How to Choose the Right Fabric
for Your Custom Cover
The right fabric isn't a fixed rule — it depends on where the cushion lives. Here's how to match a fabric to your space, and how to be certain before you order.
Two Spaces, Two Decisions
Start with where the cushion lives, then pick the material.
Outdoor fabric
Standard fabric with UV and water resistance added on top. Excellent anywhere the sun or weather plays a part.
- UV-stable, so colour doesn't fade in direct sun.
- Water-resistant, so it sheds rain and wipes clean.
Indoor fabric
Inside the home the material matters more than the label. Choose by fabric type and how much upkeep you want.
- Polyester — the easiest to look after.
- Natural — beautiful to sit on, but needs more care.
- Blend — a comfortable middle ground.
Golden rule: let the scenario decide
An outdoor fabric isn't just for outside. A sunlit bay window, banquet seating that sees spills, or a camper van all point to outdoor fabric. Ask what the cushion actually faces — sun, weather, food, or daily wear — and pick for that.
The 30-Second Version
Four things to weigh up. Then you're ready.
Polyester
Affordable and effortless to clean — the practical everyday choice.
Natural
Linen, cotton, wool — lovely to sit on, but they need a little more care.
Blend
The sweet spot — soft against the skin and still easy to maintain.
Outdoor finish
Adds UV and water resistance to any material — for sun and spills.
How to Choose
Four quick steps, and the guesswork goes away.
Where is it going?
Indoor or outdoor, and what does it face — direct sun, rain, spills, or heavy daily use? That answer narrows everything down.
Pick the material
Now choose polyester, natural or blend based on how it feels and how much upkeep you're happy with. That balances comfort against care.
Check the finishing
Sun and spills point to an outdoor finish on top of your material. A sunny bay window, a banquet setting or a camper van all benefit.
See it before you order
Even a great photo won't show how a fabric feels or hangs. Order a sample to your door — or send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll help.
Matching a Fabric to Your Space
Here's how the scenario tends to lead the choice.
Bay Window
Indoor but sunlit — an outdoor finish stops the colour fading.
Banquet / Dining
Spills happen — a wipe-clean outdoor fabric is the practical pick.
Camper Van
Rugged and compact — outdoor fabric takes the conditions in its stride.
Living Room
Comfort first — a blend or natural where it's soft and easy to live with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the mistakes we see most.
Choosing material before scenario
The scenario decides first. Pick where the cushion lives, then the material.
Thinking outdoor means not for indoors
Outdoor fabric is often better indoors — in sun, with spills, or in a busy space.
Forgetting the upkeep
Natural fibres are lovely but need regular care. Be honest about how much you'll do.
Skipping the sample
A photo doesn't show how a fabric feels or hangs. A swatch removes the doubt.
Ignoring UV in a bright room
Sunlight fades fabric even indoors. A sunny window still warrants a UV-stable finish.
Questions
Straight answers.
What's the difference between indoor and outdoor fabric?
Outdoor fabric is the standard fabric with UV and water resistance added. It's a finish, not a different product — it still looks and feels like a normal cover.
Can I use outdoor fabric indoors?
Yes, and often it's the better choice. A sunlit bay window, banquet seating that sees spills, or a camper van all suit outdoor fabric.
Which material is best?
It depends on comfort versus upkeep. Polyester is easiest, natural is softest but higher-maintenance, and a blend gives a little of both.
How do I know the colour is right?
Order a free fabric sample to your door, or send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll advise you — we can even preview the fabric on your cushion.
Do you stock all-natural fabrics?
Yes, we offer all-natural options. They look and feel beautiful but need more care. We'll be honest about the upkeep first.
I'm still not sure — can you help?
Absolutely. Send us a photo and we'll recommend a fabric, send a sample, and help you decide. You don't have to guess.
Ready to pick your fabric?
Not sure? Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll recommend a fabric — then order a free sample to be certain.
Start Customising