Nothing is nicer than sinking into your garden chair with soft cushions on a sunny day. But after a couple of summers, the sun can leave its mark: your garden cushions are discoloured, faded and not as fresh as they once were. What a waste! Fortunately, you don't need to buy new cushions straight away. In this blog, we'll give you clever tips to breathe colour and life back into your garden cushions.
Nothing is nicer than sinking into your garden chair with soft cushions on a sunny day. But after a couple of summers, the sun can leave its mark: your garden cushions are discoloured, faded and not as fresh as they once were. What a waste! Fortunately, you don't need to buy new cushions straight away. In this blog, we'll give you clever tips to breathe colour and life back into your garden cushions.
Why do garden cushions fade anyway?
The culprit is UV radiation from the sun. Just as the sun can burn your skin, it also damages fabrics. Particularly dark colours such as blue, anthracite or dark green fade more quickly. Most garden cushions are made of polyester or cotton – both materials that can fade over time if they lie in the sun for long periods.
Which fabrics fade in the sun?
Not all fabrics react the same way to sunlight. Some fabrics stay beautiful longer than others. Below you can see which fabrics fade more quickly, and which are more resistant to UV radiation:
Fabrics that fade more quickly:
- Cotton: Natural fabric, feels soft, but fades quickly if left in the sun for long periods.
- Low-quality polyester: This fabric is lightweight and dries quickly, but cheaper varieties fade faster.
- Linen: A beautiful natural fabric, but not resistant to prolonged UV exposure.
Fabrics that are more resistant to the sun:
- Acrylic (such as Sunbrella fabric): This fabric is specially developed for outdoor use and barely fades.
- UV-resistant polyester: Higher quality polyester is often treated with a UV coating, which makes it better protected.
Tip: When buying new garden cushions, pay close attention to the material. At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture you'll find cushions made of sturdy fabrics suitable for outdoor use.
1. Wash them the right way
Sometimes a cushion looks discoloured when it's just dull from dirt and dust. Give your cushions a good wash first:
- Remove the covers (if possible) and wash them according to the label.
- Use a mild detergent and choose a low temperature.
- Let them air dry – preferably not in the full sun!
You'll be amazed how much colour returns after a fresh wash.
2. Use fabric dye for a refresh
Are your cushions really faded? Then you can dye them! Fabric dye is ideal for refreshing old colours or even giving them a completely new look.
- Choose a colour similar to the original shade, or go for something completely new.
- Follow the dye instructions carefully.
- Make sure the fabric is clean and free of stains for the best result.
Note: this works best with cotton covers. Polyester is trickier to dye, but it can be done with special dye.
3. Time for a new cover?
Sometimes your cushions are simply due for replacement. Or perhaps you're ready for a new look for your garden or balcony. In that case, it's good to know that you can find a wide range of garden cushions in fresh colours, beautiful fabrics and various sizes at Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture. This way you can give your garden a stylish upgrade in one go!
4. Protect your cushions better from now on
Prevention is better than cure. With these tips, your garden cushions will stay beautiful longer:
- Store them in a cushion box when you're not using them.
- Use a protective cover over your lounge set.
- Keep cushions out of the sun when you don't need them.
This way you'll extend the lifespan of your favourite outdoor spot.
In short: faded garden cushions are not a disaster. With a bit of care and creativity, you can give them a second life in no time. And if you'd rather have something new? At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture you'll find a wide range of stylish garden cushions in fresh colours. This summer you'll be sitting there looking radiant again!
Also read: Cleaning garden cushions - How to do it and Making garden cushions waterproof, how to do it!
