Choosing Sunbrella Fabric for Patio Cushions: Colours, 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.

Quick answer: Choose Sunbrella patio cushion fabric in steps: decide how much weather the cushions face, pick a family of looks such as Canvas solids, stripes or textures, then choose a mid-tone colour that ages well. Put the most durable fabric on seats and bolder ones on backs and pillows. Order swatches and view them outside before you buy.

Why Sunbrella works outside

Most printed outdoor fabrics put colour on the surface, which is why cheap cushions fade to pale pink by August. Sunbrella is solution-dyed: the colour goes into the acrylic fibre 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 colour. 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 colour 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 colour 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 colour that ages well

Light colours keep cushions cooler in direct sun but show dirt sooner. Very dark colours 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. Colours 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 colour in the full custom Sunbrella cushions range. Building a deep lounge set? See deep seat outdoor cushions.

Frequently asked questions

How many Sunbrella swatches should I order?

Three to five is usually enough: your favourite, a lighter and a darker option, and one texture or stripe. Swatches are paid, and the cost is credited back as a one-time code on your cushion order. Order fabric swatches and view them on the furniture outside.

Can I mix Sunbrella collections on one patio set?

Yes. A common approach is a Canvas solid on the seats, a stripe on the back cushions and a texture on the pillows, all in one colour family. Every cushion is made to your size within ±0.5″. Browse the full Sunbrella cushions range by collection.

Which Sunbrella fabrics are waterproof?

Sunbrella Rain and the marine collections are waterproof; most other Sunbrella fabrics are water-repellent, so rain beads and runs off. For pool decks or seating that stays wet, look at the Sunbrella waterproof collection and pair it with dry-fast foam.

How long does a Sunbrella cushion order take?

Standard shapes are made and shipped in 2–3 weeks, and shipping within the US is free. Custom shapes from a template take 5–6 weeks. Every cushion comes with ties in matching fabric, and Velcro is available on request. Our US foam is CertiPUR-US certified.