High Back Patio Cushions

Jump To Our Picks

Not all patio cushions are created equal. Some are better. And this collection exemplifies that concept with high-back patio cushions, designed for patio furniture with higher backs. Made to last, comfortable, and light enough to store if needed, your patio furniture will be well complemented by these cushions. Take a look at this collection for your patio furniture needs.

Tara Gosselin Interior Design Expert

Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.

25 Recommendations and 166 Ideas

Updated 01/05/2023

Foter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Why trust us?

Jump to More Ideas

High Back Patio Cushions

Buying Guide

Not to sound dramatic, but you'll definitely regret skipping these tips when you find yourself fidgeting on the spot after spending an hour sitting on the wrong chair pads… or when your kid spills tomato sauce onto your precious linen cushions!

Have a sit, get comfy, and let's go through the most important things to consider when choosing chair pads and cushions.

What Type of Chair Pads or Cushions Are Right for Me?

Your chair pads or cushions should have the same shape and sizeas your chairs: make sure you measure them without forgetting about the shape of their back's base;
As for thickness, cushions usually go between 3 and 8 inches, with thicker models available for outdoor furniture: anything less than that is a seat pad;
To stop your cushions from falling every time you stand up, look for ties:

-They can also add a decorative element for a more traditional, cozy effect, and are the best choice for wooden chairs with wicker tops;

-We also recommend them for outdoor furniture, as a gust of wind could flip the situation (literally!);

-However, ties are easy to rip if your kids like to slouch or move a lot while sitting down;

If you have wooden, metal or plastic chairs, consider rubber non-slip backing, a rip-free alternative to ties.

What Is the Best Material for Chair Pads and Cushions?

When it comes to covers, the best materials for chair pads and cushions are:

Synthetic materials like polyester or vinyl are popular and practical: they're affordable, easy to wash (handy if you live with someone who's a champion at dropping the most staining foods!), and some of them are water-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor chairs;
If you live in crazy-warm climates, have particularly sensitive skin or you simply prefer natural fabrics, cotton is a fantastic breathable option;
Elegant fabrics like silk and velvet can turn your chair pads and cushions into proud statements and could work better with the décor of your room; however, keep in mind that they're more delicate, so we don't recommend them if you have young kids or mischievous pets around.

As for the filling:

Polyurethane foam is the most popular option for indoor use, and comes in lots of different densities to match anyone's preference (higher densities are better for chairs that are used for longer periods of time);
For outdoor chairs, closed-cell foam is a great water-resistant alternative;
If anyone suffers from hip problems, you might want to consider memory foam instead.

What Are the Right Chair Pads and Cushions for My Décor?

Now that we've got all the practical matters sorted, let's get to the fun part: looks!

For cohesive results, match the accent color of that room or your tablecloth;
Monochrome cushions (without ties) in the main accent color work particularly well in modern rooms, too;
Going for a mid-Century modern décor? Experiment with contrasting colors and geometric shapes;
To convey the grandeur of French country styles, opt for cream and light cushions with lots of details, laces or intricate patterns;
Very ornate designs with ribbons and ties will look delightful in shabby chic settings too: pick white, pastel colors and floral patterns;
The traditional white and red checkered pattern is guaranteed to create a cozy, rustic andvintage atmosphere;
For minimalist rooms, pick monochrome chair pads without any laces;
If you're a fan of Scandinavian décor, stick to natural fabrics and colors, such as white, grey, yellow, dark blue or forest green;
Even the most passionate advocates of bare industrial décor need to sit comfortably! Brown or black pads without any laces nor details will allow you to convey its raw feel;
For bohemian vibes, go the opposite way: bright patterns, contrasting colors and eclectic textures.

How to select the right size patio cushions?

First and foremost, you need to determine which size your patio cushions should come in. If you're looking for a replacement, take out your existing cushions and lay them flat on the floor. Then, get the height, width, and depth of the cushions using a tape measure. Also, it's important that you know your cushion's break measurement, which is the seat depth and back height.

What are the best materials for high back patio cushions?

Here are some pros and cons of different materials used in making patio cushions:

Vinyl or PVC - It's a plastic material that's your least expensive option. A vinyl cushion fabric doesn't do well when it's constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions. Also, you'll burn your skin when you sit on a vinyl cover as it can get hot if it sits under the sun for a long time.
Cotton Canvas - Cotton fabric is an economical choice. It can even be dyed, which means you get to have a new DIY project! The only downside to the material is it isn't resistant to water, so make sure you treat the material with a waterproof coating.
Textilene - This mesh woven material is made out of polyester yarns, then it is coated with PVC., although it can get hot under the sun, the yarn offers additional strength to the material. It isn't susceptible to ripping and tearing from buttons and zippers, but it's water resistant.
Sunbrella Fabric - A patented fabric, sunbrella is fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, chlorine safe, and 100% waterproof. As for its downside, it can be very expensive. However, the material is worth every penny as it's long-lasting and it provides you with everything that you might need from a durable patio cushion cover.

Although covers of cushions may look exactly the same, materials used in making them can vary drastically. It's important that you don't choose cheap covers that only stays in good condition for a few days. Cheap covers don’t have water-resistant properties so mold and mildew can develop in them. Also, their colors and beautiful patterns will easily fade.

Are patio cushion ties necessary?

Your high back patio cushions should come with ties to make your experience outdoors more enjoyable. Without them, the cushions will move all over the place. Pretty soon, you'll realize how much of a hassle they can be as they keep on falling down. Cushion ties will keep your arrangements outdoors organized and presentable at the same time. What's more, they'll help you keep your cushioning clean as they won't get soiled. Sometimes, it is the minute things that matter so don't overlook this aspect.

Quick Tips

Always measure your chairs, and look for cushions that match their size and shape
Consider decorative ties or practical non-slip backing to keep your chair pads and cushions in place
Synthetic covers are the most popular and easy to wash, while cotton is a more breathable alternative; silk and velvet are elegant but rather delicate options
Polyurethane foam is a popular filling for indoor use, closed-cell is a water-resistant option for outdoor furniture, and memory foam can be considered for hip problems
Consider the décor of your room or try and match its accent color for a cohesive feel.