Elaine Smith fade-resistant outdoor pillows on patio furniture

Outdoor Pillows That Won't Fade: How to Choose Them and Make Them Last

Design Team

Cheap outdoor pillows usually look great for a few weeks, then fade, stain, hold water and go flat. A good outdoor pillow should look just as good in its third summer as its first. Here is what actually makes the difference, and how to care for your pillows so they last.

What to Look For in an Outdoor Pillow

1. Fade-resistant performance fabric

Sun is the biggest enemy of outdoor fabric. Look for pillows made from outdoor performance fabrics designed to resist UV fading, water and mildew, not just indoor fabric with a water-repellent spray.

2. An insert that dries quickly

Rain gets into every outdoor pillow eventually. A quality polyfill insert dries out instead of soaking up water and growing mildew inside.

3. Construction that holds its shape

Check the seams and closures. Tight stitching, hidden zippers and well-filled inserts keep a pillow looking full and tailored instead of lumpy.

4. Designs that are made to coordinate

The best outdoor pillow collections come in coordinated colors and multiple sizes, so you can build a layered, designer look without guessing. Our outdoor pillow count guide shows how many you need for each piece of furniture.

Why We Carry Elaine Smith Outdoor Pillows

Casual Furniture World is an authorized Elaine Smith dealer. Elaine Smith pillows are handmade in West Palm Beach, Florida, in performance fabrics that resist fading, water and mildew. They come in fashion-forward patterns, textures and velvets, in 12"x20" lumbar, 20"x20", 22"x22" and 12" orb sizes. They come with inserts, ship free, and look as good in a living room as on a pool deck.

How to Clean Outdoor Pillows

Brush off dirt and debris regularly so it doesn't grind into the fabric.
Spot clean spills quickly with mild soap and lukewarm water, then rinse with clean water.
Blot, don't scrub, so you don't rough up the fabric.
Air dry completely before putting the pillow back out or into storage. Stand it on its edge so water drains.
Check the care label on your specific pillow before machine washing a cover or using any cleaner.

How to Make Outdoor Pillows Last Longer

Bring them in during storms. Performance fabric resists water, but a quick toss inside during heavy rain helps pillows dry faster and last longer.
Prop them on edge after rain so the insert drains and dries.
Store them in the off-season. Keep pillows clean and completely dry in a breathable storage bag or deck box, away from damp garages.
Cover your furniture. Outdoor furniture covers protect cushions and the frame during the off-season.
Rotate and fluff. Flip and fluff pillows every so often so they wear and fade evenly.

Shop Outdoor Pillows

Want to see the fabrics in person? Visit any Casual Furniture World showroom in Winston-Salem, Greensboro or North Myrtle Beach, or Porch Concepts in Wilmington, NC.