How do you make outdoor cushions stay put?

Having cushions that stay in place on outdoor furniture can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and visually pleasing outdoor living space. However, with exposure to wind, rain, and other elements, keeping cushions where you want them can be a real challenge.

Fortunately, there are some simple tricks and handy products that can help keep outdoor cushions stay firmly put in their proper place. Here we’ll explore some of the most effective solutions for securing patio and porch cushions so you can create an outdoor oasis you’ll enjoy all season long.

Use Cushions with Ties, Straps, or Loops

Look for cushion covers that have built-in ties, straps, loops, or zippers that can attach around or to furniture frames. This helps lock cushions in place so they don’t slip and slide.

Cushion ties may be located on the rear underside or sides of the cushion. You simply tie or buckle the straps to the chair, sofa, etc. to keep the cushion from blowing away in the wind. Elastic corner straps offer a more adjustable option.

Some cushions have built-in loops on the underside that allow you to slip plastic S-hooks through them and attach them to furniture frames. Velcro flaps or strips provide another means of fastening cushions securely.

Advantages:

• Built-in features for securing cushions
• Allow for easy on/off when needed
• Provide adjustable fit

Disadvantages:

• May not fully prevent cushion slippage
• Can loosen over time
• Adds visible, somewhat cluttered look

Use Non-Slip Cushion Inserts

Non-slip cushion inserts are pad-like products that go inside cushion covers to help keep them from sliding around. These inserts have rubber or textured backs that help grip furniture surfaces.

Some popular options include:

• Gripper cushions – Contain hidden internal flaps/tabs that grip furniture frames
• Non-slip mesh bottoms – Made of rubbery mesh material that resists sliding
• Cushion anchors – Corner straps attach cushions to furniture legs

Look for non-slip inserts in square, rectangle, round, and other shapes to fit your furniture and cushion needs.

Advantages:

• Stays in place without visible external features
• Easy to use – just place inside cushion cover
• Available in shapes and sizes to fit any cushion

Disadvantages:

• Can make cushion less comfortable and flexible
• May not prevent sliding as well over time as gripper pads wear down
• Doesn’t attach cushion to frame like straps/ties

Use Double-Sided Tape, Velcro, or Clips

If your cushions don’t have built-in ties or other fasteners, you can use separate products to hold them in place. Helpful options include:

• Double-sided tape – Secure to furniture frame/surface
• Adhesive Velcro strips – Stick to frame and cushion
• Clips or clamps – Clamp cushion to frame

These allow you to retrofit your existing cushions to stay put. Look for outdoor-rated products that are durable and weather/UV resistant.

Advantages:

• Easy to apply anytime
• Use on all cushions
• Affordable options available

Disadvantages:

• Can damage furniture or cushion fabric if removed
• Doesn’t attach cushion to frame like straps/ties
• May loosen over time

Use a Cushion Anchor/Weight Bag

For a quick and convenient solution, you can place a weighted bag or anchor on top of cushions to hold them in place through sheer mass. These products contain beads, sand, or other heavy material and often feature carry handles and soft exterior fabrics.

Options include:

• Square or rectangle bags for chair cushions
• Long cylindrical bolster-style bags for bench cushions
• Decorative ceramic garden weights

Look for a style, size, and weight that fits your furniture and cushions.

Advantages:

• No attachment required
• Easy to move/adjust/remove
• Available in many styles and sizes

Disadvantages:

• Can make accessing/adjusting cushions inconvenient
• Bag may slide off if not heavy enough
• Adds visual clutter

Use Velcro Add-On Straps

One of the easiest ways to retrofit your existing cushions is by using Velcro brand “aftermarket” straps. These flexible straps have Velcro ends that attach to each other and allow you to secure cushions around and under furniture frames.

Just slip one end around a chair or sofa leg, wrap it under the cushion, then affix it to the other end. This effectively straps the cushion in place. Adjustable sizes are available.

Advantages:

• Universal – works with any cushion/furniture
• Adjustable fit
• Easy to install and remove

Disadvantages:

• May loosen over time
• Can sag if strap isn’t tight enough
• Adds visible strap

Use Adjustable Elastic Bands

For a more built-in look, you can secure outdoor seat cushions using adjustable elastic bands. These stretchy bands install under the cushion and attach to the furniture frame hooks or screws.

Put one band on each corner of a square/rectangle cushion. Or use two longer bands on opposite sides of a round cushion. Adjust the elasticity and length to provide a custom tight fit.

