Choosing Sunbrella Fabric for Patio Cushions: Colors, Collections and Care

Sunbrella makes hundreds of fabrics, and almost all of them will survive a summer outside. The harder question is which one suits your patio, your furniture and the way you live out there. This guide breaks the choice into a few simple steps, so you can order Sunbrella patio cushions with confidence instead of guessing from a tiny swatch on a screen.

Why Sunbrella works outside

Most printed outdoor fabrics put color on the surface, which is why cheap cushions fade to pale pink by August. Sunbrella is solution-dyed: the color goes into the acrylic fiber before it is spun, so it runs all the way through. That is what lets it handle strong sun, and it is why bleach-based cleaners can be used on most Sunbrella without stripping the color. If you want the full background, read what Sunbrella fabric is and how it is made.

Step 1: Decide how much weather the cushions will see

• Covered porch or screened room: any Sunbrella upholstery fabric works. You can choose purely on color and texture.
• Open patio that gets rain: standard Sunbrella is water-repellent, so rain beads and runs off. Pair it with dry-fast foam so any water that gets in drains out quickly.
• Pool deck or exposed seating: look at the Sunbrella waterproof collection, which keeps water out of the cushion entirely.

Step 2: Pick a family of looks

It helps to choose a family first and a color second.

• Classic solids. The Sunbrella Canvas collection is the go-to for clean, timeless patio cushions. Canvas Natural, Navy and Charcoal are safe starting points.
• Stripes. The Sunbrella Stripes collection adds a coastal or resort feel. Stripes look best on back cushions and pillows, with a solid on the seats.
• Texture. Woven, heathered fabrics hide dust, pollen and pet hair better than flat solids, which makes them practical for busy family patios.

Step 3: Choose a color that ages well

Light colors keep cushions cooler in direct sun but show dirt sooner. Very dark colors hide stains but get hot on summer afternoons. Mid-tones such as taupe, slate, sage and denim blue sit in the comfortable middle and look good for years. If your frame is dark wicker or black metal, a lighter cushion gives contrast. On teak or light aluminum, a deeper tone looks richer.

Not sure? Order a few swatches and lay them on the furniture outside at different times of day. Colors look very different in shade, full sun and evening light.

Step 4: Match the fabric to the cushion

Seat cushions take the most wear, so put your most durable, easy-clean fabric there. Back cushions and pillows are where you can be bolder. For deep sofas and sectionals, our patio sofa cushion sizing guide explains seat and back pairing in more detail.

Step 5: Plan simple care

Sunbrella is low effort. Brush off loose dirt, then sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water. Most covers can go in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle and should air dry. For mildew on the surface, a diluted bleach mix is safe for most Sunbrella. Our Sunbrella cleaning guide has the exact steps.

Every cushion is made to your size

Whichever fabric you choose, we cut and sew each cushion to your measurements, with ties in matching fabric and CertiPUR-US foam inside. Fabric carries Sunbrella's five-year warranty, and our workmanship carries two years. Shipping in the US is free.

Start with our Sunbrella patio cushions, or browse every color in the full custom Sunbrella cushions range. Building a deep lounge set? See deep seat outdoor cushions.