From garden armchairs to hanging armchairs, we've embraced outdoor living and kitted our gardens out with the best garden furniture and now's the perfect time to give it a little affordable refresh with the best cushions for your garden bench to match your decor.
Available in a bunch of shapes and sizes - from scatter cushions to pads, chair cushions and waterproof options too - investing in a cushion or two is the simplest way of enhancing the comfort of garden seating.
Best cushions for garden benches at a glance:
We've scoured the internet for the best garden cushions out there, from quirky patterns to simple design that will fit in with any garden style. Scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article. Sit back, relax and enjoy making the most of watching the world go by in the comfort of your beloved garden bench.
Best cushions for garden benches
Best cushions for plain colour
With a plain design, these vibrant cushions add comfort and style to your garden furniture. Made from water-resistant fabric, these cushions will stay looking great. The hollowfibre padding ergonomically supports your body. Whether you're pairing these cushions with rattan, black metal or wood - they provide a pop of uplifting colour - careful not to upstage your flower display though.
**Customer review: "**I’ve bought a few outdoor cushions recently and these are the most robust and definitely the plumpest of them all. The colour is good and I like the the seam detail. They have been misted with rain and seem fine, they have not been soaked with rain so can’t tell how waterproof they are. They live on my gazebo sofa so are protected from the worst weather."
Pros
- Looks good on anything
- Water-resistant fabric
- Available in a huge range of colours
Cons
- Simple design
Best cushion for a swing chair bench
This weatherproof grey upholstery is a practical option as the colour hides the dirt and the straps tether the seat pad in windy weather. It's designed to give back and seat support on a swing chair but could equally be used on a range of outdoor benches. Folding it in half will also double the thickness.
Customer review: "I love this cushion it’s so comfortable, I do tend to leave it outside and it has been ok so far, it tends to hold the rain so needs draining off after rain but seems to dry quickly in the sun. I recommend it."
Pros
- Shower-proof
- Versatile
- Practical colour
Cons
- Some reviews comment that the cushion is thinner than they expected
Best value outdoor cushions
For a flamboyant style that's as plush as your topiary, go for Artscope's decorative scatter cushion covers. Mix and match with this extensive range of outdoor cushion covers. Simply pair it with some inserts, and enjoy a set of four beautiful cushions for your outdoor space. Made of durable polyester linen with a waterproof coating, this cover set is practical and lightweight and offers a splash of tropical vibes. Plus, they're machine washable.
Customer review: "These are really nice but don't make the mistake we made and think they are complete cushions."
Pros
- Lots of designs to choose
- Waterproof fabric
Cons
- Covers only, no insert
Best outdoor cushions for the boho look
If you're more Zen than French formal, you'll be looking for cushions that create a sense of comfort. These intimate yet functional boho cushion covers will help create a habitat that's just for you. With the vintage-style mandala designs, they're perfect for lovers of everything alternative and spiritual. Make your garden a sanctuary with these distinctive designs that reflect nature's random flow.
Customer review: "Easy peasy and super cute. Not the greatest of fabric but they fit the bill."
Pros
- Waterproof
- Visually stimulating design
Cons
- Covers only, no inserts
- Some customers have commented on the effectiveness of the waterproof fabric
Best cushion for durability
If you're looking for something more hard-wearing and durable, these woven outdoor cushions from Wyajmoo may be just the ticket. The linen fabric is made from high-quality and water-resistant fibre. Featuring an anti-slip base and straps, this is a practical solution for windy spots. The custom colour and size option is ideal for creating a perfect pad for reclining on your outdoor daybed.
Customer review: "Bought this to go on a wooden dining bench. Perfect size, very comfy and, best of all, comes with a non-slip bottom making the need for ties redundant. Looks great and is very functional. Great product."
Pros
- Customisable colour, thickness, size and straps
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Anti-slip bottom
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
Best cushions for funky design
In garden design, 10 per cent of accent colours should come from pillows and other accessories. And if you're looking for an option that softens regimented lines and brings a touch of contemporary cool, then look no further. Izabela Peters' cushion designs really stand out from the rest - no wonder she's a popular brand on Instagram. And if flamingos aren't your thing, there are plenty of different versions. The breathable filling and waterproof cover make them a functional and decorative cushion for chilling under a dappled shade.
Customer review: "Such a beautiful addition to the garden. The design really stands out. The quality is outstanding. Not cheap, but then nor is the product. There are cheaper options out there, but not with these designs or quality."
Pros
- Soft to touch
- Reversible
Cons
- Buy individually
Best for lounging
Ideal for lounging outdoors, this Homescapes garden bench cushion would soften any slatted wood. Made from 100 per cent cotton it's a good natural option. You could even place this on the ground, lie down and bask in the unobstructed vista of a big blue sky. Just lovely for relaxing summer days on the patio, by the pool or in the conservatory.
