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Short answer
A window seat cushion sits in the sunniest spot in the room, so fading is its main enemy. Choose a fade-resistant polyester, or a solution-dyed outdoor acrylic for a seat in full sun. It is sat on and leaned against, so pick a tight weave of about 15,000 Martindale rubs or more. Mid-tones and textures hide fading and wear better than strong, dark colours. Make the cover removable with a zip, and draw a sheer during the strongest afternoon sun.
What fabric is best for a sunny window seat?
| Sun | Fabric | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full afternoon sun | Solution-dyed outdoor acrylic | Colour runs through the fibre and resists fading |
| Morning or filtered sun | Fade-resistant polyester | Holds colour well; wide indoor choice |
| North-facing or shaded | Most upholstery fabrics | Low fading risk |
In the JOTEX OUTDOOR range, PATIO is a solution-dyed acrylic of about 340 gsm, and BREEZE and BRISA about 260 gsm. See Outdoor Fabric: Solution-Dyed Acrylic and Light-Fastness Explained.
Tip
Draw a sheer during the strongest afternoon sun. It protects the cushion, the floor and any furniture nearby.
Wear and colour
- Rub count: about 15,000 Martindale rubs or more for a seat used daily. See Martindale Rub Test Explained.
- Tight weaves stand up to sitting and leaning better than loose, loopy ones.
- Mid-tones and textures hide gradual fading; strong, dark plains show it first.
- Velvet looks inviting but fades and shows crushing in full sun; keep it for shaded seats.
How thick should a window seat cushion be?
- Foam: a firm, high-density foam about 5 to 10 cm thick for seating; wrap it in fibre for a softer edge.
- Template: bay seats are rarely square; make a paper template of the seat.
- Zip: along the back edge so the cover comes off for cleaning.
- Piping: gives a tailored edge and takes the wear on the corners.
- Non-slip base or ties so the cushion stays put.
- Back and scatter cushions in the same or a coordinating fabric. See Cushion Fabric Guide.
Curtains for a bay or window seat
Curtains around a window seat must clear the cushion. Many bay seats use a curtain hung outside the seat that closes across it, or Roman blinds inside each window. See Curtains for Bay and Corner Windows and Fabric for Roman Blinds.
Care
Vacuum weekly, turn the cushion over now and then so it wears and fades evenly, and clean to the fabric's care label. Dry covers out of direct sun. Outdoor acrylics can usually be sponged with mild soap and water.
Outdoor fabrics for sunny window seats
Solution-dyed fabrics in the JOTEX OUTDOOR range, updated from the catalogue. See the outdoor fabric page.
Browse outdoor fabric →
Frequently asked questions
What fabric is best for a window seat cushion?
A fade-resistant polyester for filtered sun, or a solution-dyed outdoor acrylic for a seat in full sun, in a tight weave of about 15,000 rubs or more.
How do I stop a window seat cushion fading?
Use a solution-dyed fabric, choose a mid-tone, draw a sheer in strong afternoon sun, and turn the cushion now and then.
How thick should a window seat cushion be?
About 5 to 10 cm of firm, high-density foam suits most window seats.
Can I use outdoor fabric indoors?
Yes. Solution-dyed acrylics are a good choice for sunny indoor seats because they resist fading.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.