Fix it
Outdoor Cushion Troubleshooting (2026)
Fixes for common outdoor cushion problems: a cushion that slides, a fill that goes flat, a colour that fades, and a cushion that stays wet.
Most outdoor cushion problems come from the wrong shape for the chair, or from a cushion that has had a wet summer. Work through the fixes below in order, starting with the fit and the ties, before assuming the cushion has failed.
The cushion keeps sliding off the chair
Fasten every tie and strap first, since loose ties are the usual cause, and check that the ties reach the chair rails rather than hanging free. A cushion that is the right size for the chair slides less than one that is too small, so measure the seat and compare it with the cushion size. If the chair has smooth rails, a pad with click-close straps, like the Montlake chaise, holds better than a pad with short ties. Wipe the chair frame clean, since dust and pollen make any cushion slide more.
The cushion has gone flat
Check the fill first: a plush fibre fill goes flat after a season of heavy use, while a foam fill holds its shape longer. Fluff a fibre cushion by hand, shaking the fill back into the corners, and leave it in the sun for an hour to plump up. If the cushion stays flat after fluffing, the fill has settled permanently and the cushion needs replacing, or swapping for a foam set like the Arden deep seat set.
The colour has faded in the sun
Check the fabric: a FadeSafe solution-dyed fabric, like the Montlake range, resists fading far better than a plain printed fabric. A cushion that has faded has lost colour from the surface, and no wash will bring it back. Move the cushion out of full sun when it is not in use, or store it under cover, and choose a FadeSafe or rain-proof fabric for the sunniest spot next time.
The cushion stays wet after rain
Bring the cushion in and stand it on its edge in a ventilated room, so water can drain and air can reach both faces. Do not store a damp cushion in a sealed box or a shed, since it will smell. A removable cover, like the Favoyard set, can come off for a wash and a separate dry, which helps. Next time, bring cushions in before heavy rain, since no outdoor cushion should sit in standing water.
Questions, answered
Why does my new cushion look thin?
It probably arrived compressed. Foam and fibre cushions ship rolled or vacuum packed, and they need a day or two to expand to full size. Leave the cushion out flat in a ventilated room, and do not judge the comfort until it has fully expanded. The Montlake chaise foam also needs stuffing into its cover on arrival, which adds to the first-day effort.
Can I leave outdoor cushions outside all winter?
No. Bring them in for the winter, clean them, let them dry fully, and store them in a dry place out of direct sunlight. A cushion left outside through winter will soak up rain, go mouldy, and lose its shape. Even the most weather-resistant fabric is no substitute for dry storage.
When should I replace an outdoor cushion?
Replace it when the fill has gone flat and will not fluff back, when the fabric has faded badly, when the seams have split, or when the cushion smells damp even after drying. A well-kept foam cushion lasts several seasons, but a fibre cushion used daily may need replacing after one or two summers.