Beanbag Chairs: 6 Things you Must Look For (Or You're Wasting Your Money)

Posted on March 28, 2013

The fact is, when it comes to beanbag chairs there is a LOT of choice nowadays.  With products in tons of brick-and-mortar stores as well as on the internet, you can easily get all turned around. So, let's get back to basics!

#1: You have to have comfort.  Please remember that cute animals and crazy shapes aren't always comfortable nor practical. A big strawberry may look cute, but could potentially end up just being decoration for a dusty corner of the room because it doesn't work well as a seat and/or it doesn't have a washable cover and/or the extra decorations like leaves and seeds fall off or snag.  As for shape, elephants and octopi are quirky and adorable, just make sure you can actually lounge and relax in it. Sometimes you can end up regretting cute designs. Traditionally round-shaped bean bags are tried and true, so you can't really go wrong there.

I'm not knocking the cool stuff out there, though.  They can be really fun to look at and are fabulous attention-getters and conversation-starters.  I do, however, remind everyone that the best beanbags are the ones that are comfortable enough to relax in for a long while, whether you're reading, watching a movie, or taking a cat nap.

#2: Make sure you get the right size.  Very large ones, like over 4 feet-ish, can become unwieldy and hard to store and clean.  Enormous ones are definitely not super portable nor easy to hide, and can become annoying because they take up so much floor space.  A good, average size is about 3 feet wide.

#3: Don't skimp on the practical side of things either. If the cover isn't completely removable and machine-washable, think twice about letting your kids have one of those, unless it's wipe-clean like vinyl. Sadly, though, vinyl feels sticky and makes you sweat. Not nice. So try to stay with a woven fabric covered bean bag that is machine-washable.

#4: You need durability and a long warranty.  Covers should be strong and double-stitched.  Underneath you should look for a liner that is just as strong so it will not break even if kids jump on it.  Which, let's all be honest Parents...your kids do...and often...and yikes, from the  top of the couch! (I do not condone this, please keep your kids safe!)  A durable, double-stitched liner is a must.  You don't want to have to deal with the filling escaping. Not only is it messy, if enough is breathed in to clog noses and mouths, you could suffocate!

#5: Which brings me to safety.  Kids should never have access to the filling inside, so a child-resistant, lockable zipper is essential.  Make sure the zipper can't just be unzipped by anyone, it should stay locked unless a tool is used to open it.  Make sure the zipper can be unzipped, though, and then relocked so Parents can access the filling if necessary.  And another note about jumping from precarious places mentioned earler... please use all necessary precautions and common sense.  Beanbags may be soft, but the floor next to it isn't if your child happens to miss the target!

As for the filling inside, look for Styrofoam (polystyrene) pellets. They have been used in bean bags since they were invented in the 1970s, so it's a proven filling. Shredded cushion foam (polyurethane) can have flame retardant chemicals that may be harmful in some cases.

#6: Last, but definitely not least, style.  Beanbags are furniture and should coordinate or accent your home's decor.  Whether it's casual or formal, rustic or luxurious, be sure to choose a style that works.  There are so many choices available, such as those at Ahh! Products, that you should be able to find exactly what you want.

Beanbags have been around for decades and will likely be furniture found in homes for more decades to come. Make sure to find comfort, correct size, practicality, durability, safety, and style.  Choose the right ones and they will bring you tons of fun and enjoyment!