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Sarah Morris is an avid writer specializing in home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for Chosen Furniture.
A bean bag (also beanbag) is nothing more than a sealed bag containing different types of natural or synthetic beans.
The predecessor of modern bean bag chairs is the Sea Urchin Chair, who was designed by Roger Dean while he was at the Royal College of Art in 1965. It was a foam chair but didn’t look like the bean bag chairs we know today. Another one was called Blow, but it couldn’t hold its shape.
The first bag chair which became wildly popular in the 1970’s was Sacco (or Socco) model, and it was made by Zanotta Design in Italy. Had a pear-shaped leather bag filled with Styrofoam beans still in production today.
How Big Are Bean Bags?
Bean bags are available in many different sizes and shapes, and the measurements are usually marked on each product. Years ago, they were only available for children, but that’s not the case anymore – teen and adult bags are in a wide range of sizes, so all of us can live in complete comfort. Plus, consider large, extra-large, and giant bean bags. Use in living rooms, bedrooms, studies, games rooms, and other places.
What Size Should I Buy?
This depends on many factors. Here’s a guideline to select the size of a bean bag:
1) The weight of the person: The scale of furniture has increased over the last decade to suit both the size of homes and the size of their occupants. Furniture manufacturers and retailers track changes over time in a human size, home size, and fashions. Bag chairs no longer need to accommodate hoop skirts, and seat weights/heights have increased as humans have grown taller and heavier. So it is normal to choose a beanbag that fits your size.
2) Use frequency: If you use the bean bag for an extended period each day, then it’s better to choose an extra or giant size. 4 to 5-Foot size is good for casual seating and will not provide the luxury of a 6-Foot bean bag.
3) Age: The recommended size for adults is 6-Foot and above, for teenagers is 5-Foot, and for kids is 4-Foot or less, but nothing is stopping a kid or teenager from using a giant beanbag for that extra luxurious feel.
4) Purpose: 6+ foot beanbags can be used as loungers, so they can be used for activities like watching TV, playing games, or for a laid-back evening. What is below this size can be used for visiting guests and having a quick chit-chat.
To completely understand, check our full bean bag chairs buying guide.
Which Bean Chair Is The Best?
Based on our research, Lumaland Luxury 5 Foot Bean Bag Chair with Microsuede Cover receives the highest score, and it is our top recommendation. Do not rush, take your time and consult our Top 10 Best Bean Bag Chair of 2026 to discover best models with ups and downs.
Are Bean Bag Chairs Comfortable?
In essence, sitting for long periods is never not good. If you can switch and move about and take a periodic break, that would be the best. Ergonomically speaking, bean bags do well regarding posture and relative sitting hours. But it should not be used as a regular chair replacement!
Since bean bags promote relaxation, they can decrease depression and emotional tension. The ergonomic position will reduce muscle strains and pain, minimize the risk of injuries, and relax, compared to a regular sitting chair. Although, while working, sitting on a chair with proper back support and armrest is advised.
What Types Of Materials Does The Beanbag Chair Come In?
There are different types of fabrics. Some fabrics used are – in no particular order – Chenille, Microfiber, Leather, Faux Leather, Cotton, Corduroy, Polyester, Suede, or Faux Fur.
How To Buy A Bean Bag Chair?
You will find a wide variety of bean bags in different sizes and shades in a major local furniture store. Or, you can buy them online from Amazon or other online stores.
Why Are BeanBag Chairs So Expensive?
The price of a beanbag chair can run from very low to shockingly costly. We need to understand once and for all that cheap bean bags (and all other pieces of furniture) are made using either low-quality materials that lack durability or there are missing features. In contrast, expensive bean bag furniture is made with superior materials and design in mind. The best beanbags, however, fall in the middle. Factors like fabric, filling, zippers, protective coatings, and overall quality affect their cost.
You’ll find that reputable manufacturers or sellers offer generous warranties, and that’s a great sign of quality, especially for brand-name items. When buying things, what you receive depends on how much you pay. Cheap chair bags may only last for a year or less, while the best bean bags may last for five years or longer.
How to Clean a Bean Bag Chair?
Bean bag covers are made using many traditional and modern fabrics, each requiring a different type of care. The best directions for the care of your bean bag chair are the ones specified by the manufacturer. Yet, here are some quick bean bag cleaning tips:
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Wipe dust from bean bag chairs frequently with a clean cloth.
Dust is annoying, and you know, there’s no way to avoid a dusty home entirely, and the best way to manage the situation is regular cleaning. Wipe bean bags once a month with a damp cloth. If the cover bag has spots, scrub these spots with a cloth that has been soaked in a homemade mild soapy solution.
