How To Choose The Right Wicker Furnture Cushions
If you need to purchase wicker furniture cushions for your wicker furniture, here are some things to consider as you shop -- 1. Firstly, consider the location. Where is your furniture located - indoors or outside? Will your wicker furniture cushions be used in the baby's room? A bedroom? Next to the pool? The family room? Keep this in mind, as it will affect the kind of cushion you will need. A cushion for the baby's room will need to be non-hazardous and easy-to-clean, a cushion used at poolside will need to be waterproof, while a cushion for the kids room will need to be very durable. 2. The next thing you will need to do is go to the chair or furniture item were the wicker furniture cushions will be used and take some measurements. You will need to make sure that your wicker furniture cushions will fit the item, so measure the height, width, and depth (thickness) of the item. Pay special attention to any special needs you may have - such as having a cushion that will bend in the middle, or that can be anchored to the furniture. 3. Next, consider the fabric type - will you want a natural fabric (cotton, silk) or synthetic for your wicker furniture cushions? Synthetics are often cheaper, more durable, and easier-to-clean than the natural fabrics. You will also need to consider if you want a particular design or pattern on the fabric of your wicker furniture cushions. Remember that special features can drive up the cost. 4. Another important consideration in choosing the proper wicker furniture cushions is the fill. The 'fill' is the materials used to stuff the inside of the cushion. Most wicker furniture cushions made today use some type of synthetic material - Dacron, rubber or foam - although some wicker furniture cushions can be made with natural materials (especially feathers or down), although the cost can be higher. 5. Extra features can also be incorporated on wicker furniture cushions: buttons, quilting patterns, ties (these are used to tie the cushion to the furniture so that it will not move). These extras can also drive up the price. 6. For many people, they will buy their wicker furniture cushions 'off the rack' - as is, with no enhancements. Others will prefer to use the services of a professional to custom-manufacture a cushion to their exact specifications (obviously, this will cost more, but you will get a better quality product). 7. Special considerations must be given for wicker furniture cushions that will be used outdoors. The materials must be waterproof, fade, rot and mildew-resistant. This goes for the cover, the filler and even the threads used in sewing! The introduction of synthetic materials several decades ago makes the use of these materials commonplace in wicker furniture cushions and other furniture items. Also, the zippers on these outdoor cushions must be very sturdy, ideally made of nylon, so that they will not rust out. 8. Speaking of zippers, one benefit of having wicker furniture cushions that have a cover that is 'unzip-able' is that you can take the cover off to launder it, or to dry it if it gets wet. 9. Lastly, as in shopping generally, don't jump at the first 'great deal' that you might stumble across. Wicker furniture cushions can vary greatly in cost, especially from manufacturer, so be prudent and shop around before making your final choice. |
