Indoor vs. Outdoor Cushions : What to Know

Not all cushions are created equal - especially when it comes to performance and longevity. Whether you’re furnishing a living room or a patio, knowing the differences between indoor vs outdoor cushions is key to choosing the right materials, fills, and construction.

Choosing the right cushions depends on where they’ll live - indoor and outdoor cushions are designed with different materials, construction, and durability in mind.

In this post, we break down everything you need to know about how these two types of cushions differ - and how to select the best option for your space.

Indoor vs Outdoor Cushions - Key Differences in Fabric, Fill, and Durability

1 - Fabric Type & Durability

Indoor Cushions:

• Typically made from decorative fabrics like velvet, linen, cotton, or performance blends

• Prioritize texture, color, and pattern over weather resistance

• Often more delicate and not UV- or moisture-resistant

Outdoor Cushions:

• Made from solution-dyed acrylics, polyesters, or PVC mesh

• Designed to resist fading, moisture, mildew, and UV exposure

• Easy to clean and often quick-drying

Tip: Never use indoor-only fabrics outdoors, even in covered spaces.

2 - Cushion Fill Materials

Indoor Cushion Fills:

• Down/feather, polyfill, or high-density foam

• Prioritize comfort and softness

• Not designed to get wet or dry quickly

Outdoor Cushion Fills:

• Open-cell foam, quick-dry foam, or polyfill with water-repellent wrapping

• Engineered to drain water and resist mildew

• Slightly firmer for structural support in exposed environments

3 - Stitching & Construction

Indoor:

• Often features decorative seams and closures

• May include zippers, buttons, or delicate piping

• More variety in shapes and edge finishes

  
  

Outdoor:

• Reinforced stitching for durability

• Zippered or Velcro closures hidden for weather protection

• Typically boxed edges for structure

4 - Maintenance & Longevity

Indoor Cushions:

• Spot clean or dry clean depending on fabric

• Not built for high exposure or mess-prone areas

Outdoor Cushions:

• Easily wiped down or hose-cleaned

• Some include removable, machine-washable covers

• Longer-lasting in high-use, high-moisture settings

5 - Where to Use Which?

Use Indoor Cushions For:

• Sofas, window seats, beds, benches inside your home

• Rooms where softness and styling take priority

  
  

Use Outdoor Cushions For:

• Patios, decks, porches, poolside furniture

• Any space exposed to sunlight, moisture, or temperature fluctuations

Custom Cushions for Indoors & Outdoors by DDCD

At DDCD, we craft custom cushions for any setting — made to fit your design, comfort, and performance goals.

• Indoor: Soft, stylish, premium fills and fabrics

• Outdoor: Weather-resistant materials and quick-dry construction

• Templates and sizing for built-ins or custom benches

• Wide fabric library and COM welcome

  
  

Explore Our Custom Cushion Services

Request a Cushion Consultation

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between indoor vs outdoor cushions is the first step in creating a space that’s both beautiful and functional. From fade-resistant outdoor fabrics to plush indoor comfort, choosing the right cushion materials will ensure long-lasting results tailored to your lifestyle.

Need help designing cushions that match your space? DDCD is here to bring your vision to life - inside or out.