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Brush bean bag covers to keep them clean.
Brush cover with a soft brush (a clothes brush) carefully all over. Bean bag covers with a hair-like surface (velvet, chenille, faux fur) should be brushed in the direction of the nap. In some bulky cases, use a vacuum cleaner. Use the smooth attachment (without bristles) and vacuum the entire surface of the cover on a low setting until you remove surface debris, such as dust, pet hair, dirt, and food crumbs.
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Wash removable covers in a washing machine.
This procedure is straightforward. Unzip the cover, and if your bean bag has a liner containing the filler, pull it out. Check the filler, and if it’s loose, change it later. Thrown cover into a machine wash – use cold or warm water, then air or machine dry on medium heat. Replace filler, and you have a clean beanbag. Check the beanbag cleaning instructions FIRST and follow them! Fabric can be only washed so long as it shrinks by less than 3%. Washable fabrics have the bucket symbol on the cleaning instructions label with 30°, or 40° in the bucket.
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Wipe and clean outdoor beanbags.
Wipe outdoor covers with a clean cloth once a week. If stains appear, clean the cover immediately if you notice a few spots. Use a soft bristle brush and water with mild detergent to remove dirty areas. If mild detergents are not potent enough, try using specialty fabric cleaners. Removing mold or mildew infiltrating the fabric cover can be difficult in the worst scenario. Use hot water and mild detergent. Add oxygenated bleach according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Remove bean bag cover bad odors.
Use baking soda to remove the bad smell from your bean bag. Prepare a solution based on baking soda with water and spray it inside using a spray bottle. Baking soda will instantly remove the stink from your bean bag and give it a fresh smell. If this method won’t work, wash your cover, but add one cup of white vinegar to the final rinse. This will neutralize any odor and remove any residue left on the fabric from the detergent.
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Other helpful cleaning hints.
Keep bean bags on a smooth surface like floorboards and carpets. Do not place them on rough surfaces such as concrete. Buy beanbags with safety locking zips only. Do not use abrasive cleaners because they may scratch the fabric. Never immerse the bean bag chair in water.
Can Bag Chairs Be Washed?
Beanbags as a whole CAN NOT be washed! The options are somehow limited because of washing, a relative term in this case. Bean bag owners are limited to washing the two layers of this piece of furniture. Depending upon what material comprises the cover and the liner of the actual bean bag, cleaning is performed in a few different ways. Follow the washing and drying instructions on the cover to ensure your bean bag stays in good condition.
Are BeanBag Chairs With Removable Covers Better?
Bean bag chairs with removable covers come with an inner liner that holds the beads. Since the filling is held within the liner, the cover can be easily removed and washed. The NON-removable bean bag chairs do not have the option of removing the cover. These beanbag chairs can be refilled. They are the classic beanbags that started it all.
Can I Replace My Bag Cover?
For some contemporary models (but not all), the answer is yes. Bean bag covers are easily removable for washing or replacing. Switching a cover is easy and is also a way to change the look and feel of your bean bag if you get bored. If you don’t have an inner liner, beware when removing the cover, so you don’t lose any bean bag filler.
Is My Bean Bag Chair Water-Resistant?
Bean bag chairs with nylon covers are water-resistant, but in general, bean bag chairs should NOT be used as flotation devices – don’t throw it in the pool! Some models are made for swimming pool use, but not all of them. Please refer to the product details of each bean bag. Some chairs are marked water-resistant, which means they repel water but are not waterproof.
What Is a Bean Bag With Liner vs No Liner?
The liner is a second container inside a bean bag chair, keeping the filling in one place. Allows removing the bean bag covers for washing without spilling the fillers.
The liner lives between the filler and cover, offering the filler protection against moisture, dust, and other allergens. Plus, as a container for the filler, the liner lets you remove the exterior cover without having to manipulate the filler as often as you wash the cover.
Look after models with liners and covers that are durable, hypoallergenic, and flame-retardant. Locking zippers keep curious children and pets from accessing the filler, and double-stitching along the cover means the exterior can stand up to severe, repeated use. All these will ensure the life and beauty of your bean bag for many years.
What Are The Beanbag Chairs Filled With?
Contrary to popular belief, bean bag chairs are not full of beans. Modern products are filled with small, light, synthetic beads that form your body. The beads are fire-resistant and often made of recycled materials. Models with this type of filler maybe add more overtime for extra support.
