A few of the best outdoor throw pillows artfully arranged on a patio sofa or deck chair can affordably enhance any backyard. Small but impactful for alfresco entertaining or poolside lounging, they should be decorative but also primed against the elements for durability: weather-resistant, fade-proof, quick-drying, and easy to clean (with extra brownie points appointed if the cover is removable). Options made with Sunbrella fabric are ideal, which is an outdoor-friendly performance material that’s durable enough to withstand a rain shower or two, plus days baking under the sun’s rays.
Fortunately, there are near-countless outdoor throw pillows on the market made with performance fabrics and otherwise weatherproofed. Here, we narrowed down the best of the best pillows, including affordable styles as well as limited-edition collaborations from our favorite outdoor furniture stores. Depending on your budget and aesthetic, you’re bound to find something for your home. Before you add one (or four) to your cart, keep in mind that many of these are covers, meaning you’ll need to purchase the pillow inserts separately.
Our Top Picks
A Candy-Coded Pick
Specs
- Sizes: 14”Dia
- Materials: 100% PET
- Colors: Green, seafoam
Plucked right from the outdoor section of Mandy Moore’s go-to retailer, these Lulu & Georgia cushions remind us of a classic candy pick-and-mix in the best way possible. Circular pillows are a smart way to think outside a boring assortment of square shams, and it’s easy to design a maximalist assortment with even more prints or create a more demure setup with some solid color options.
A Cushion With Lots of Texture
Specs
- Sizes: 36” X 14” X 5”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: Brick, sand
The texture and pattern of this durable design is ideal for some subtle pattern play in your outdoor spaces. The longer silhouette lends itself to plenty of lower back support for sun-soaked reading sessions, or perfect placement along the arm of a sofa or deep seat chair. If you’re building out a full arsenal of outdoor throw pillows in a neutral color palette, these won’t clash despite the textured print.
A Danish Classic
Specs
- Sizes: 19.7” X 19.7”
- Materials: Organic cotton
- Colors: Five different colorways
Ferm Living’s Danish influence extends to their throw pillows, which are classic but far from boring. Take this indoor/outdoor pillow, available in a range of classic stripes that will exude personality even when it’s raining out. Best of all, the removable, cotton cover is dew- and stain-resistant against April showers.
A Solid, Solid Colored Option
Specs
- Sizes: 20” X 20”
- Materials: Sunbrella acrylic, polyester
- Colors: 12 colors, including canvas black, petal, lagoon
Peachy pink is a bright idea for spring and summertime, especially in pillow form. This Haven throw pillow makes use of the color in a fadeproof Sunbrella fabric with a slight sheen to it. Plop it onto wicker and rattan seating to soften up their edges a little.
A Bolster Beauty
Specs
- Sizes: 7” X 16”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: Camel, green
One of our editors’ favorite furniture brands, created by interior designer Shea McGee, also sells some sweet pillows in the same modern heritage style as the rest of their offerings. This one plays with puckering on both ends, along with a creamsicle color palette that’s ideal for setting on deck chairs and chaises surrounding the pool.
More AD-Approved Outdoor Pillows We’re Browsing
Specs
- Sizes: 12” X 21”, 20” X 20”, 24” X 24”
- Materials: Polyethylene
- Colors: White, natural
Here’s another winner from Serena & Lily which plays with pompom accents in neutral hues for a dose of whimsy. The herringbone weave is another nice touch that gives it a textured rattan feel, and you can pair them with the brand’s Windward Outdoor Pillow Cover for mixing and matching.
Specs
- Sizes: 17” X 17”
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Colors: Basilisk, komodo, monitor, gekko
Paul Smith’s lofty outdoor cushions can make any outdoor seat an inviting one. The slim striped colorways have Scandi appeal and the recycled polyester covers are soft to the touch but made to withstand rainy conditions. We like the idea of using these to liven up a beige outdoor sofa, though you could take a page from Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s outdoor scheme and pattern match some striped upholstery to the striped shams.
Specs
- Sizes: 14” X 20”, 18” X 24”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: 8 different colors, including beige, blue, and gold
Dial up the cottagecore vibes with this throw pillow that has a warm, rusty red checkerboard design. Suitable for the patio or your living room, the cushion is available in seven other hues if red isn’t your hue.
Specs
- Sizes: 17” X 17”, 20” X 20”, 24” X 24”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: 20 colors, including forest green stripe, heather beige stripe, solid mocha, and more
Is there anything you can’t find on Amazon? The online retailer actually has a semi-secret patio furniture and decor section, which features several outdoor throw pillows. This two-pack from South Carolina-based brand RSH Decor nets you two water-resistant throw pillows in minty stripes, though there are 13 other colorways and multiple sizes to choose from if green isn’t your speed.
Specs
- Sizes: 12” X 20”, 18” X 18”, 20” X 20”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: Pebble Gray, sea navy, fog gray, cream
Environmental consciousness meets coastal style at Outer. Everything the brand makes is derived from recycled materials, including these throw pillows filled with recycled polyester fiber from recycled water bottles. The fabric covers are removable and machine washable, plus covered by a five-year limited warranty.
Specs
- Sizes: 24” X 24”
- Materials: Wool
- Colors: Blue, yellow
These Portuguese-made pillows source their wool from a Merino sheep herd that has roamed local fields for centuries. The material has naturally moisture-wicking abilities that make it ideal to withstand a light rain storm (but we might recommend keeping them indoors when the forecast signals more inclement weather). The vibrant color-blocked patterns are inspired by local architecture, weaving in a modern look that’s suitable for contemporary backyard designs.
Specs
- Sizes: 20” X 20”
- Materials: Polipropilene
- Colors: Stone/garnet, stone/black
Frette’s outdoor pillows are the biggest splurge on our list, but just know the brand’s historic linens have been featured on the Orient Express and in the bedrooms of European royalty. In red, they’re a subtle way to experiment with bringing unexpected red theory to your exterior decor scheme. In black, they have a more formal look to make your outdoor couch feel eternally fancy.
Specs
- Sizes: 14” X 20”
- Materials: Polyester
- Colors: Blue, red
This colorful Anthropologie pick thinks outside the classic checkerboard with interspersed fruit and floral motifs breaking up the uniform pattern. The lilac piping gives what could be an uber casual cushion a dressier look, and the widely varied color palette makes it easy to mix and match complementary pillows in similar shades.
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