Stylish Buffalo Check Cushion Covers For Outdoors

The buffalo check cushions have a classic red and black plaid pattern. These iconic cushions have exploded in popularity over recent years as people seek ways to emulate the cozy, vintage appeal of rustic decor. Using buffalo check cushion covers is an easy, inexpensive way to refresh the look of your patio, porch, or deck.

But beyond just being trendy, buffalo check outdoor cushions have some practical advantages too. The graphic black and white design does a great job at hiding dirt and stains from outdoor use. And the cotton and polyester blends that these cushion covers are made of are specifically engineered to endure sun, wind, and rain without fading or damage. Let's explore why buffalo check makes for such fantastic outdoor cushion covers.

Choosing Durable Fabrics for Outdoor Buffalo Check Cushions

Outdoor furniture sees a lot of wear and tear from the elements, so cushions need a durable fabric that can withstand sun exposure, moisture, and heavy use. Polyester and cotton blends are ideal for buffalo check cushion covers used outside because they offer the perfect balance of weather resistance, easy care, and comfort.

Look for fabric specifically made for outdoor use, usually labeled "all-weather". Spun polyester is budget-friendly and more fade and stain resistant than cotton. Meanwhile, cotton provides exceptional softness and breathability. By blending the two into a poly-cotton fabric, buffalo check cushion covers gain the positive attributes of both materials.

Considerations When Selecting Fabrics

• Water repellency to endure rain and sprinklers
• UV protection to prevent fading
• Mildew resistance for outdoor humidity
• Stain guard coating to simplify cleaning

Whether store-bought or handmade, the best buffalo check cushions for outdoor decor rely on all-weather fabrics designed to thrive outdoors for years of enjoyment.

Custom vs Store-Bought Buffalo Check Outdoor Cushions

When planning to add buffalo check cushion covers to your patio furniture or backyard decor, you have a couple of options. For a more personalized solution, make your own DIY buffalo check cushion covers. Or for convenience, purchase pre-made water-resistant buffalo check cushions from retailers online and off.

Crafting Your Own Buffalo Check Cushion Covers

Designing and sewing DIY buffalo check cushions enables complete customization over the pattern scale, colors, sizes, shapes, and fabric types used. You can match colors perfectly to existing outdoor decor for a cohesive look. Going the DIY route also allows the flexibility to accommodate uniquely shaped furniture.

While sewing your own cushions requires some effort, the cost savings can be significant. And you'll gain total control over the finished product. YouTube tutorials can guide you through the cushion-making process from start to finish.

Buying Pre-Made Buffalo Check Outdoor Cushions

For those short on time or sewing skills, purchasing buffalo check outdoor cushions is an easy option. Many big box stores like Target and Walmart sell these iconic, vintage-inspired cushions in a variety of sizes to fit standard patio furniture and outdoor seating areas.

Websites like Wayfair and Overstock also offer broad selections of ready-made buffalo plaid cushions. Browse until you find the perfect scale pattern, color combo, and size for your needs. Look for zipper or velcro closures that make removing the covers for cleaning simple.

While buying buffalo pattern cushions from retailers is more limiting in customization ability, it saves gallons of effort compared to DIY. There are still myriad stylish pre-made options to peruse for your ideal cushions.

Expert Tips for Styling Buffalo Check Outdoor Cushions

A common decorative challenge people run into with buffalo check cushions stems from their bold graphic pattern. But with a few insider styling tricks, it's easy to incorporate them seamlessly:

Mix and Match Colored Cushions

Stick to black, red, and white buffalo check cushions as the foundation. Then bring in accent cushions in coordinating colors like hunter green, navy blue, charcoal grey, or crimson. The color mixing prevents the buffalo plaid prints from becoming overwhelming or visually jarring.

Vary Size and Scale

Include a variety of buffalo check cushion sizes on each furniture piece, or across a fully cushioned patio set. Combine large and medium scale plaids together for interest and textural depth.

Laying plaids in different directions also keeps your arrangement from feeling flat and one-note. Angle cushions attractively while ensuring comfort and function aren't sacrificed.

Incorporate Corresponding Textiles Nearby

If your buffalo check cushions will live on a covered patio or screened porch, bring the plaid motif onto other surrounding textiles. Drape buffalo blankets over chairs when not in use or let them layer atop cushion surfaces. Consider swapping solid patio pillows for ones sporting buffalo flannel or fur.

Place buffalo check table runners on outdoor dining tables to echo rectangular seat cushions. For enclosed spaces like sunrooms, buffalo area rugs ground the cozy farmhouse personality.

Caring for Buffalo Check Outdoor Cushions

While the durable all-weather fabric makes buffalo check outdoor cushions highly water, UV, stain, and mildew-resistant, they still need proper care and maintenance to look their best season after season.

Cleaning Methods

Check manufacturer instructions to verify which cleaning method suits your cushions. Some may be machine washable if the covers unzip. Others need gentle wiping down with mild soap and water. Allow cushions to fully air dry before replacing outside to prevent mold growth.

Year-Round Storage

When freezing temps or snow hits, don't leave buffalo check cushions out to endure the harsh winter weather. Prolonged exposure deteriorates fabric and filling faster. Instead, store cushions in a temperature controlled area like a basement or closet until warmer conditions return.

Repair Fading or Damage Promptly

At the first signs of loose seams, tears, broken zippers, or fading fabric on your buffalo check cushions, address the issue. Leaving damage unattended allows quicker deterioration. Mend tears with iron on patches and re-stitch loose bindings to get more years of enjoyment from your cushions.

Get Inspired By These Buffalo Check Outdoor Cushion Ideas

Need a little visual inspiration on ways to effectively decorate with buffalo check cushions outside? Browse these stunning patio, porch, and deck arrangements showcasing the iconic country charm patterned cushions offer:

Cozy Farmhouse Patio

This covered patio with a tin roof exudes ultimate cozy vibes, thanks largely to the abundance of buffalo check cushions in bold black and white. Accent colors from the floral throw pillows and multicolored rug keep the space from feeling one-dimensional.

Breezy Beach House Porch

Proving buffalo plaid works even in coastal contexts, this airy porch utilizes oversized buffalo print cushions on the wicker egg chairs and bench seating. Navy and white dominate the color scheme for a crisp nautical twist.

Eclectic Urban Balcony

Mismatched chairs around a small bistro table maximize seating on city balconies and patios. The common buffalo check cushion fabric provides the unifying element to tie the assortment together stylishly.