Kelly Weimert is a writer, editor, and interior design expert with 10 years of experience writing about design and home decor. She's written for interior design publications such as MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, and Hunker. When she's not writing or editing, she's probably busy obsessing over how to beautify her home.
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The very first bean bag chair was designed in 1969 by Italian design firm Zanatta Design. Since then, many iterations of this unique seating option have made their way into homes across the world.
What to Look for in a Bean Bag Chair
The slouchy, relaxed design of bean bag chairs instantly makes a room feel more comfortable, sending a welcome invitation for anyone to sit back and relax. They’re also incredibly versatile and can elevate just about any room, from playrooms and game rooms to living rooms, bedrooms, and even home offices.
“Bean bag chairs provide a great place to relax while watching a movie or reading a book."
“Bean bag chairs provide a great place to relax while watching a movie or reading a book,” says Grace Baena. “They’re an excellent addition to a media room, a kid’s bedroom, or even just as a prime movie-watching seat in the living room.”
However, bean bags vary quite a bit by style, filling, and material, so it helps to know what features to look for when hunting for your next bean bag chair.
Filling
The filling is one of the most important aspects of any bean bag chair as it heavily informs how the chair feels (and sounds). Most bean bag chairs are filled with polystyrene beads, aka EPS beads, but compressed memory foam and shredded memory foam are popular fillings as well.
EPS beads are nice and lightweight, but they’re not biodegradable so they’re not the most sustainable choice. However, many companies, including some on this list, use recycled beads made from post-consumer waste, like water bottles, making for a more eco-friendly bean bag chair.
Memory foam is a bit heavier but also friendlier to the environment and tends to do a better job of retaining its shape than beads. You can also find natural fillers like buckwheat hulls if sustainability is at the top of your bean bag priority list.
You can find bean bag chair covers in just about every material you can imagine, from corduroy, nylon, and microfiber bean bag chairs to leather, faux leather, and faux fur bean bags. The right cover for you depends on your aesthetic and lifestyle.
“Think about who will be using the bean bag chair,” advises Katie Simpson. “For kids, I always opt for a performance fabric, something that can handle wear and tear, and is stain-resistant.”
“When buying a bean bag chair, I would recommend looking for a removable cover that’s machine washable."
Speaking of stains, a machine-washable cover can make maintaining the bean bag chair’s original appearance much easier. “When buying a bean bag chair, I would recommend looking for a removable cover that’s machine washable. This is especially important when you have kids or pets,” recommends Grace Baena.
Support and Shape
Bean bag chairs actually come in many different shapes and sizes, with varying levels of support. Some feature low-slung, recliner-like designs ideal for laying and lounging, while others feature higher backs that can offer much-needed support to folks who need it.
That’s why it’s always best to consider what you’ll be using the bean bag chair for before making a purchase. For instance, if you plan to use it to relax and watch movies, then a bean bag lounger might be your best bet. But if you’re looking for another seating option for guests, a bean bag chair with more back support might be a better fit for conversations with friends.
Colors: Sea, Sun, Coral, Cloud | Weight: 34 lbs. | Dimensions: 42" W x 46" D x 38" H | Fill material: Repurposed foam
Ths Squishy Chair lives up to its name with an ultra-comfy repurposed foam filling that will make you feel like you’re sinking into a cloud time and time again.
But the foam filling isn’t the only sustainable aspect of this bean bag chair. It’s also encased in 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, giving new, stylish life to used water bottles and marine plastic. Plus, the machine washable cover makes this bean bag a breeze to clean, while vibrant colors ensure it will bring life to any space it lives in.
Colors: Moon Indigo, Cosmic Ash, Space Gray, Neptune Blue, Rose Quartz | Weight: 12 lbs. | Dimensions: 50-56” L x 20-24” H x 20-24” W | Fill material: Custom density EPS beads
The Moon Pod is the ideal antidote to a tough day. Coming in five dreamy colors, the bean bag lounger mimics the feel of flotation therapy, which can potentially reduce stress and anxiety.
The chair has a removable cover that you can simply throw in the washing machine when it needs a cleaning. You can also purchase an optional water-resistant cover should you ever want to take the chair to the beach or camping. And if you have someone you’d like to lounge with you, you might consider purchasing the extra large Super Moon Pod, which is a perfect fit for two people.
If versatility is at the top of your priority list, then you’ll want to add the Super Sac to your cart ASAP. This bean bag lounger comes in six different sizes, ranging from a cozy gamer chair to a huge comfy lounger that can fit the whole family.
You can also choose from over 200 removable covers, including 150 machine-washable covers. Inside of each cover is a high-grade recycled, three-density Durafoam blend that will feel like an instant hug when you sink into it. And thanks to a lifetime warranty, you can sink into it for decades to come.
Colors: Black, Blue, Dark Gray, Ice Blue, Orange, Petrol, Red, Silver, Turquoise | Weight: Unknown | Dimensions: 55” W x 70” H | Fill material: Virgin EPS beads
This bean bag chair from Fatboy has been a popular addition to living rooms, bedrooms, and beyond for over two decades. It features a high-quality EPS filling comprising over 3 million poofy pearls that will meet your body’s contours with comfy precision.
Meanwhile, the durable nylon cover comes in nine bold hues and features a dirt- and water-resistant design that will do a great job of combatting the wear and tear of everyday life. And if you like the shape but you’re looking for a slightly different size, color, or fabric, then check out some of Fatboy’s other bean bag chairs, like the Original Slim Teddy Bean Bag, which is ultra soft and slimmer than this one. Other variations include:
Colors: Sand, Olivine, Blue Bird | Weight: Unknown Dimensions: 40" W x 25" D x 51" H | Fill material: Uknown
This bean bag chair’s high back gives it a unique edge for anyone who likes a little extra support. A great fit for a playroom or game room, the chair offers a cozy and casual feel that looks great in all three of the neutral hues it comes in.
