If you’re anything like me, you like your cushions to look good, feel good under the bum and appear new to guests. Patio cushions are vital in changing any outdoor entertainment area from average to supreme.

The bottom line is that old or dirty cushions are not very inviting. They say “stay away” and do not convey the “come and visit a while” message that you really want to be saying. Poor cushions on top of quality, high end patio furniture hide all of the goodness that may be underneath.

So don’t let your beautiful teak wood patio bench lose its appeal because you couldn’t find the right pillow to compliment it. And don’t be so lazy that you can’t find the time to replace old faded pillows. Maybe your dog tore into one or the birds used it as their personal toilet. Get it replaced and spruce up your outdoors!

There are lots of things to consider when choosing your patio cushions. Firstly, they have to fit well on the chair or bench frame. A cushion that doesn’t fit properly and keeps sliding around is no good if you ask me. Make sure you do the measurements correctly and avoid seeing spaces you didn’t want to exist.

Next on the list is to find the colours and patterns that will set the tone for your new patio decor. Consider matching existing furniture and other items in your outdoor living space. Adding some contrasting pillows is a fun way to add some extra pizzazz to your new colour scheme.

Then there is bounce. You want a cushion that is comfortable to sit on. If your bum gets numb after a while, the pillow is probably too soft. Too hard and you may as well not have a pillow. Make sure the cushion sticks to high standards of comfort.

Lastly is shape and texture. The materials your cushions are made from are actually a very high priority. You need a material that won’t rip like cheap plastic. You don’t want the cushion to be too slippery to sit on. There’s nothing worse than sliding off the seat all the time. Suede cushions are not always a good idea as dust picks up pretty easily and could lead to deterioration. And watch out for rough edges and trimmings. Buy cushions you can be proud of that won’t deteriorate.