How To Choose 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.

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.