Quick answer: For everyday indoor seats, choose Imitate Linen or Chenille. For dining benches, kids and spills, choose Waterproof Chenille, Waterproof Woven Pattern Chenille or Waterproof Vegan Leather. For patios and porches, choose Waterproof Oxford, our outdoor fabric. If you have cats or dogs, choose PetOwner Crystal Velvet. For a plush, cozy seat, choose Faux Lambswool, Dutch Velvet or Snow Velvet.
We make custom cushions and cushion covers in 11 fabrics and more than 140 colors. That is a lot of choice, so this guide explains how each fabric looks, feels and wears, and which one fits your room.
All 11 fabrics at a glance
| Fabric | Best for | Liquids | Colors | Upcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imitate Linen | Everyday indoor seating | Not waterproof | 27 | None |
| Chenille | Soft indoor seating | Not waterproof | 6 | None |
| Dutch Velvet | A rich, smooth indoor look | Not waterproof | 18 | None |
| Snow Velvet | Plush indoor seating | Not waterproof | 12 | +$5 |
| Waterproof Chenille | Dining benches, kids, spills (indoor) | Waterproof | 14 | +$5 |
| Waterproof Woven Pattern Chenille | Spill-prone seats with a textured look | Waterproof | 15 | +$5 |
| Water-Resist Chenille | Light spills, everyday use | Water-resistant | 15 | +$5 |
| Waterproof Vegan Leather | Breakfast nooks, easy wipe-clean | Waterproof | 8 | +$10 |
| Waterproof Oxford | Patio, porch, sunroom (outdoor) | Waterproof | 7 | +$5 |
| PetOwner Crystal Velvet | Homes with cats and dogs | Not waterproof | 8 | +$5 |
| Faux Lambswool | Cozy reading nooks, winter seating | Not waterproof | 12 | +$5 |
*Upcharges and color counts as listed on our custom size cushion. Options can vary slightly by product.
Everyday indoor fabrics
Imitate Linen
A flat, woven fabric with the slightly textured, natural look of linen. It is breathable and stays comfortable in warm rooms, and it has by far the widest color range, from neutrals and sands to bold reds, blues and greens. It is the safe choice when you want to match existing decor. Because it is not waterproof, treat spills quickly.
Chenille
Chenille has a soft, slightly fuzzy pile with a visible woven texture. It feels warmer and cozier than linen and hides small marks well, which makes it a good everyday fabric for window seats and benches.
Dutch Velvet and Snow Velvet
Velvets have a short, dense pile with a smooth hand and a soft sheen that catches the light. Dutch Velvet comes in 18 colors and gives a tailored, upscale look on built-in benches and bay windows. Snow Velvet is a plusher velvet for seats where you want extra softness.
Fabrics for spills, kids and dining
Waterproof Chenille
All the softness of chenille, with a waterproof finish so drinks and food bead up and can be wiped away before they soak in. It is designed for indoor use, which makes it a favorite for dining benches, breakfast nooks and family rooms.
Waterproof Woven Pattern Chenille
A waterproof chenille with a more pronounced woven pattern. The texture adds visual interest and is forgiving with everyday wear, while the waterproof finish handles spills.
Water-Resist Chenille
Water-resistant rather than waterproof: it holds off light splashes long enough to blot them up, but a spill left sitting can soak through. Choose it for everyday seating where spills are occasional, and choose one of the waterproof fabrics for dining areas.
Waterproof Vegan Leather
A smooth, leather-look surface that wipes clean with a damp cloth. It suits modern kitchens, breakfast nooks and kids' seating. Like real leather it can feel cool in winter and warm in strong sun.
Outdoor fabric
Waterproof Oxford
Oxford is a tightly woven, durable fabric, and ours is the one we recommend for patios, porches and sunrooms. It sheds spills and light rain. To keep the foam inside dry and the cushion looking new, bring outdoor cushions inside during long rainy periods and over the winter.
Pet-friendly and cozy fabrics
PetOwner Crystal Velvet
Our anti-scratch fabric, made to stand up to claws. If your cat or dog shares the window seat, this is the fabric to pick. Our custom window seat cushion also comes in pet-friendly teddy and frosted velvets.
Faux Lambswool
A plush, fleecy surface that feels warm to sit on. It is a great choice for reading nooks, bedroom benches and winter seating, but it is not a fabric for dining areas.
How to choose in three questions
- Is it outdoors? Choose Waterproof Oxford.
- Will it see food, drinks or kids? Choose Waterproof Chenille, Waterproof Woven Pattern Chenille or Waterproof Vegan Leather.
- Do pets use it? Choose PetOwner Crystal Velvet.
If none of those apply, pick by look and feel: Imitate Linen for a clean, natural look with the most colors, Chenille for soft texture, a velvet for a rich finish, or Faux Lambswool for coziness.
Colors on screen never match real life exactly, so order the fabric sample set and look at the swatches in your own light. Then see how to measure for custom cushions.
FAQ
What is the best cushion fabric for outdoor use?
Waterproof Oxford. It is the fabric we designate for patio, porch and sunroom cushions. Bring cushions inside during long rain and in winter to keep the foam dry.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant chenille?
Waterproof chenille keeps liquids on the surface so you can wipe them away. Water-resistant chenille only holds off light splashes for a short time, so spills need to be blotted quickly.
Which cushion fabric is best with cats and dogs?
PetOwner Crystal Velvet, our anti-scratch fabric made to stand up to claws.
Which fabric has the most color choices?
Imitate Linen, with 27 colors. Dutch Velvet is next with 18.
Are the covers washable?
Yes. Every cushion has a heavy-duty zipper so the cover comes off for machine washing. Wash on a gentle cold cycle and air dry. Wipe vegan leather with a damp cloth instead.
