How to Stop Cushions Sliding on Outdoor Furniture — The Hack Everyone Should Try for Better Backyard Seating

Say goodbye to slipping cushions and constant readjustment with this smart outdoor furniture trick

backyard with vintage furniture
(Image credit: Home Barn)

With the sun shining and the holiday season upon us, we're all getting more use of our outdoor living spaces. Whether you're dining al fresco or simply relaxing in your backyard, you're probably getting a load of good use out of your patio furniture.

But one pesky little problem that seems to ruin the fun is the unfortunate slipping and sliding of outdoor cushions. Since garden furniture is made to withstand various elements of weather, they're often made from surfaces that don't offer quite enough friction for the cushions. And let's be honest, outdoor furniture sans cushions are not always comfortable enough to zen out in.

So when we came across this clever hack to keep them in place, we jumped at the chance to get our experts to lend us some insight on whether it's worth a try. Good news, not only is it expert-approved but it's affordable too. Even the best outdoor sofas can sometimes do with a little help from this non-slip buy, so why not go the extra mile and save yourself the annoyance of adjustment?

Non-Slip Mats to Keep Your Outdoor Cushions in Perfect Place

white patio furniture

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

The use of non-slip mats is a surefire way to keep your cushions from sliding. We've all faced that moment of annoyance when you stretch or snuggle into your spot, only to have your cushions slip out of place. It's enough to make you want to shop for replacement outdoor sofas cushions that don't slip, and since visual appeal is almost always at the forefront of design, it's important to find a solution that's as inconspicuous as it is foolproof.

These mats feature a checkerboard texture that provides enough friction for the pillows to stay in place. Additionally, since they're hidden underneath the cushion, the design of the space isn't compromised and there are no signs of visual clutter.

Real estate expert Jim Gray informs us that gardens are often the end selling point for many homes because every outdoor space can be transformed into a little oasis with the right furniture. But Jim also finds that sliding cushions can ruin the vibe completely. 'Nothing drives me crazier than when cushions won't stay put,' he says. 'It's a common frustration that can really mess up both the look and comfort of your space.'

Jim says this hack to be brilliant because it's easy, affordable, and super effective. 'You can find these mats in various sizes, and they can be cut to fit your furniture perfectly,' he notes. 'Just pop one under your cushions, and you'll notice a huge difference in how tidy and comfortable your seating area feels.'

Landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni also finds that this ingenious cushion trick solves a common problem efficiently. 'Using a non-slip liner to keep your outdoor (and indoor) cushions in place is an amazing and inexpensive hack,' she says. 'While it won't work for backrests, it is an effective way to keep seat cushions from slipping around.'

patio garden with hanging pendant lights

(Image credit: DAN CLARKE PHOTOGRAPHY)

A zen space beyond the interior of a home is nothing without its outdoor furniture. And that includes well-placed cushions. But as Katherine mentioned, while these non-slip mats work wonders when placed below seat cushions, they don't do as good a job for back cushions. Lucky for us, she has a fabulous alternative for back cushions and they happen to be just as easy on the pocket as the mats.

'I'm a big fan of using outdoor-grade velcro on my furniture,' she reveals. 'But note that this is a more permanent option as it will likely leave a residue on the cushion if you try to remove the velcro down the road.'

Jim also appears to use velcro strips for his outdoor furniture and has found it to be a reliable solution to sliding cushions. 'Another clever little tip I swear by is velcro strips,' he says. 'Apply one side to the back of those unruly accent pillows and the other side to the sofa or chair itself.'

And that's about all you'll need to solve this pesky little problem. This non-slip mat and velcro strip combo will be an absolute game-changer for when you're lazing outside or outdoor dining.

An easy way to give your backyard a summer spruce is to swap out your cushions for new ones. So if you're looking for replacement outdoor sofa cushions to give your space a facelift, then test out this clever hack. It'll be the perfect finishing touch to your space and it'll make a world of difference.

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Amiya Baratan
News Writer

Amiya is a News Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.