Other beanbags may be filled with foam. Foam fill is constructed from shredded foam and has a much softer feel. It molds to your body as you lounge down into the bag. Because of the softness of the foam, most of these bags can be vacuum-sealed in small containers for easy shipping and are easily fluffed back into their original shape.
Does The Filler Pack Down Over Time?
Unfortunately, the bean filler will compress slightly in time. Quality beanbags are filled with virgin beads manufactured exclusively in bean bags. These beads have numerous pockets of air inside them, and as they are used, they become compressed. This compression gives the beanbag a flat appearance and compromises comfort.
Providentially, you can prolong the life of your bean bags, and the most used and easy way is to refill bag chairs once they go flat.
How To Refill a Bean Bag Chair?
To fill your bean bag, call a friend or family member, and follow the below instructions, and your bean bag will be ready to use again in no time at all:
- Step 1 – Inspect your bean bag chair, checking for any signs of rips and holes in the fabric. If there are no problems, unzip the cover and liner. Do not cut or rip the cover if your bean bag has no zipper. These bags are meant to remain closed at all times.
- Step 2 – One person holds the beanbag open while the other carefully raises and pours the new filling into the bag. Perform this operation in a room with no breeze so the light filling doesn’t blow around.
- Step 3 – Once the majority of new fillers are in the bean bag, zip-up both liner and cover and test for firmness. The filling settles, and trapped air is pushed out of the chair.
- Step 4 – Adjust the firmness of the bean bag by adding or removing the filling.
Now each bean bag chair is filled to perfection – read more about bean bag filler types.
Bean Bag Chair Refill – How Much Should I Use?
The amount of bean bag filling you use is a personal choice. The more filling is used in your bean bag, the firmer it will be. The less filling, the more comfortable it will be. However, heavier people may want more filling to have increased support.
If you don’t know, 100 liters of bean bag filling weighs one kilogram. Reputable companies sell filling in one hundred liters. Refill/top up the bag as needed for your comfort.
Where Can I Get Bean Bag Filler From?
You can buy fillers from any local furniture store that sells beanbags, or you can buy it online from here.
Can I Use Beanbags Outdoor?
Unless you buy an outdoor beanbag, we suggest refraining from using them outside of the house. Outdoor beanbags are made from special materials to resist water, sun, or other corrosive elements. Even covers are made from such materials, if water does infiltrate inside a bean bag, it cannot evaporate or escape. The trapped moisture will lead to mold and mildew growth.
As a generic rule, we suggest you store outdoor products inside after use to prolong their lifespan. We don’t recommend leaving any outdoor products outside or being exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as fading could occur.
Are Beanbags Safe For Kids?
Beanbags are delightful, don’t have sharp edges or hard parts, and seem safe for kids to sit or play with. But a recent horrible accident at a Utah daycare proves even beanbags can be deadly.
Today, bean bags must include safety features designed to protect children. Refillable products must have locking safety zippers and dual stitching. This prevents children from opening the lining and releasing the beads. Must include warning labels, and the fabrics from which the linings are composed must pass durability tests to ensure that children cannot rip or tear beads.
Parents are also warned about the dangers of cheaply made bean bags or bean chairs that are not properly filled. In some instances of heavy use, beads are compressed, which requires refilling, and most manufacturers offer bean refills to ensure their products remain safe. Another danger of bean bag chairs is the risk of falls. Be sure you place your bean bag chair somewhere safe and away from other sharp pieces of furniture, such as tables.
These accidents are preventable if you follow the next guidelines:
- Do not leave children unattended.
- Read and follow the hazard labels on all products.
- Educate babysitters and other caregivers about child safety.
- Do not buy cheap, low-quality models.
Read more about hidden dangers of bean bag chairs on ConsumerWatch.
How Durable Is My Bean Bag?
Medium and high-quality bean bag chairs are very durable. When it comes to furniture, it is essential to take care of them so that they last. In our case, keeping children from jumping on bean bags will help preserve them. Also, ensure your beanbag chair is filled correctly, which will help maintain its shape and comfort level. If you purchase a good, quality bean bag, it should last you for several good years.
Does the Bean Chair Come with A Warranty?
There are chair bags on the market with no warranties, 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, and lifetime warranties. The warranty should be clearly stated. If the bean chair does not perform to your satisfaction, you may return it for replacement or refund within a few days after purchase.
What is not covered? Such a warranty does not cover damage caused by pets, moisture, normal wear and tear, and/or discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight or chemicals such as ammonia, laundry detergent, household bleach, or negligent use of the product by the owner.
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