Short advice: Outdoor cushions in Spain are exposed to strong sun, heat, and sometimes chlorine or salt water. The best choice is to select outdoor fabric and outdoor cushion filling together, based on how and where you use your lounge area: patio, sunny terrace, or poolside.
Many Dutch homeowners living in Catalonia, Barcelona, Alicante or Costa Brava quickly notice that what works well in Northern Europe does not always perform the same under the Mediterranean sun. The difference lies mainly in sun intensity, heat, and moisture.
That’s why at Interior Nomad we simplify the decision. Instead of endless options for outdoor fabrics, we work with three outdoor fabric qualities and a number of outdoor cushion fillings, so you can easily choose what fits your outdoor space and lifestyle.
STEP 1: Start with the outdoor fabric
The fabric of your outdoor cushions determines how well they handle sunlight, water, and daily use. In our collection we work with three fabric qualities, each with its own character.
1. COMFORT - soft fabrics for your outdoor lounge
material: 100% recycled Olefin solution dyed
Perfect for: Lounge & chill corners, comfortable in the heat but also warm when a bit chilly.
- patios or verandas
- covered terraces
- lounge areas
Key benefits
- soft textile look (almost like indoor fabric)
- comfortable in warm weather
- water-repellent and reasonably quick-drying
- good UV and color resistance
Why choose this fabric?
This fabric feels the most “home-like.” Perfect for a lounge spot where you enjoy morning coffee or long evenings outside.
Good to know: This fabric is less suitable for leaving outside year-round without some protection.
Click to see our comfy premium qualities
2. COASTAL PROOF - fabric for daily sun
material: 100% solution dyed acrylic
What does solution dyed mean? The color is added to the fiber before the yarn is spun. This makes the fabric much more resistant to fading in sunlight.
Perfect for: daily sun and full sun exposure
- sunny terraces
- gardens along the Spanish coast with many sun hours
- frequent use
Key benefits
- high UV resistance 7-8
- water repellent: not 100% waterproof
- still breathable: the air can move from the inside out to avoid ‘balloon effect’ for the cushions.
- stain resistant for everyday dirt
- soft touch with a comfortable feel to the skin
Why choose this fabric?
It offers the best balance between comfort and durability, which is why it’s often the most popular choice for outdoor sofas and custom cushions.
Click for our 10 colors in coastal quality
3. PERFORMANCE - waterproof for your pool cushions
material: 100% polyester vinyl top coating
Perfect for
- near swimming pools
- coastal homes or seaside terraces
- outdoor furniture for rental properties that stays outside
Key benefits
- 100% waterproof
- UV resistant 7 - 8
- PERMABLOCK3@plus finish: stain-resistant against spills like oil, grease, and sunscreen.
- antibacterial – helps reduce the growth of bacteria.
- mildew-resistant – ideal for humid environments or boats.
- easy to clean – dirt stays on the surface.
Important to know
The fabric is fully waterproof. That means water stays on the surface, so you simply wipe it off.
Because the fabric is less breathable, it may feel slightly less comfortable in very warm temperatures than a textile-style fabric.
STEP 2: Combine with the right filling
The fabric protects the outside of the cushion, but the filling determines the comfort. Again, the best option depends on how you use your outdoor lounge.
for SITTING CUSHIONS
1. HR Foam
Comfortable and the most common filling for outdoor cushions in Mediterranean countries.
key benefits
- very comfortable seating
- excellent price-quality balance
- ideal for lounge sofas and benches
Good to know; during heavy rain, it’s best to place cushions under a cover or bring them inside.
2. Quick-Dry Foam
This filling is the most durable outdoor solution foam and is often used for boat cushions. Especially in combination with a performance fabric like 100% polyester vinyl top coating.
key benefits
- highly resistant to water
- quick dry quality
- ideal for pools or humid climates
disadvantages
- Slightly firmer seating comfort
- Higher price
3. Polyester flakes
Perfect outdoor cushion filling if you like a relaxed, casual “sink-in” lounge feel.
key benefits
- soft and relaxed seating
- can easily be refilled after a few years
Good to know
- Needs frequent fluffing
- Can develop small indentations over time
- cushions can not be wider than 120 cm
You often see this filling used for so called pallet sofas.
for BACK CUSHIONS
There are three commonly used fillings for outdoor back cushions.
1. polyester flakes
- comfortable and molds nicely to your back
- flakes may be a bit visible
- requires a bit more care in rainy conditions
- often used in outdoor cushions
This filling is udes for the stock cushions
2. comforel
- premium alternative to flakes
- smooth, not visible through the fabric
- cushions keep their shape longer
- outdoor quality
This filling we use the most for our outdoor cushions.
3. HR foam back cushions
- cleaner, slimmer design
- available with HR foam or quick-dry foam
- quick-dry handles moisture better but feels firmer
for WATER PROOF sunlounges & poofs
- high density EPS pearls
- lightweight
- does not absorb moisture
- extra stable due to high density
- moulds comfortably to the body
The best outdoor cushion is always the right combination of fabric and filling.