Replacement Cushions vs. Slipcovers for Outdoor Furniture
If you’re looking to invest in replacement cushions for outdoor furniture you’ve come to the right place!
Investing in your outdoor living space is always a good idea especially considering the real estate industry reports you can make as much as a 500% return. Not only does your patio boost your home value, but it also provides additional space in your house where you can relax or entertain guests.
But, because your patio furniture is exposed to the elements such as harsh sunlight, rain, wind, and dirt – patio cushions eventually need to be replaced, or better yet protected with slipcovers.
We put together this article to help you find the best way to keep your patio furniture protected from the elements and in top condition. Let’s get started!
An Introduction to Replacement Cushions for Outdoor Furniture
It’s no surprise that outdoor furniture is subject to more wear, tear, and weathering than indoor furniture– and this is especially true for outdoor cushions. Fortunately, investing in high-quality outdoor cushion covers and keeping up with regular maintenance will prolong their lifespan and keep your patio looking great year-round.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Old Cushions?
There are numerous reasons why you will need to replace your cushions over the years but the frame for your outdoor furniture is likely still in great shape. After a couple of seasons, your cushions will have stains, cuts in the fabrics, or fading from years of sun. But, if you keep up with proper cushion maintenance, such as storing them in a dry spot or plastic bag in the winter and bringing your cushions inside during extreme weather, they can last much longer. If the cushions themselves are salvageable, you can opt for outdoor slipcovers or cushion covers that make them look as good as new. This is where we come in!
“I am so pleased with the quality and fit of the cushion covers I ordered. They make my chairs look beautiful and were beyond my expectations. It’s so refreshing to purchase a product that actually does what the ad says it will do. I highly recommend them.” – Jeroldsns (5 Star Review)
Reasons to Invest in Fig Leaf Cushion Covers
- Eco-Friendly (stop sending old cushions to landfills every year!)
- Machine Washable
- Mildew Resistant
- Completely Customizable
- Fade Resistant
- Waterproof Covers Available
- Easy to Change
- Affordable
- Fast Processing & Shipping
“Wonderful, soft, stretchy, washable fabric slipcovers. Brightened up dated old cushions giving new life to two chairs. Perfect fit quality. A bonus that they arrived quicker than expected. A great experience! Highly recommend.” – Meg (5 Star Review)
Do I Need Replacement Cushions or Slipcovers?
If you’re lucky, you can often avoid replacing your outdoor cushions completely and simply purchase new slipcovers to give them a quick “face-lift.”
If you have stains or wear and tear on the edges of the cushions, but the cushions themselves are still intact and comfortable, you can save money and be more eco-friendly by purchasing cushion slipcovers instead of brand-new cushions. Cushion covers are great if you have pets and want something easily-washable during the shedding seasons. Cushion covers will also protect cushion inserts and extend their lifespan, protecting your investment.
You might also want to simply update your color or style of cushion to give your outdoor space a fresh new look. If you plan on updating your outdoor living spaces and introducing new colors, going with cushion covers is a smart move. Doing so allows you to redecorate without having to spend money on new outdoor furniture or cushion inserts.
All in all, one of the best ways to maximize your savings is by buying patio cushion covers instead of outdoor replacement cushions. Below are a few more reasons why this makes sense… Read on!
Easy to Clean Outdoor Cushion Covers
One benefit of using outdoor cushion covers is that you can conveniently remove and wash the cushion covers whenever they get dirty.
Life happens. Your dog’s muddy paws, ketchup from your kids’ hot dogs, or a host of other “oops” moments may soil your clean patio cushions.
It can be tedious to use various stain remover products and try to blot the stain out of permanent cushions. Instead, with removable patio cushions, you can just pre-treat the stain if needed and throw it in the washing machine.
Your patio furniture will look new and elegant all the time if you keep your cushions clean!
Say Goodbye to Faded Cushions
Your backyard is meant to be an outdoor oasis where you and your family can relax and enjoy beautiful weather.
Yet, long sunny days take their toll on patio cushions over time. The UV rays from the sun act as a bleaching agent. In time, the sun will dull and fade the vibrant colors of your outdoor fabrics.
When you choose to buy fade-resistant Fig Leaf patio cushion covers, you breathe brand new life into your outdoor furniture. And unlike some other brands of patio cushion covers, these ones won’t be bunched, too loose, or wrinkled. We take your dimensions and deliver cushions that fit like a glove.
Mold Resistant Cushion Covers
One of the worst things about having fabrics outside is that you can get mold on the cushions from regular exposure to rain and heat.
Mold is a safety hazard for you and your family’s health. When cushions get mold inside the inner material, it’s impossible to get it out.
The cost of replacing moldy patio cushions can be very expensive. Especially if you replace your cushions again and again.
When you buy mold-resistant patio cushion covers, you prevent mold from reaching the fiber filling inside your cushions. The mold-resistant fabric doesn’t let water penetrate into the cushion filling.
So instead of throwing out your patio cushions, you can just replace the covers when the time is right.
“Covers are perfect and it makes it so easy to wash after my dogs have been on the couch!” – Katherine (5 Star Review)
Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Not only are Fig Leaf Cushion covers mildew resistant, machine washable, customizable and eco-friendly – we now carry a waterproof line and have waterproof solid-colored cushion covers as well as waterproof print patterns. The feedback we’ve received from the waterproof line has been phenomenal and we are so excited to add them to our catalog!
