Turning Pallet Furniture into Comfort with Cushions – Ideas & Measurements

Why pallet furniture is so popular

Pallet furniture has made a remarkable rise through German, Austrian and Swiss gardens and patios in recent years. What started as an affordable DIY trend has since become a genuine style of furnishing – for balconies, patios, gardens and even conservatories.

The reason for its popularity is simple: euro pallets are cheap or even free to get hold of, they're sturdy, sustainable, and can be turned into almost any piece of furniture. A pallet sofa, a pallet bed, a lounge table or a bench – there are hardly any limits to creativity.

The only catch: raw pallets aren't exactly comfortable. Only the right cushion turns a simple wooden frame into a genuine outdoor living room. And this is exactly where custom outdoor cushions from Lulu-Belle come in.

Standard cushions vs. made-to-measure – the crucial difference

Anyone building a pallet sofa for the first time often reaches for standard cushions from a garden centre. The result is often disappointing: the cushions don't really fit, they overhang, slide around, or are too thick or too thin. The reason is simple – pallet furniture is built in countless individual sizes, and no standard product can cover that.

The problem with standard cushions

Euro pallets do have a standard size (120 × 80 cm), but the furniture built from them varies widely. A pallet sofa can be made from half a pallet, a whole one, or several pallets put together. Seat height, seat depth and backrest shape vary depending on the construction. On top of that, many people build their pallet furniture slightly wider, narrower or deeper than the standard pallet dictates.

The solution: made-to-measure from Lulu-Belle

With Lulu-Belle's simple online configurator, you simply enter your exact measurements and get a cushion that fits to the millimetre. No overhangs, no sliding, no compromise on comfort. The cushion fits like a glove – and looks high-quality too.

Typical measurements for pallet furniture

Before ordering a cushion, you need to know the exact measurements of your pallet furniture. Here are the most common measurements found in pallet furniture – as guidance for your own measuring.

Euro pallet – the base measurement

The standard euro pallet measures 120 × 80 cm at a height of approx. 14–15 cm. This is the starting point for most pallet furniture. Depending on the construction, different seating surfaces result from it.

Typical seating surface measurements

How to measure correctly

To order your made-to-measure cushion, you need three figures: width, depth and desired thickness. Measure the seating surface of your pallet furniture from outer edge to outer edge. For the backrest or a separate back cushion, measure the width and height of the backrest.

Special shapes

Not all pallet furniture has rectangular seating surfaces. Some have rounded corners, angled backrests or L-shaped seating areas. Lulu-Belle also makes such special shapes – simply state your requirements when ordering, or get in touch directly.

Which cushions for pallet furniture?

There are various types of cushion for pallet furniture, each suited differently depending on use and furniture shape. Lulu-Belle offers the right solution for every application.

Seat cushions / bench cushions

The Nizza bench cushion is the classic choice for a pallet sofa or bench. It's made to the exact width and depth of your seating surface, fits perfectly, and offers lasting seating comfort thanks to its optimised foam density. Available in standard and premium fabrics in many colours.

Back cushions

The Monaco back cushion is the perfect complement to the seat cushion. It's made to the width of the sofa and the desired height of the backrest. This creates a complete, comfortable seating area that gives the back optimal support.

Outdoor cushions

As a complement to seat cushions and back cushions, made-to-measure outdoor cushions are a great addition. They add decorative accents and increase comfort on the patio or in the garden.

Lounger cushions for pallet daybeds

If you've built a daybed or outdoor lounger from pallets, the Miami sun lounger cushion is a great choice. It offers maximum lounging comfort and, with its weatherproof fabric, is ideal for permanent outdoor use.

The right fabrics for outdoor use

Pallet furniture usually stays outside permanently – on the patio, balcony or in the garden. That's why the demands placed on cushion fabrics are especially high. Lulu-Belle offers three fabric groups, all specially developed for outdoor use.

Standard fabric

Solid quality for use on covered patios or in sheltered areas. Water-repellent and UV-resistant, available in many classic colours. Ideal for customers looking for good value for money.

Premium fabric

For discerning customers who want the best for their pallet furniture. The premium fabric offers increased UV resistance, a particularly pleasant feel, and even more robust water repellency. Ideal for exposed patios and intensive use.

Premium ZigZag

The finishing touch for anyone looking for a modern, design-focused look. The zigzag pattern sets a stylish accent and works particularly well with modern, clean furnishing styles.

Styling ideas for your pallet sofa

A pallet sofa with high-quality cushions is more than just a place to sit – it's a design element that gives your outdoor space character. Here are a few styling ideas for different looks.

Mediterranean style

For a Mediterranean look, choose cushions in white, cream or light blue. Complement the ensemble with colourful outdoor cushions in terracotta, turquoise or sunshine yellow. Add terracotta pots with lavender or oleander and a rustic wooden table. The result is an outdoor space that feels like Tuscany.

Scandinavian minimalism

For the Scandi look, go for shades of grey, dark blue or plain natural tones. Clean lines, no patterns – except perhaps a subtle stripe. Complement with wooden elements, plants in white pots and a simple string of lights. Timeless and elegant.

Tropical boho flair

For a relaxed boho feel, choose cushions in natural or sand tones. Complement with cushions in bold patterns, hanging plants, rattan baskets and string lights. Lulu-Belle's Premium ZigZag pattern fits especially well here.

Industrial chic

For a modern, urban-industrial look, combine pallet furniture with cushions in anthracite, dark grey or black. Complement with metal elements, concrete planters and simple LED lights.

DIY tips: building and styling pallet furniture

Want to build your pallet sofa yourself? Here are the most important tips for a sturdy, good-looking result that fits your made-to-measure cushions perfectly.

Step 1: choosing the right pallets

Not all pallets are equally suitable. Look for the IPPC mark and the code "HT" (heat treated) – these pallets are chemically untreated and therefore safe for living spaces. Pallets with the code "MB" (methyl bromide / fumigated) are not suitable.

Step 2: preparation

Before assembly, the pallets should be thoroughly sanded to remove splinters. After that, treatment with wood oil or wood stain is recommended to protect the wood from moisture and UV radiation. White or grey paint is also an option for a clean look.

Step 3: planning the construction

Plan the layout carefully before the first nail goes in. How many seats do you want? Should there be a corner? How high should the backrest be? A simple floor plan on paper helps avoid mistakes. Keep in mind: the final measurements determine the cushion measurements – so it's best to measure again before you order.

Step 4: stabilising

Pallet furniture becomes more stable when the individual pallets are screwed together. Long screws or special pallet connectors work well for this. Alternatively, the pallets can also be joined with angle brackets from a hardware store.

Step 5: taking measurements and ordering cushions

Once the furniture is finished, measure the seating surfaces precisely and order your made-to-measure cushions from Lulu-Belle. Tip: add one centimetre of tolerance so the cushion overhangs the edge of the pallet slightly and sits flush.

Caring for cushions on pallet furniture

Pallet furniture is often left outside permanently, and the cushions are exposed to correspondingly intense use. Here are the most important care tips specifically for cushions on pallet furniture.

Ensure good ventilation

Moisture can build up between the pallet and the cushion – especially after rain. Occasionally lift the cushions and let the surface of the pallet dry. This prevents mould forming on the wood and protects the underside of the cushion.

Regular wiping

Wipe the cushions regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and pollen. Deal with stains immediately – the faster you act, the easier they are to remove.

Winter storage

In winter, remove the cushions, clean them, dry them and put them into storage. The pallet furniture itself can stay outside protected under a cover – provided the wood has been well treated.

FAQs on cushions for pallet furniture