Soft Power: Munder Skiles’ Cushions
On cushions, craft, and the final layer
At Munder Skiles, cushions are tailored to perfection for the outdoors. We sat down with one of our cushion makers, Sonia Ratnan, to understand how a cushion comes into its own.
Where do you start when thinking about a cushion?
Always with the chair. The proportions are already there...the pitch, the balance, how it feels to sit in. Some pieces are comfortable without anything added. Others do benefit from cushions, but it has to follow the chair, not sit on top of it!
How do you approach fabric?
We look at everything in context. So colour, pattern, scale, and how that works against the frame. A fabric might be beautiful on its own, but not right for that particular chair. I often guide clients through the process, especially if they come with fabrics in mind, helping steer towards something that will sit well.
So it’s not just about making something softer?
No, not really. It’s about getting the relationship right. The cushion should feel like it belongs...like it was always part of the piece.
And outdoors, that changes things?
Yes, it has to perform. We recommend high-performance fabrics that hold their colour and stand up to the weather, without losing that sense of comfort.
What about what’s inside the cushion?
That’s just as important. The fillings need to be breathable, waterproof, and quick-drying, but also supportive. They have to keep their shape and sit properly within the frame. A lot of that detail isn’t visible, but you notice it in use. We also think carefully about sustainability, from the inserts through to the outer fabric.
What should a good cushion feel like?
You shouldn’t really think about it. It should just feel comfortable...right for the chair, right for the setting.