Change Your Style Whenever you Want
Another benefit of having patio cushion covers is that you can update the look of your outdoor space whenever you want.
Go for trendy, bold patterns, or bright colors. Then, when you want to change the feel of your patio, switch to muted, neutral tones.
With removable patio cushion covers, you can mix and match your covers to suit your taste as the seasons change or as fancy strikes.
“I am obsessed with these covers. They are easy to put on, sized perfectly, and beautiful. They came so fast and were the most affordable I had found anywhere.” – Lauren (5 Star Review)
Eco-Friendly Cushion Covers
Many outdoor fabrics that are used on patio furniture use nylon. Did you know that it takes up to 40 years for nylon to decompose in a landfill? Other synthetic materials found in cushions can take hundreds of years to decompose.
If you think about the number of patio cushions that end up at the dump each year, the toll on our planet is significant. Buying removable cushion covers instead of outdoor replacement cushions season after season is better for our planet.
A handful of fabric compared to up to 10 square feet of foam and fabric is a big difference. And by buying fabric covers, you extend the life of your current patio cushions so fewer end up in a landfill.
A Perfect Match For All
You may add additional seating to your outdoor living space this summer, or the next. Or the one after that. Then, you may face the dilemma that your new loungers or chairs don’t match your existing furniture.
It would be wasteful and expensive to get brand new cushions for all your patio sets. A better option is to order patio cushion covers that will all match. Not only will these covers protect your cushions, but they will also make your furniture look unified and cohesive.
This is great if you have a few pieces from various collections. Or if you’re a thrift store shopper or garage sale lover, it’s a great way to tie together the look of odd pieces you salvage.
Less Expensive than Buying Outdoor Replacement Cushions
Your patio furniture is an investment, no doubt about it. And you can get the most bang for your buck by buying removable patio cushion covers for your outdoor seating.
Not only will they better protect your cushions and suit your decor, but they’re also a fraction of the cost of buying a brand new set of cushions.
“These are great! Our cushions are stained but otherwise perfectly good, and I hated the idea of throwing them away. I’m very happy with these washable covers. Excellent customer service and quick shipping. Thanks!” – Kristen (5-Star Review)
How to Find High-Quality Replacement Couch Cushions
If you’re ready to invest in high-quality replacement couch cushions, here are some things to look out for:
- Fade and mildew-resistant covers. These will be far less susceptible to weathering over time.
- A company with a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from, so you can find cushions that fit your personal style and aesthetic.
- Cushions that are easy and convenient to maintain and clean. Removable, machine washable cushion covers are ideal for easy upkeep!
- If you are buying cushion covers, make sure they are somewhat adjustable to create a tight fit.
- If you have unique outdoor furniture, you’ll want to find a company that is willing to make specialty-size cushions and covers.
- Good value for your money!
How to Measure Your Cushions?
If you have decided that you need replacement cushions or cushion covers because you are updating your furniture, they are slightly worn down, or you just want to add some brilliant colors, you will want to make sure you get a proper fit. Just grab a measuring tape and…
- For width, measure from the right side of the cushion to the left in three different areas, the front, middle, and back of the cushion.
- To get the depth, or thickness, of your cushion, measure from the bottom to the top.
- Find the height of your cushion by measuring from top-to-bottom (for back cushions) or back-to-front (for seat cushions).
What Style of Outdoor Cushions Do We Have?
Single Seat: This is the cushion that will be sat on, and can come in square, iron, round, curved, wicker, and deep styles.
Hinged Chair: The seat and back are connected in a single, hinged cushion. They can be used in chairs that need padding both on the seat and the back. Most hinged chairs have high backs.
Bench: Bench cushions are typically used for sofas and loveseats. Larger furniture pieces like sofas and sectionals are great for seating bigger gatherings in comfort.
Hinged Chaise: Chaise lounges have a longer seat and a reclining back. Cushions for this furniture type have a longer seat area and a hinge seam for where the seat meets the back.
We make Fig Leaf Cushion Covers here in the United States, so we can easily and quickly make specialty sizes!
“Great customer service! Sent dimensions with a picture and received exactly what I needed for the chair. Excellent product for the price!” – Awilkins236 (5 Star Review)
How Do I Maintain My Outdoor Cushions and Covers?
Once you get new cushions or cushion covers, you will want to make sure you’re practicing regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them in good shape. Below are a few tips to help you maintain your outdoor cushions and protect your investment:
- Limit exposure to direct sunlight to keep the fabric vibrant as UV rays are very damaging to all materials.
- Store your cushions in the winter or rainy season by cleaning and making sure they are completely dry before storing them in a dry place.
- Covers provide more flexibility as they can be removed and cleaned separately.
- A scotch guard or a UV protector spray can extend the life of the cushions or cushion covers.
Final Thoughts
If you notice that your outdoor cushion covers aren’t looking their best or you’re ready for a patio upgrade, we hope you’ll purchase removable cushion covers rather than completely new cushions or patio furniture. This decision is more eco-conscious and economical, and your cushions will be much easier to maintain moving forward.
Fig Leaf Cushion Covers are removable, machine washable, fade and mildew resistant, affordable, and come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. We’ll make your life easier and get any and all of your patio furniture looking its best.
Are you ready to transform your patio? Check out our full catalog below!
