When you’re shopping for cushions—whether it’s for your patio set, window seat, or sunroom—one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the type of fabric you choose. At CushionSource.com, we know that not all fabrics are created equal, and the setting where your cushions will be used plays a major role in selecting the right material. While many fabrics marketed for indoor use may look luxurious or feel soft to the touch, they simply can’t stand up to the harsh outdoor elements. That’s why we encourage our customers to explore our wide selection of performance outdoor fabrics, many of which look and feel just as good indoors as they do outside.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular outdoor fabric brands available at Cushion Source, explore the key differences between indoor and outdoor fabrics, and show you how our online fabric gallery and visualization tools make choosing the perfect fabric easier than ever.
Why Indoor Fabrics Don’t Belong Outside
It’s tempting to select an indoor fabric for its plush texture or rich color, but placing an indoor fabric outdoors—especially in direct sunlight or damp conditions—is a fast track to disappointment. Indoor fabrics are typically made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool. These materials absorb moisture, fade in the sun, and are prone to mold and mildew when exposed to outdoor environments.
They’re also not engineered to repel stains, which can be a problem when you’re dealing with spills from food and drinks, dirty hands, or pets. Even placing an indoor cushion in a sun-drenched window seat can lead to fading, discoloration, and fabric degradation over time.
Outdoor Fabrics: Built to Last
Outdoor fabrics, by contrast, are engineered with durability in mind. Many of them are solution-dyed acrylics or polyesters, meaning the color is locked in during the manufacturing process and won’t fade easily even with constant sun exposure. These fabrics are also resistant to water, mold, mildew, and staining—making them perfect for outdoor use or sunny indoor spaces.
At Cushion Source, we carry an extensive selection of top-quality outdoor fabric brands that combine performance with style. Here are a few favorites:
Sunbrella®
A household name in outdoor textiles, Sunbrella is known for its fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy-to-clean fabrics. These are solution-dyed acrylics that perform beautifully outdoors and indoors alike. Sunbrella fabrics are soft to the touch and available in a wide range of textures, patterns, and colors—ideal for everything from patio cushions to window seat cushions that get regular sunlight.
Outdura®
Another premium solution-dyed acrylic brand, Outdura fabrics offer excellent UV protection and water resistance. With a strong reputation for long-term durability, Outdura is a great choice for outdoor benches, porch swings, and even interior spaces with lots of natural light.
SENS®
SENS fabrics, part of the RECASENS family, are 100% solution-dyed acrylics renowned for their high resistance to sunlight and weather. With a soft textile touch, SENS fabrics are designed for both indoor and outdoor upholstery, providing exceptional durability and comfort. They are also treated to be water-repellent, stain-resistant, rot-proof, and breathable, making them a smart choice for cushions that need to withstand the elements while maintaining a luxurious feel.
Tempotest®
Made in Italy, Tempotest fabrics blend European design with high-performance durability. They are UV- and water-resistant, and many styles offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. These fabrics are perfect for creating elegant outdoor seating that looks like it belongs indoors—or for high-sun indoor environments where fading is a concern.
Bella-Dura®
A durable, 100% recyclable performance fabric, Bella-Dura is ideal for customers seeking eco-conscious options. These fabrics are resistant to mold, mildew, UV rays, and stains, making them a smart and sustainable choice for both outdoor and indoor applications.
Why You Should Use Outdoor Fabrics Indoors
One of the best-kept secrets in interior design is using outdoor fabrics inside your home. Not only do they provide the same comfort and beauty as traditional indoor fabrics, but they also offer greater peace of mind—especially in high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.
For example, a solution-dyed acrylic like Sunbrella or Outdura is a perfect fit for a window seat cushion. It will resist fading even with daily exposure to sunlight and will stand up to sticky fingers, accidental spills, and even the occasional muddy paw print.
Similarly, outdoor fabrics are ideal for breakfast nooks, dining benches, playroom seating, and even upholstered furniture pieces where durability is a must. You won’t sacrifice style either—many outdoor fabrics now offer sophisticated weaves, refined textures, and stylish prints that rival anything you’ll find in traditional indoor fabric lines.
Explore CushionSource.com’s Fabric Gallery and Visualization Tools
At Cushion Source, we offer thousands of fabric options from trusted brands like Kravet, Maharam, Sunbrella, Outdura, Tempotest, and more. Our interactive fabric gallery allows you to shop by usage (indoor or outdoor), color, pattern, and brand making it easy to find a fabric that meets your aesthetic and usage needs.
Not sure what the final product will look like? Our fabric visualization tools let you preview your chosen fabric on custom cushion designs before you buy. You can mix and match piping, choose different patterns, and get a real sense of how your finished product will appear in your space.
“Preview how your custom cushions will look before you order…”
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Craft Your Comfort, Your Way, at CushionSource.com
Creating the perfect outdoor cushions is a breeze when you have the right partner. That’s where Cushion Source comes in.
Why Cushion Source?
🎨 Endless Fabric Options – Explore thousands of colors, patterns, and textures from leading brands like Sunbrella, Kravet, Maharam, Knoll Textiles, Para Tempotest, Sens, and Outdura.
👁️ Interactive Design Previews – Visualize your custom cushions with previews showing pattern size and look on the cushion to help ensure they’re exactly what you envisioned.
✂️ Tailored to Your Space – From bench cushions and bay window cushions to chaise lounges, we’ll help you achieve the ideal fit for any seating area.
📦 Fabric Swatches – Experience your chosen fabrics firsthand before you order your custom cushions with fabric samples delivered right to your door before you commit.
🤝 Dedicated Customer Support – Have questions or need assistance? Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you through the design process, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
The right fabric can elevate the look and longevity of your cushions—whether they’re outside on the deck or inside under a sunny window. Choosing an outdoor fabric doesn’t mean compromising on style; it means you’re investing in beauty that lasts. And at Cushion Source, we make it easy to find the perfect match with our curated selection of top-performing fabrics and powerful customization tools.
So whether you’re reimagining your patio lounge or crafting a cozy indoor nook that gets a lot of sun, trust our outdoor fabrics to deliver style, strength, and satisfaction.
🌿 Ready to refresh your outdoor space?
Visit Cushion Source to explore fabrics, design tools, and start customizing your dream cushions today. Start Designing Now! →
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