Easy Ways To Make Any Pretty Pillow Outdoor-Ready

Changing outdoor pillows on a seasonal basis is a wonderful way to add color and texture to a backyard or patio seating area. However, outdoor pillows are often scratchy and not as on trend as we'd like. Luckily, making indoor pillows waterproof — so you can use them outdoors — is such an easy upgrade! But, you must follow a few simple steps to make them waterproof.

Note that covered patios and porches are best for this kind of project as they get less direct UV rays. But you can expose pillows to the sun if you treat them with a UV protective spray. (You may still get fading on a darker colored pillows.)

Below are a few different sprays that can protect fabric, so it can be used outdoors.

Sara Albers

1. Prep the Fabric

Wash the pillow cover. (You will not need to wash if your pillow is brand new.) The fabric should be dry as well.

Sara Albers

2. Spray the Fabric With Protectant

Set up in a well ventilated space to spray the pillow. We used a large plastic sheet to protect the ground from the spray. Refer to the directions on the bottle of spray in regards to how many applications to do. Do not over saturate.

Sara Albers

If you will be using the pillows outside in the elements (dew, rain, direct sun), we recommend using waterproof inserts. You can buy outdoor pillow fillers in different sizes online. These inserts will keep away mold and mildew.

Sara Albers

Head to your local fabric store and look for the weatherproof fabric section. Most stores even carry the sunbrella brand of outdoor fabric. You can make a simple pillow cover using the outdoor fabric.