to use indoor-only cushions outside as the materials they’re made from will be especially susceptible to mould. Look for designs that are UV or fade-resistant, as well as water-resistant.
Related article:
- 8 gorgeous outdoor coffee tables to top off your summer style
- Alfresco ideas for a space you’ll want to relax and entertain in
- Achieve peak alfresco living with these luxe outdoor lounge furniture sets
