Australia
Sunbrella or Warwick? Choosing Cushion Fabric for Australian Homes
Where Sunbrella works best, where Warwick works best, and how to choose fabric for each seat in an Australian home.
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Quick answer: Choose Sunbrella for outdoor seats, pool areas and sunny indoor spots, because it is solution-dyed and made for strong sun. Choose Warwick, the Australian textile house, for indoor seats such as window seats, benches, sofas and dining chairs, in upholstery weaves, velvet or wipe-clean Lustrell faux leather.
We make cushions in two main fabric families: Sunbrella for outdoors and Warwick for indoors. Both are made to be lived on, but they are built for different jobs. Here is how to choose for each spot in your home.
Sunbrella: built for outdoors
Sunbrella is a solution-dyed performance fabric, which means the colour goes right through each fibre instead of sitting on the surface. That is why it holds its colour in strong sun.
- Fade- and mildew-resistant, made for full sun
- Most Sunbrella fabrics are water- and stain-repellent; Sunbrella Rain and marine fabrics are waterproof
- Covers are machine washable
- Fabric warranty of 5 years, from our fabric partner
Best for: outdoor lounges, sun loungers, daybeds, pool areas, boats, and indoor seats that sit in full sun beside big windows.
Warwick: soft fabric for indoors
Warwick is an Australian textile house, and its fabrics are used in homes, hotels and restaurants across the country. We make Warwick cushions in more than 900 colours across three types:
- Upholstery weaves: textured and plain fabrics for everyday seats, such as window seats, benches and sofas
- Velvets: soft, rich colour for living rooms and bedrooms, such as Novara and Lovely
- Lustrell faux leather: wipe-clean and pet-friendly for dining chairs and kitchen banquettes, such as Lustrell Charisma
Best for: window seats, piano benches, banquettes, dining chairs, sofas and throw pillows indoors.
What about outdoor curtains?
For verandahs, pergolas and alfresco areas, we make Warwick outdoor curtains to your exact width and drop, for shade and privacy through summer.
Quick comparison
| Sunbrella | Warwick | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Outdoors and sunny indoor spots | Indoors (plus Warwick outdoor curtains) |
| Sun and fading | Made for full sun | Keep out of strong direct sun |
| Water | Most repel water; Rain and marine are waterproof | Not for wet areas |
| Feel | Crisp, canvas-like to soft | Soft weaves, velvets, faux leather |
| Cleaning | Machine washable covers | Depends on the fabric; Lustrell wipes clean |
How to choose for each seat
- Uncovered outdoor seat: Sunbrella with quick-drain Dryfast foam
- Covered verandah: Sunbrella cushions, with Warwick outdoor curtains for shade
- Sunny bay window: Sunbrella, so the colour lasts
- Living room or bedroom: Warwick velvet or upholstery
- Kids, pets and dining: Warwick Lustrell faux leather
See the colour first
Screens change colours. Order fabric swatches and look at them in your own light, morning and afternoon, before you order. Then measure with our guide in mm.
More on Warwick fabrics
- WarGuard and OnGuard fabric protection explained
- Lustrell Charisma colour ideas for banquettes and dining chairs
- Giving vintage furniture a second life with new cushions
Frequently asked questions
Is Warwick fabric suitable for outdoor cushions?
The Warwick cushion fabrics we carry are made for indoor furniture. For outdoor cushions choose Sunbrella. For verandahs and pergolas we make Warwick outdoor curtains.
Is Sunbrella waterproof?
Most Sunbrella fabrics are water- and stain-repellent rather than waterproof. Sunbrella Rain and marine fabrics are waterproof.
Which fabric is best for kids and pets?
Warwick Lustrell faux leather wipes clean with a damp cloth, which suits dining chairs, banquettes and busy family rooms.
Can I see the fabric before ordering?
Yes. Order fabric swatches and look at them in your own light, morning and afternoon, before you order.