Advantages:

• Creates clean, seamless look
• Custom adjustable fit
• Durable outdoor elastic materials

Disadvantages:

• Require hardware installation on furniture
• Elastic can wear out over time
• Visibility under furniture

Use Deep Seat Cushions

A deep cushion with extended fabric flaps or sides that fit snugly inside furniture frames can also help keep cushions from moving around.

Look for seat cushions advertised as:

• Bottom-wrapped
• Frame-hugging
• Fully encased

This box-like style has fabric that extends over the bottom and sides of the cushion, keeping it in place through a tight fit. No ties or fasteners needed!

Advantages:

• Clean, seamless look
• No external attachments required
• Snug fit stays put

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than regular cushions
• Fabric may stretch out over time
• Difficult to remove/adjust

Use a Cushion Lockbox

For a quick and easy add-on option, a cushion “lockbox” is a fabric pouch or sleeve that fits tightly over the cushion. It has a bottom panel that tucks under the cushion, effectively locking it in place through compression and friction.

This is an affordable and adjustable DIY solution. Or look for cushion lockboxes sold online in standard furniture sizes.

Advantages:

• Simple design
• Fits most cushions
• Inexpensive

Disadvantages:

• May shift if fabric loosens
• Visually conspicuous
• Difficult to remove cushion

Use Zippered Seal Cushion Covers

Higher-end cushion covers may feature an enclosed zippered design that completely seals the cushion inside the fabric cover. This provides a very snug fit that keeps the cushion from moving at all.

Combining zippered cushion covers with Velcro flaps provides added security. Just seal up the cushion cover and fasten the corner Velcro straps to the furniture frame.

Advantages:

• Total cushion enclosure
• Very snug fit
• Can combine with other fasteners

Disadvantages:

• More expensive
• Zippers may fail over time
• Difficult to remove covers

Use Furniture Covers

For hassle-free security, look for specially designed furniture covers that have built-in straps or fasteners to hold both the cover and cushions in place.

These covers fit over the entire sofa frame or seating furniture. The cushion covers attach via snap, zipper, or Velcro to the inner side of the furniture cover.

Advantages:

• Covers entire furniture piece
• Built-in cushion integration
• Creates clean unified look

Disadvantages:

• Can be costly
• May not fit all furniture evenly
• Bulkier to store off-season

Choose Stabilizing Furniture Forms and Weights

The actual design and weight of outdoor furniture can also help keep cushions in place:

• Curved edges help “corral” cushions
• Deep seats prevent sliding off front edge
• Heavy materials resist blowing over

Look for:

• Teak wood – Dense and heavy
• Wrought iron – Durable and stable base
• Cast aluminum – Solid but still lightweight

Or, consider anchoring lighter furniture with:

• Deck attachment plates
• Weighted bases
• Permanent surface mounting

Advantages:

• Inherent stabilizing cushion design
• High quality materials
• May eliminate need for separate fasteners

Disadvantages:

• More expensive furniture investment
• Heavier items more difficult to move
• Permanent mounting options

Use Caution with Frequent Cushion Removal/Replacement

Keep in mind that the more frequently you remove and replace cushions, the more opportunity they’ll have to get out of position. Here are some tips to minimize issues:

• Avoid removing/replacing cushions daily if possible
• Have a designated indoor cushion storage location
• Stack/store cushions vertically to keep shape/form
• Smooth/straighten cushion covers when replacing
• Check and adjust fasteners frequently
• Rotate/flip cushions to distribute wear

Perform Routine Cushion Maintenance

It’s important to perform routine maintenance on outdoor cushions if you want them to maintain their function and appearance over time. Recommended tips include:

• Wash/clean cushion covers regularly
• Allow cushions/fabric to fully dry before replacing
• Treat materials with water repellent spray
• Check for wear, damage, or loosening parts
• Make any needed repairs immediately
• Replace degraded elastic bands/straps/hardware

Proper care will help ensure your cushions look better and function properly longer!

Conclusion

Creating an outdoor living space you can enjoy requires comfortable, visually appealing, and properly placed cushions. While outdoor conditions can make keeping cushions where they belong a challenge, there are many effective solutions.

Using cushions with built-in fasteners, anchors, or non-slip inserts provides customizable security. Or easily add inexpensive Velcro ties, elastic bands, or weighting bags to retrofit any cushion. Choosing furniture with stabilizing forms and materials can also help tame tossed cushions.

Experiment to find the anti-slip products and methods that work best for your specific furniture, cushion, and outdoor environment. With the right cushions restraints in place, you can relax on your patio and enjoy your outdoor oasis without the frustration of wayward cushions.