apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Simple round pads, kind of flattish, made with leather looking vinyl? You really should make these. Do you have access to a sewing machine?

Let me know and I'll post directions. This is a fairly simple, but time consuming project.

Alternately you could have a local seamstress do this but it will be expensive.

--lin

Although it's easy to maintain, pleather sort of sticks to damp skin. How about a seating pad made out of two layers of really thick towel? You can always dry it in the sun and throw it in the wash with your beach towels.

Sunbrella has some really great fabrics out, too. They've really improved on their overall texture and style. If you go that route, be sure to use a cushion that is also resistant to moisture.

There was recently a picture of a large rustic dining table (possibly C&B's Big Sur) with a bunch of white plastic Orbit chairs from CB2 that I liked.

Or even Ikea's Urban chairs in white could be cool. Either one would be great in a beach house and wet bathing suits.

If you go with leather or vinyl, you may want to think about finding cushions that can be tied to the chairs - or else they might stick to people as they stand up.

Personally, I don't think a chair needs a cushion to be comfortable. We have leather dining chairs that are very firm from Room & Board, and people rave about them because you can sit comfortably for hours. We even have a waiting list in case we want to get rid of them.

Similar to justlikelead's idea: Make or buy some cushions, possibly made from vinyl or covered with it, and then make some terry cloth slip covers that can be washed. That way they are more comfortable for wet bottoms, and easily washable.

The first thing I thought of when I read this oh Sunbrella fabric would be perfect! Any upholstery shop can make these for you. I know someone here that makes these all the time. Sunbrella's run about 61.00 per yard or you can get solid bright colors for 27.00 per yard.

sunbrella, as others have suggested.

here's a link to maine cottage's sunbrella choices, and take a look at their wonderful paint colors.
http://www.mainecottage.com/ProductBrowseCustomize.aspx?prodType=0&step=FABRIC_BROWSE

You do not want to sit on leather with wet swimsuits. Leather stretches when wet and shrinks when it dries. (Maybe they have a treatment for leather furniture that resists moisture, but I never heard of it if they do...)

they aren't cheap, but look into medical gel pads there can be easily cleaned and are comfortable.