Creating a comfortable outdoor space involves choosing quality garden furniture and durable accessories. Garden cushions are among the essential elements. Whether on a patio, in a garden lounge, or as furnishings on a bench, outdoor bed, or sun lounger, the choice of fabric offers practicality and durability for years to come. Water-repellent fabrics stand out in outdoor furniture projects because they repel water and easily withstand outdoor conditions, including sun and inclement weather. Let's explore all the advantages of water-repellent fabrics for your garden cushions in this article.

Water-repellent fabrics offer effective protection against moisture.

Water-repellent fabrics offer significant advantages, notably their ability to repel water as soon as it falls on them. The coating on the canvas of Belveo outdoor cushions blocks moisture and ensures quick drying. Unlike conventional textiles that absorb moisture, water-repellent fabric is specially treated to prevent liquids from penetrating the fibers .

When it rains, the water beads up, runs off, or evaporates without being absorbed by the fabric. This makes this type of fabric ideal for outdoor furniture. Upholstered in high-quality water-repellent fabric, your garden cushions can withstand the elements, such as rain, sun, morning dew, or even pool splashes. Furthermore, the water-repellent fabric offers optimal protection against unpleasant odors and mold caused by moisture buildup, while also providing exceptional durability and a variety of color options. When the rain is particularly heavy, simply shake your cushion to remove all excess water.

Perfect resistance to UV rays and external aggressions

When stored outdoors, garden cushions are exposed to sun, wind, dust, rain, and sudden temperature changes. This is especially true if you live in a windy area or one prone to frequent inclement weather. It is therefore essential to choose a fabric that can withstand the elements on a daily basis.

In practice, traditional fabrics can fade and become less durable over time. They are better suited for indoor furnishing projects. In contrast, water-repellent fabrics are designed for demanding outdoor environments and are treated with products resistant to even intense UV rays. This guarantees optimal quality and durability for many years, without the need to regularly replace your garden fabrics.

The structure of water-repellent fabrics is perfect for withstanding pollution, dust, and friction. Therefore, you can choose this type of product for a patio, under a pergola , near a pool, or by the sea.

Water-repellent fabrics provide comfort for intensive use

Water-repellent fabrics are among the essential products when choosing your Belveo garden furniture . Comfort is a key factor, with aesthetically pleasing and inviting outdoor sofa cushions made from durable, high-quality fabric with a soft feel – perfect under a Belveo parasol , for example.

This type of fabric maintains good breathability and remains comfortable against the seat or back, unlike some rather rigid waterproof materials. Water-repellent fabrics are therefore ideal for intensive, long-term use, such as on a garden sofa or armchair .

Cushions covered in these fabrics offer a comfortable and soft seat, perfect for everyday use. Aesthetically, this type of product comes in a wide variety of options, from classic colors to more original patterns, to suit all projects and tastes.

What type of water-repellent fabric should you choose for your cushions?

There is a wide range of water-repellent fabric types on the market. It is therefore important to choose wisely, opting for a water-repellent fabric suited to your needs.

Here's a brief overview of the different solutions available to help you get a clearer picture before making a purchase:

  • The fabric is made of coated cotton . It combines the advantages of water repellency with the aesthetic appeal of cotton. Known for being supple and natural, it is, however, less resistant to sudden weathering.
  • Water-repellent polyester , known for being lightweight and economical, is suitable for those primarily seeking water-repellent fabrics at a competitive price and offering satisfactory protection against dust, moisture, and various stains.
  • Solution-dyed acrylic . This material is ideal if you live in a very bright and sunny city. This type of acrylic is highly resistant to ultraviolet rays and ambient humidity. This solution is perfect for cushions that will retain their colors for many years.
  • Water-repellent jersey , ideal for your garden cushions. Jersey combines durability, comfort, and flexibility, and is distinguished by its soft and stretchy feel.

We advise you to choose certified water-repellent fabrics when purchasing, such as FSC ("Forest Stewardship Council") certification for eco-responsibility or OEKO-TEX certification guaranteeing the absence of toxic products for the body and the environment.

How to care for the water-repellent fabrics of your cushions?

Water-repellent fabrics are very easy to care for . To ensure their durability over the years, clean them regularly using a damp sponge or cloth (microfiber, for example) and soapy water . This will allow you to remove dust and residue without damaging the fabric. Air drying is ideal; avoid using a tumble dryer, which may compromise the water-repellent treatment of your garden cushion fabric.

Once a year, you can also apply a specific water-repellent solution for outdoor textiles. This will help effectively protect your cushions from stains and signs of dampness. If possible, store your garden cushions in a dry place during the winter when you plan not to use them for an extended period.

February 18, 2025 — Laetitia Maroussie