However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a removable cover and it’s not machine washable, so it might not be a great fit for super busy households. Still, it’s a gorgeous option for many spaces that could use a classic bean bag chair to elevate their look. It also happens to be designer-approved: “I love the Rory Bean Bag from West Elm,” says Katie Simpson. “It comes in three versatile colors, is super comfortable, and offers back support.”
Colors: Fog, Tan, Saddle, Charcoal, Cacao | Weight: [Add here] | Dimensions: 52" L x 42" W x 25" H | Fill material: Recycled EPS This gem from Palermo House offers a sophisticated take on a classic bean bag chair, with a slouchy, relaxed design that will become your new favorite companion for TV binges and long, comfy conversations.
Plus, the company’s commitment to sustainability includes saying no to leather, so the bean bag lounger is encased in a supple vegan leather that looks and feels like the real deal but without the environmental impact of real leather.
“The Dune Chair from Palermo House is an adult version of the classic bean bag chair,” says Katie Simpson. “It’s large, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors for a sophisticated twist.”
Colors: 15 | Weight: 19 lbs. | Dimensions: 72” W X 24” H X 24” H | Fill material: EPS beads
This versatile piece of furniture is a bean bag lounger, chair, and sofa all in one. No matter how you use it, you’ll love the way the EPS beads encased in a cotton-spandex removable cover conform to your body’s unique shape, reducing pressure points and increasing all the comfy vibes.
The oversized bean bag’s cover is also machine washable for easy cleaning, and it comes in 15 vibrant hues, ranging from Pink and Lavender to Mint and Celtic Green, so it’s a great way to add a pop of color to your design.
Colors: Ivory | Weight: [Add here] | Dimensions: 27" D x 17" W x 41" H Fill material: Unknown
This cozy bean bag will feel like cuddling up with a giant teddy bear, hence the name. But no bears were harmed in the process of creating this 100% yarn-dyed, polyester faux fur cover.
It currently only comes in one color—Ivory—but it’s an incredibly versatile hue that can slide seamlessly into virtually any design. And you won’t have to worry too much about getting it dirty since the removable cover is machine washable, and it comes off easily thanks to a zipper enclosure.
Colors: Groovy Green Plush, Retro Geo Plush, Mustard Plush, Gray Plush, Midnight Plush, Black Plush | Weight: 72.75 lbs. | Dimensions: 71"W x 58"D x 39"H | Fill material: Foam
If you’re in the market for a lounger bean bag with a side of bold patterns or vibrant colors, then you’ll love this beauty from Big Joe. It comes in a variety of retro patterns and hues, as well as a few neutral options, so you should have no trouble finding a good fit for your living room, game room, or playroom aesthetic.
Plus, the machine-washable cover is a cinch to clean, so it’s a great fit for busy households with lots of pets and little ones running around. And the cozy foam filling will never go flat, so you can enjoy many days and nights of plush, fluffy comfort.
Colors: Caramel, Gravel | Weight: 10 lbs. | Dimensions: 28" W x 28” D x 22"h | Fill material: Polystyrene beads
This lounger bean bag is equal parts soft and durable, and its relaxed modern design can work just as well in high-end living rooms as it would a cozy playroom. You can choose from two different fabric options: vegan leather or twill.
The vegan leather comes in a rich caramel color, while the twill comes in a nice neutral gray hue. The lounger also comes in two different sizes so you can find just the right fit for your space. However, it doesn’t have a removable cover, so it’s not machine washable. But you can spot-clean it with an upholstery cleaner whenever it needs a refresher.
If you didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for in a bean bag chair on this list, you can always go the custom route. According to Maggie Blau, “You can have your local upholsterer make a bag for you. They can order the filling from places like Wayfair or Overstock.”
And if you like to sew, you can even make a bean bag chair yourself. Maggie recommends “Checking out Etsy for sewing patterns if you're making your own.”
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Bean Bag Chair FAQs
Is sitting on a bean bag healthy?
Bodies are incredibly vvaried, so what’s healthy for one might not be as healthy or comfy for another. However, many people find bean bag chairs more comfortable than traditional chairs.
Bean bag chairs do a great job of conforming to your body’s natural curves, especially memory foam bean bag chairs, so they can relieve pressure points and provide comfortable support. And depending on their shape, they can even promote better posture. However, if you’re unsure about whether a bean bag chair will be a healthy seating option for you, it’s best to check with your medical provider.
How often do you need to refill a bean bag?
How often you need to refill a bean bag chair (if at all) really depends on the filling type. Polystyrene beads tend to need refilling most often, generally every two to three years, whereas memory foam filling can last for 10 years or more. When in doubt, check with the bean bag’s manufacturer for proposed refill frequency so you can budget your time and money accordingly.
How do you refill bean bag chairs?
Most bean bag chairs have a small opening that you can use to stuff filling into when needed. Since bean bag chairs shift around a lot when moved, and some of them are fairly heavy, it’s helpful to have another person hold the bean bag for you while you refill.
Can bean bag chairs be washed?
Many bean bag chairs feature machine-washable covers that make cleaning a breeze. All you have to do is unzip the cover and throw it in the wash. However, bean bag chairs without removable covers can typically only be spot-cleaned since most bean bag inserts can’t be put into the washing machine.
Meet the experts
At Living Cozy, we produce our content alongside interior design and home decor experts. In this guide, you’ll advice from:
Kelly Weimert is a writer, editor, and interior design expert with 10 years of experience writing about design and home decor. She's written for interior design publications such as MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, and Hunker. When she's not writing or editing, she's probably busy obsessing over how to beautify her home.
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