I could definitely do some covers, but really do plan to get new cushions, perhaps next year. It is Lloyd Flanders furniture and if I order cushions from them it would cost about $1500. I think I will get an estimate from a local upholsterer. Right now, I want to just spruce things up a bit, and I need the throw pillows. Maybe a faded green or blue cushion, maybe something like this? this one

Or does that look too crisp and new? Perhaps a faded cotton?

or this one?

White or cream, whatever the floral color is. Lace applique (the cotton, machine-made kind that is washable) or maybe chenille if they make something like that. Or a solid matching sage green with some quilting on it. Or just plain white/cream and matching green, ones you can throw in the wash. We nap on our sofas and porch swing a lot and I have ruined quite a few pillows by thinking I could just wash them. They do make such pillows now, but some of the ones I washed were not like that! My ideal throw pillows have washable covers!

There is nothing better than a nap on the porch sofa. I have even woken up out there in the middle of the night.

I put pillow cases on my sofa cushions so that they are easy to launder and keep clean. I never touch sofa cushions in other people's houses! I shudder to think what is all over them!

Do you mean the throw pillows, Tibb? It's kind of hard to sit on the sofa without touching the seat cushions! Yes, the world is full of disgusting stuff.

Probably lots of dried drool on mine! Which is why I try to wash everything I can.

maybe a mid-weight natural (color) linen?

Are the cushions in good shape-other than the fading? I ask because I had the same situation and read about spray painting them. Figured I had nothing to lose, was going to have to replace them anyway. Tried it with standard spray paint, two costs and they are still going strong two summers later. They are slightly stiff but not uncomfortable. I chose a dark rusty red, but would think a lighter color might work as well if not better. Added benefit, any liquid spilled, rolls right off..... I know your original question was about throw pillows but noticed you were lamenting about needing new cushions without the budget right now to replace the. So thought I'd pipe in with the cheap solution I used.

Wow. I wonder how visits occur if you can never touch sofa cushions. Sure seems rude. Me -- I could easily sink into your porch couch. I love your wicker! If it were me doing this kind of temporary fix, I'd just take a pillow around to places like Tuesday Morning or Marshalls looking for inexpensive white or green pillows that look good with the print. Alternately I'd find some great inexpensive fabric and sew up covers for all the cushions just to get them cleaned up and bright for a year 's time--couple quick seams hidden on the backsides.

They are having a big sale on indoor and outdoor pillows at Pier 1. Also check out. I like the faded yellow one you picked. I agree that perhaps and linen colored pillow would go well.

Spray paint. I'm not sure I would have the courage for that Doesn't it crack? Interesting. The seat cushions are in good shape but the backs are not.

I agree that the bargain stores may be the best choice for a temp fix. Darn, I drove right by Pier 1 and Marshall's today and never thought of checking there. I was at the mall and walked by Ballard's and saw some that could work but at $60 each, I skipped them. Of course, I'd just dropped $500 on Memorial Day sales (clothes), so I was feeling tapped out.

You can mix latex paint with a fabric medium and paint the cushions- they will feel slightly plastiky like outdoor fabric but not sticky at all. I did it previously and it holds up fine.

You could also consider dyeing the cushion covers- the flower pattern may show through a bit but that is OK.

Mine hasnt cracked , are not sticky and they are touch able, sit able, etc. Get daily use for two summers now.

Can you post pictures, Sunnie?

I just googled "spray paint outdoor cushions" as suggested by sistersunnie and there are tons of examples on the blogosphere. Who would have thought that regular spray paint would work? I suggest buying a cheap pillow like what you own at Goodwill or something and trying it out.

I didn't take any before pics, the cushions were a rust red and cream floral design, very faded. I did find an after picture of several of the throw pillows of the same design after I spray painted them.

Sorry, just making it back to this but here's more food for thought, you could always get covers and change the cushions later. I had some sofa cushions refilled and used this place, the cost was a fraction of what you're looking at in comparison with good results. It's ideal because then you probably wouldn't be as limited on fabric choices.

http://www.foambymail.com/

Granted they're local to me so I could physically go and see about firmness and so on, but maybe there is a similar store in your area.

Are the faded cushions real sunbrella fabric? I have sunbrella cushions sitting outside on the uncovered patio year round, for 5 years, in the CA sun and they have not faded.

Make sure you get real outdoor/sunbrella fabric when you decide to replace your current cushions.

Have a very similar patio set to yours, also Lloyd Flanders. When I bought it from a craigslist seller, she had already recovered the original cushions. The original fabric covers are under the new covers. Just so that you can see what a new cover, or painted covers, can look like. The sofa and chair pictured have different but complementary materials that match better in real life than in the picture. Love how comfortable they are!