How important is outdoor fabrics for your summer patio furniture?

With summer in full swing, everyone is spending a lot of time on decks and patios. 

I recently had to re-upholster my outdoor sectional and was faced with the dilemma of which fabric to choose. I was very excited to learn that one of my suppliers had an outdoor velvet fabric book. Since I use velvets in my interior designs, I was so excited to see this luxe material for outdoor use. 

Considerations for Selecting Outdoor Fabrics

Because I live amongst many trees and a rather large, messy spruce in particular, which sprawls over my deck space, I was concerned that the sap could destroy my newly upholstered sectional because it was a softer material. 

In my work, I am fortunate to see many different fabrics from many different manufacturers so I also checked out some fabrics that were so gorgeous but not spec’d for outdoor use.

So, before I committed to my velvet, I began a deep dive into how important it was to use an outdoor fabric.

Here were my findings:

On the plus side, you have easy maintenance. Outdoor fabrics are often water resistant and easy to clean. If they do get left outside in the rain, they will repel water and can also be easily wiped down. As well, they are machine washable which makes it easy to keep these cushions fresh for the next year's season.

Outdoor fabrics are designed to withstand the elements. Sunbrella fabrics have a strong history to repel mildew and mold. This allows for prolonged exposure without serious damage.

And of course, you have variety and style. There are so many fabrics and co-ordinates which make it fun and easy to create a unique look to your outdoor space. 

Some Final Thoughts

It would be fair to say that the positives do outweigh the negatives but do be aware of some shortfalls.

Yes, outdoor fabrics can fade over time. If your fabrics are exposed to the elements for prolonged periods, you can expect to see some change in the vibrancy of the colors. 

Outdoor fabrics may also be less breathable which translates into them feeling hot and uncomfortable. 

And lastly--the cost! They can cost more than indoor fabrics because they have been treated to withstand outdoor weather conditions. 

In the end, I opted for my velvet fabrics and I could not be happier. It provides a luxe texture and feel that makes lounging on a summer afternoon absolutely wonderful!

*Check out Maxwell indoor/outdoor Velvet Palermo. 33 beautiful colours to choose from.