Customer review: "I expected these to be really thin and not very comfortable for the price but they're amazing value and great quality."
Pros
- Range of colours
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that the colour is a little off
Best bench cushion for practicality
www.dunelm.com
If your tiny fifth-floor balcony is as close as you can get to swaying in a hammock in your dream garden, at least this understated and practical Isla bench pad brings that dream one step closer. Even if you're perching on a storage box in a small space you'll be comfortable and getting sun rays on your face. And the best bit is, this bench pad is lightweight, rolls up and is totally portable... so you'll be positioned by a pool before you can say 'dreams come true'.
Customer review: "I love these pads. Lovely charcoal colour and they are comfy too considering they are quite thin."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Versatile
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best bench cushion for comfort
www.wayfair.co.uk
This chunky bench cushion is going to feel so good once it's been warmed by the sun. Imagine sinking into its softness and feeling the bliss of summer heat warm you to the core. This pillow has a versatile range of uses - including on swings, rocking chairs or for softening a sofa in your summer house. You may have to stop four-legged friends of the pet kind from adopting it as their new bed though.
Customer review: "I wanted this cushion for my front bench. It is bit narrow but I knew that. The quality is good for the price and also I will only use during the summer."
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Check measurements carefully before buying so you choose the right size for you
FAQs
How to choose the best garden bench cushions?
Bench cushions are specifically rectangular, designed to fit two-seater, three-seater and custom-size seating. Choose a cushion with straps so it can securely attach to your bench - some cushions have two or four straps or even buckle fastenings.
We've all felt the discomfort of sitting too long on a hard surface, and more so, in the garden sometimes those surfaces are damp. A bench cushion can relieve joint pain, especially in the hips and back. Who knows, you may get furry visitors wanting to make your bench their new favourite place to catnap.
Bolster your back with the best hollowfibre and foam cushion pads that provide ergonomic support. Pads are available for chair seats and chair backs and can be specifically cut to fit your garden bench. More so, the aesthetic pleasure that comes from feel-good colours is easy to achieve with current garden trends for rich Moorish textiles on garden armchairs.
It's a great way to smarten up seating - whether it's nautical blue for your holiday cottage cocoon chair or mix-and-match pops of colour for the kiddies' play area.
Alternatively, you may prefer the minimalism of monochrome patterns to accessorise your slimline garden armchair. Or, it might be all about muted colours and simple woven textures for a cohesive and fresh style.
How do I make a cushion for my garden bench?
Get creative with fab floral patterns that echo the shapes and colours of plants in your garden. Or you could create a juxtaposition of textures and colours to soften the formality of an urban garden. Whatever your style, making your own bench cushion is a quick, easy and inexpensive way of refreshing a look.
You will need:
A foam pad
Fabric
A piece of plywood, cut to fit your bench
Scissors
Pen
Staple gun
Have fun choosing the fabric - but remember that waterproof and durable materials are practical options for outdoors. Lay out your fabric and place your piece of plywood on top.
Measure an 8cm border so that your fabric has enough excess to fold around the foam and the wood. Use your pen to mark the border and then cut the fabric to size with scissors.
Place the fabric down, then position the foam on top - dead centre - and finally, place the wood on top of the foam. Using your stapler, staple the fabric to the wood and fold the corners neatly before stapling the ends.
What to look for in the best outdoor cushions?
The material is everything. Make sure the fabric is water-resistant and can endure a bit of rain. Additionally, straps and hidden zips are handy features to look for. If you think your cushions are likely to get grotty, then choose removable covers that are machine washable.
You need to decide what mood you want to create and anticipate how the fabric will look over time as the colours and shapes in the garden change.
Finally, size is important. Measure where you want the cushions to go and take note of the cushion dimensions before you buy.
Where did the trend for creating outdoor rooms come from?
Outdoor spaces now seem to share many of the elements that we have in our homes - the garden has become an extension of our interiors, so much so that eye-catching accessories are just as important as the plants in terms of putting our personal mark on our great outdoors.
While it's always been that the colours of nature have influenced how we decorate our interiors - for example, with sunflower yellow or cornflower blue paints, fabrics and accessories - now we're flipping the idea on its head and bringing the indoors into our gardens. This interplay of man-made domestic and nature has been explored by horticulturalists like Luciano Giubbilei.
While we focus a lot on the big pieces of furniture or garden projects, this overlooks the details that bring a little pop of aesthetic pleasure - the cherry on top, in effect. Always remember to devote 10 per cent of your garden design to eye-catching accessories.
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.