When it comes to interior design and décor, especially in Australia where the climate can be troubling at times. From hot summers to cool winters, this country has it all, that’s why it is important that you take into account the material you use in your decorative cushions, in your furniture, in your bedding and rugs. A wise choice will allow you to enjoy your purchase for a longer period of time and, if you’re looking to buy cushions online, then you should definitely learn what the best materials to invest in are.

1. Linen

We’re starting off with a strong choice, linen. One of its main particularities is natural breathability, making it the ideal material for warm and humid regions, as it fosters the circulation of air and can give you that cooling effect during scorching heat. Imagine you get back home from work after a tiring day, you throw yourself on the couch and soon after you start feeling drops of sweat form underneath your clothes, on your skin, because of the cushions you have on your sofa are polyester don’t let any air circulate. How annoying would that be!

Get yourself some nice linen cushions and you can relax on your bed, sofa or chair even during the hottest summer days! With linen cushions you don’t have to choose between comfort and practicability, you can have them both! Linen is, truly, one of the best materials out there and it certainly deserves the number #1 spot on our list.

Benefits of Using Linen:

• It is lightweight and has natural breathability properties
• It is naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it great for people who suffer from allergies
• It is durable and it softens over time

Shopping tip: many online shops these days offer linen cushions in multiple colours and various textures. If you’re looking to buy cushions online, you should look for brands that offer linen options and invest confidently in them.

2. Cotton

Cotton is the “Jack of all trades” when it comes to natural fabrics and it is considered on of the best fabrics for decorative cushions in Australia. Due to its versatility, it can be used all year round. Cotton is soft, it also shares some breathability properties with linen and due to its softer nature it is especially cosy during the winter.

In comparison to linen, cotton is a lot easier to clean, making it more suitable for places with high traffic, such as entryways, children’s rooms, living rooms or kitchens. Their versatility also shows in terms of design. You can find textured or not-textured cotton, smooth cotton, they come in multiple colours and all of these particularities make it extremely easy for you to mix, match and spice up your decor.

Benefits of using cotton:

• It is affordable and widely available
• You can find in it many colours, patterns and textures
• It is machine washable and easy to maintain

Care tip: because cotton is machine-washable and doesn’t require a lot of technique (in comparison to linen which should be washed with mild cotton and on a gentle setting or by hand with cold water and then air dried), it is a great option for families with children or pets. If you love your decorative cushions and don’t want to compromise the aesthetics of your home, you can always use cotton ones instead of the more sensible ones.

3. Velvet

We know what you’re thinking – there is no way velvet can survive the Australian climate, but it can - if we’re talking about Melbourne or Adelaide, where the climate is a bit cooler than in other regions.

For these places, velvet can be a luxurious fabric to showcase in your home. They are best suited for bedrooms and living rooms, as they can add a touch of elegance to any place. Decorative cushions in Australia don’t have to be made out of natural materials only.

Here are some benefits of using velvet:

• They are soft and warm , perfect for cold winters and cosy look
• They create a sense of luxury
• Their texture adds depth to a place

Styling tip: combine the rich and bold texture and colour of velvet with the milder aspect and look of linen (or cotton) to create a visually appealing aesthetic, creating depth and contrast.

4. Fabrics for Outdoors

When it comes to design, we can’t simply just ignore the outside, especially when we spend a great part of our time in the sun. Outside furniture needs that extra care in order to be and look as comfy and inviting as the inside furniture, yet our options are somewhat limited because not all fabrics are “outdoor-proof”.

If you’re looking for cushions for your patio, then you need a fabric that will withstand harsh sun, humidity and rain and luckily for you, there are a few materials out there that are quite safe to use outside:

• Polyester blends – an affordable and somewhat water-resistant option
• Sunbrella – a UV-resistant and fade-proof material
• Olefin – a quick-drying and mod-resistant material

Read This if You Want to Buy Cushions Online in Australia

If you want to buy multiple cushions, then you might want to buy cushions online in Australia. This allows you to buy as many as you want and have them delivered right to your door.

In order to have a pleasant experience, you might want to consider the following aspects:

• Size and shape
• Material and filling
• Comfort and support
• Style and aesthetics
• Durability and maintenance
• Shipping and return policies
• Price and budget
• Sustainability and ethical sourcing

These are some of the fabrics which, depending on various reasons, are considered to be best for interior (and exterior) cushions and textiles. However, it is your home you place them in, so you can do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter if you buy cushions online, if you buy them offline from your favourite shop or if you thrift them, what matters the most is that you’re happy with your purchase.

Publication: 24 March 8:40