How to Place an Area Rug in Your Living Room
TL;DR:
- Bean bag chairs are versatile and comfortable additions to any room.
- Look for chairs with sustainable fillings like recycled EPS beads or memory foam.
- Consider cover materials that are durable and easy to clean.
- Choose a shape and size that fits your needs, whether for lounging or extra support.
The first bean bag chair was designed in 1969 by Italian design firm Zanatta Design. Since then, many iterations of this unique seating option have entered homes in the United States and around the world.
What to Look for in a Bean Bag Chair
When searching for the best modern bean bag chairs, consider these features to make a great buy.
The slouchy, relaxed design of bean bag chairs instantly makes a room feel more cozy and comfortable, inviting 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 for movie nights or reading a book."
“Bean bag chairs provide a great place to relax for movie nights 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 it feels (and sounds). Most bean bag chairs are filled with polystyrene beads, aka EPS beads. Still compressed, memory foam and shredded foam are popular fillings as well, each offering superior quality in comfort and durability.
EPS beads are nice and lightweight but not biodegradable, so they’re not the most sustainable choice. However, many companies, including some on this list, use recycled polyester beads made from post-consumer waste, like water bottles, making for a more eco-friendly bean bag chair.
Compressed memory foam is a bit heavier but tends to perform better when you lean back, retaining its shape more effectively than beads. If sustainability is at the top of your bean bag priority list, you can also find natural fillers like buckwheat hulls.
The Squishy Chair
Cover Material
You can find bean bag chair covers in almost every material imaginable, 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 use the bean bag chair for before purchasing. 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.
10 of the Best Bean Bag Chairs in 2023
1. The Squishy Chair
- Brand: Floyd
- Price: $556
The Squishy Chair lives up to its name. Its ultra-comfy repurposed foam filling will make you feel like you’re sinking into a cloud again and 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 a 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: Sea, Sun, Coral, Cloud | Weight: 34 lbs.| Dimensions: 42" W x 46" D x 38" H | Fill material: Repurposed foam
2. Moon Pod
- Brand: Moon Pod
- Price: $299
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.
Another highlight of this bean bag is that it stays put, making it perfect as a reading chair and great for gaming.
The chair's removable cover is easy to clean: Simply throw it in the washing machine. You can also purchase an optional water-resistant cover should you ever want to take the chair to the beach or camping.
This bean bag is designed for one person, but if you have someone you’d like to lounge with, you might consider purchasing the extra-large Super Moon Pod, which is a perfect fit for two people.
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
3. Super Sac
- Brand: Lovesac
- Price: Starting at $927
If versatility is a top priority, 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 multiple people.
You can also choose from over 200 interchangeable and removable covers, including 150 machine-washable covers. Inside each cover is a high-grade recycled, three-density Durafoam blend that provides exceptional comfort and support, making you feel like you're sinking into an instant hug. Thanks to a lifetime warranty, you can sink into it for decades to come.
Colors: 155+ colors | Weight: Varies | Dimensions: Varies | Fill material: Recycled three-density Durafoam
4. Original Bean Bag Chair
- Brand: Fatboy
- Price: $249
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 to perfectly meet your body’s contours.
Meanwhile, the durable nylon cover comes in nine bold hues and features a dirt—and water-resistant design that will withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
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
5. Rory Bean Bag
- Brand: West Elm
- Price: $239
This bean bag chair’s high back gives it a unique edge for anyone who likes a little extra support. An excellent fit for a playroom or game room, the chair offers a cozy and casual feel and looks great in all three neutral hues.
However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a removable cover and is 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 traditional bean bag chair to elevate their look. It is also designer-approved: “I love the Rory Bean Bag from West Elm,” says Katie Simpson. “It comes in three versatile colors, is incredibly comfortable, and offers back support.”
Colors: Sand, Olivine, Blue Bird | Weight: Unknown Dimensions: 40" W x 25" D x 51" H | Fill material: Uknown
6. The Dune Chair
- Brand: Palermo House
- Price: $949 $759
This gem from Palermo House offers a sophisticated take on a classic bean bag chair. Its slouchy, relaxed design will become your new favorite companion for TV binges and long, comfy conversations.
Plus, the company’s commitment to sustainability includes refusing leather, so this luxury bean bag lounger is encased in supple vegan leather that looks and feels like the real deal but does not have 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: Ginger, Oat, Grey, Off-white, Navy, Graphite | Dimensions: 52" L x 41" W x 25" H| Fill Material: Cover: Nautical-Grade Vinyl Fill Insert: Recycled EPS Beads
7. Yogibo Max
- Brand: Yogibo
- Price: $329
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 how 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, highlighting its washability. 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: 15 | Weight: 19 lbs. | Dimensions: 72” W X 24” H X 24” H | Fill material: EPS beads
8. Mongolian Patchwork Faux Fur Bean Bag
Mongolian Patchwork Faux Fur Bean Bag
- Brand: Pottery Barn
- Price: $299
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 shag 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 comes off easily thanks to a zipper enclosure.
It's lightweight and super easy to move, making it a great extra seating option for your living room or a comfy choice for a dorm room!
Colors: Ivory | Weight: 810 gsm. | Dimensions: 41" dia | Fill material: Woven of 61% modacrylic, 20% acrylic, and 13% polyester
9. Big Joe Fuf XXL
- Brand: Big Joe
- Price: $249
If you’re in the market for a lounger bean bag with bold patterns or vibrant colors, you’ll love this beauty from Big Joe. It comes in various retro patterns and hues and a few neutral options, so you should have no trouble finding a good fit for your living room, game room, or playroom aesthetic.
The machine-washable cover is a cinch to clean, so it’s a great fit for busy households with many pets and little ones running around. And the cozy foam filling will never go flat so that you can enjoy many days and nights of plush, fluffy comfort.
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
10. Modern Lounger
- Brand: West Elm
- Price: $299
This lounger bean bag is equal parts soft and durable. Its relaxed modern design works just as well in high-end living rooms as it would in a cozy playroom. You can choose from two different fabric options: vegan leather or twill.
The vegan leather is a rich caramel color, while the twill is a nice neutral gray hue. The lounger also comes in two 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. However, you can spot-clean it with an upholstery cleaner whenever it needs a refresher.
Colors: Caramel, Gravel | Weight: 10 lbs. | Dimensions: 28" W x 28” D x 22"h | Fill material: Polystyrene beads
Bonus: Go Custom
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.”
Bean Bag Chair FAQs
Is sitting on a bean bag healthy?
Bodies are incredibly varied, 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 whether a bean bag chair will be a healthy seating option, 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 in good condition. When in doubt, check with the bean bag’s manufacturer for proposed refill frequency to ensure your chair’s comfort and long lasting, allowing you to budget your time and money accordingly.
How do you refill bean bag chairs?
Most bean bag chairs have a small opening that you can stuff with filling 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 it.
Can bean bag chairs be washed?
The best modern 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:
- Grace Baena, Interior Designer at Kaiyo
- Maggie Blau, Interior Designer and Founder of Hudson Blau Designs
- Katie Simpson, Interior Designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors
