What to look for in a bean bag chair?
There are loads of bean bags to choose from, so here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
Where are you planning to use it? - Are you looking to use your bean bag inside, outside or a combination of both? Where you can use your bean bag will depend on the fabric, so if you intend to use it outside, look out for bean bags that are made from water-resistant and hardwearing technical fabrics.
Who is using it? - Are you looking for a bean bag chair for a toddler or child, a teen or even adults? The size of bean bags can vary considerably, so check out the full product dimensions to ensure it is comfortable for the planned user.
What fabric is it made from? - Some bean bags are made from super soft cotton or corduroy which, whilst comfortable, can be less stain resistant or spot clean only. Materials such as polyester or technical fabrics can be more hardwearing and are often water resistant, making them far more capable of coping with spills.
Seating positions - Some more versatile bean bags offer a wide range of seating and lying positions, where you can simply reshape the bag to suit your needs. Others are more fixed in shape, such as high-backed bean bag seats or loungers.
Is it safe? - Particularly if using a bean bag with children, you need to consider the safety features of your bean bag. Some bean bags have internal liners to avoid losing balls, while others have a safety locking zip that prevents children from opening the bag and releasing the filling.
Cost - The cost variations are significant, so your purchase decision may ultimately be determined by how much you want to spend. While some bean bags come with significant price tags, our research has shown that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a high-quality bean bag that meets your needs.
What is the best material for a bean bag?
For comfort alone, fabrics such as cotton, linen corduroy or nylon tend to be softest to the touch, and feel more cosy and comforting against your skin.
That said, they tend to be harder to clean, so if you are using a bean bag with children or hoping to take your bean bag outside, you may find those materials are less practical for everyday use.
Polyester and water-resistant fabrics are better suited to outdoor environments, or settings where you want to easily wipe down the bag to clean. They do tend to feel less luxurious and stylish as a result.
Which shape of bean bag is best?
The shape of bean bag you purchase should be based on how you intend to use it. Are you hoping to lie and relax with a book, use it for an online gaming session with friends, or as an outdoor lounger in the summer? Depending on your requirements, some bean bags offer higher backs or more support which are better suited to sitting.
The most versatile bean bag shape is the ‘pear’ which can normally be adjusted to suit a variety of sitting and lounging positions.
Are bean bag chairs bad for your back?
Unlike traditional seating that is in a fixed position, bean bags can allow the user to adjust their seating position whilst the bag moulds to their shape, meaning for many they can be far more comfortable.
That said, if you are using a bean bag for prolonged use, you may want to choose wisely and opt for one that has a firmer filling and a high back for support. This will offer a more ergonomic seating position and improve your posture.
Can bean bag chairs be washed?
The cleaning instructions for bean bags vary from one brand to the next. Many bean bags are water resistant and can be wiped down with a damp cloth and soap. Others have removable covers which can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. More luxurious fabrics such as corduroy or suede tend to be spot clean only - so keep that wine glass out of reach!
Do bean bag chairs go flat?
This will depend on the brand, many bean bags can be reshaped between flat lounging cushions and more upright ‘bucket style’ seats, whereas others come in a more fixed seat shape with fixed back support.
How do you restuff bean bag chairs?
Bean bags can reduce in support over time, with beans compressing inside the bag after prolonged use. Most brands sell refill bags that can be used to boost the contents of your bean bag, but you should expect a good quality bean bag to last at least a few years before this is required.
Why you should trust us
Here at Mumsnet, we work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. We spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.