When it comes to picking the right outdoor pillows for your patio or deck, it can almost be as important as the furniture itself. It needs to be durable, stylish, and, of course, comfortable! This guide will show you the ins and outs of shopping for the perfect outdoor pillows to fit your needs.
What to Consider When Buying Outdoor Pillows
Weather
The weather conditions you live in cannot be overlooked. This will largely dictate the wear and tear your pillows can withstand. Suppose you live in a rainier, humid climate. In that case, a water-resistant material is crucial to preserve your pillows dry and ready to use. On the other hand, sunny places like Arizona need high UV resistance to prevent deterioration and brittleness, a common issue with cheaper fabrics like vinyl.
Price
When it comes to choosing outdoor decor, you tend to get what you pay for. The quality of the pillow will largely determine its comfort, durability, and longevity. Now we're not saying you need to break the bank, but just keep in mind that if a pillow is cheap, there might be a reason why. Inexpensive pillows may deteriorate faster and need replacing more often, leading to a higher cost in the long run due to constant repair and replacement.
Upkeep
Something else to consider is how much time you're willing to spend cleaning and maintaining your pillows. Dirt, pollen, and other debris can build up to make your pillows look like the last thing you want to relax on. Will you keep a schedule of a weekly wipe down with a mild cleaner, or are you more of an "I'll get around to it someday" type of a person? If you lean towards the latter, we know the answer to your next question: Yes, you can machine wash select outdoor pillow materials. However, you shouldn't throw the pillow insert into the washing machine, only the cover. Keep in mind that not all outdoor fabrics are washing machine safe, so you'll want to check the tags to make sure. (Look no further for a machine-washable outdoor pillow, we have exactly what you need.)
Warranty
Now we all know accidents happen, and we never know when they will occur. That's why it's so important for your outdoor pillows and patio furniture to have warranties. We think it's a good idea to have at least a two-year warranty just to give yourself some extra protection because chances are, the first signs of wear and tear won't start occurring until after the first year.
Color & Design
While we tend to focus on more functional details of your outdoor décor, don’t forget to consider how it compliments your outdoor furniture. Many companies will have a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you need to consider the type of aesthetic you are going for. If your furniture is bright and bold, maybe it's best to go with a more subtle pillow to act as an accent. Try keeping a photo of your existing patio décor on hand as an easy reference point when shopping.