Hey friends! Thank you so much for all the kind comments on my refreshed side patio. It’s been a long process over the past three and a half years to bring our outdoor spaces to this point. If your home projects are moving at a glacial pace, you’re not alone—progress can be slow, but it’s worth it.
I plan to share a look back at the different phases this area went through. Some of the challenges were pretty stressful at the time, but they’re funny to remember now. I’ll post that recap soon, along with updates about our gates and upcoming outdoor projects.
Meanwhile, I’ve had lots of questions about cushions, rugs, furniture and how we care for our outdoor spaces, so here’s a helpful FAQ to answer the most common ones.
Similar Wingback Chair Source
FAQ:
What do you do with all of your cushions and rugs when it rains?
We keep our outdoor cushions and rugs out roughly from mid-May through early November, about six months a year. Living in Seattle, you might expect constant rain, but in recent years the weather has been mild during most of that period, so cushions can usually stay out without issue.
For short, light showers I don’t worry—our cushions and rugs are outdoor-rated and dry well. If a heavy downpour is forecast for a day or more, we stack the cushions on our two outdoor sofas and cover them with tarps secured by bungee cords to prevent them blowing away. It’s not glamorous, but it protects them without the hassle of hauling everything inside.
We typically leave rugs in place. In the past a few rugs didn’t hold up to extended wet conditions, and those we rolled up and stored. Most of the rugs we use now are resilient in rain and clean up easily.
How do you get and keep your white outdoor cushions clean?
Surprisingly, we’ve had the same white outdoor cushions for about five years and they still look nearly new. You might worry about mud, dog paws, spills, or general dirt—but we’ve managed these issues with regular spot-cleaning.
Our dogs do jump on the cushions, and footprints, spills, and dust happen. When that occurs I use the same cleaner I use on indoor white slipcovers and other fabrics in the house to spot-clean as needed. It removes most stains and keeps the cushions looking fresh.
I recently shared a short video of my husband cleaning them on Instagram if you’d like to see the process. The concentrated cleaner we use is effective and pet-safe, and it’s become my go-to for many fabric-cleaning tasks around the home.
Where do you store your furniture in winter?
Most of our furniture stays outside year-round because we don’t have the space to store it indoors. It has held up well despite exposure to the elements. For winter storage, however, we do put outdoor rugs and cushions into our small storage shed. It’s a practical solution rather than a decorative “she shed,” and it keeps cushions dry and protected until spring.
Where did you buy your outdoor furniture, rugs, umbrellas and accessories?
Many of our pieces came from retailers known for good quality at reasonable prices. I’ve had great experiences with several stores that offer durable outdoor sectionals, chairs and replacement cushions. Some items last a long time, but I keep a couple of spare cushions on hand just in case.
Other FAQ on my outdoor spaces:
Do you still like your Trex deck?
Yes—we’re very happy with our Trex deck. It’s held up well and remains a favorite feature of our outdoor space. I’ve shared details about the deck, railing and installation process in a previous post, which covers sources and the overall experience.
How did you paint your concrete?
I documented the steps we used to paint concrete surfaces like steps and patios. That guide explains materials and technique to help achieve a durable, attractive finish.
Any other questions about caring for outdoor spaces, cushions or rugs?
If you have more questions about maintenance, cleaning methods, or sources for outdoor decor, feel free to ask. I also maintain a list of favorite decor finds and items used around the house, which I update periodically for reference.