For the purist, willing to move cushions and pillows indoors in inclement weather or when not in use, natural fabrics such as cotton and linen filled with down cushions provide a seamless transition from the indoor environment to the outdoors. They are beautiful and provide the same comfort level as any furnishings suitable for the indoors. A word of caution, though, be sure that you are committed to bringing them inside, even when the weather is nice. Dew sets in and can leave a musty smell difficult to remove if left outside for any extended period of time.
Cotton is an excellent choice for those who wish to use natural fibers for their outdoor soft furnishings. It is comfortable year-round. In hot, humid weather, cotton will absorb moisture, release it on the fabric surface, and moisture will evaporate. It is easy to clean and can usually be laundered. For fabric cushions, it is important to use pre-shrunk material. Looser weaves shrink more, closer weaves shink less. Cotton shrinks more when washed in hot water so if you plan to launder your covers, make sure to keep this in mind for the best care. It is durable, drapes well and is available in a variety of options for your own personal style including duck, flannel, gauze, gingham, matelasse, and terrycloth among others.
Another excellent choice for natural fabric is linen. It is probably the textile that has been longest in use. It is made from the stalk of the flax plant and is the strongest of the vegetable fibers-2 to 3 times as strong as cotton. Linen sheds surface dirt and resists stains. It absorbs moisture more quickly than any other fabric which makes it great for towels and tablecloths. It is prone to wrinkles, frays easily and shrinks as well. So depending on the construction of the product, these things need to be considered. Given the right application, it can be used in the most casual setting while projecting an easy elegance.
Hemp is very linen-like in appearance and how it lays and feels (the hand). It has become an increasingly popular textile because of it’s sustainable qualities. The finest hemp comes from Italy but many new areas are beginning to produce fine quality hemp as well.
Wool and Silk can even be used for seasonal accents. Some of the most utilized outdoor rooms are those surrounding a fire-pit on a chilly autumn evening. A couple of wool plaid accent pillows can extend the outdoor living time by providing a seasonal touch as autumn closes in. A silk embroidered accent pillow creates an entirely different feel for a touch of Asian inspiration.