Our cushions use Sunproof Fontelina olefin at 357 g/m2, in Oat (a pale warm off-white) and Dusk.
What is solution-dyed olefin?
Olefin is a synthetic fibre. Solution-dyed means the colour is added before the fibre is spun, so it runs right through instead of sitting on the surface. Sun cannot bleach what is not a surface dye.
What do the ratings mean?
| Rating | Value | In plain words |
|---|---|---|
| Weathering fastness | 7 to 8 | Close to the top of the scale for holding colour outdoors |
| Weatherability | 1,500 hours tested | Long exposure to light and moisture without breaking down |
| Pool and sea water | 4 to 5 | Chlorine and salt do not strip the colour |
| Water repellency | 80 | Water beads and runs off rather than soaking in |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100, UV Standard 801 | Tested for harmful substances and for UV protection |
How to choose outdoor cushions
By fabric, thickness and fit, in that order.
Fabric: solution-dyed, so the colour is in the fibre. A surface-printed fabric looks the same in the shop and fades by August.
Thickness: match it to the seat. On a dining chair or a bar stool you sit upright, so a slim cushion is right: our replacement stool cushions are 5 cm. In a lounge chair you sink in, so it takes more: the Arvid seat and back cushions are 10 cm.
Fit: a cushion made for the seat stays put and lets the seat under it drain. Ours are made for each model, with covers that lift off, and on our chairs and the lounger they sit on mesh or teak slats, so water runs away underneath.
Can they stay out in the rain?
A summer shower, yes: water beads off and the fabric dries fast. Days of rain, bring them in or stand them on edge under cover so they drain.
Over winter, store them dry indoors. The fabric would cope; the foam and your patience are what you are protecting.
How do I clean them?
Brush off dry dirt first. Wash marks with mild soapy water and a soft brush, rinse with a hose and stand the cushion on its edge to air-dry. The covers lift off on our chairs and loungers.
No tumble dryer. No pressure washer: it drives water deep into the foam.
Mould and green marks
Green algae and mould grow on dirt, not on the fibre, so they show where a cushion stayed damp and dirty. Catch them early: brush, then wash with mild soapy water. For a stubborn mark, use an outdoor fabric cleaner, test it on a hidden corner first and rinse well. Because the colour is in the fibre, scrubbing does not wash it out.
Prevention is drying: stand cushions on edge after rain and store them dry.
Which pieces have them?
Tora, Valter and Folke bar stools. Elsy and Isa dining chairs. Kenny lounge chair and the Bazo lounger, both with the cushion included. Arvid takes a two-piece cushion sold separately. Replacement stool cushions are sold separately too.
Colour through the fibre, cushions in for winter
- Weight
- 357 g/m2
- Colours
- Oat, Dusk
- Pool water
- 4 to 5
