Choose A Bean Bag In 6 Simple Steps

Bean bag chairs were first created in the 1960’s and are still booming today in a variety of shapes and sizes, so much so it is now difficult to imagine a household without one! Making for popular furniture in homes and offices across the world, there is a bean bag out there with your name on it, but how do you find it?

We’ve put together 6 simple steps to help you choose the correct bean bag, as listed below:

1. Double layer bags
2. Bean bag size & shape
3. Bean bag fabric
4. Functionality
5. Filling & beads
6. Stitches & zippers

DOUBLE LAYER BAGS

We recommend choosing a double layered bean bag chair, with the inner bag containing expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and the outer bag encasing it. This will prevent and avoid spilling thousands of polystyrene beads from the smallest of tears and finding them in and under furniture for months to come!

The outer bag can also be removed and washed (depending on the fabric) to keep it clean and vibrant in colour.

BEAN BAG SIZE & SHAPE

Choosing the correct size and shape comes with plenty of ‘Umming and ahing’ and can result in a purchase without certainty, but choosing is actually a very straightforward decision to make when considering its use.

Choose a smaller, lightweight option with a handle if it is to be moved around frequently, such as:

• Barcelona Bean bag
• Mini Barcelona Bean bag
• Cologne Gaming chair

Choose a larger option for stationary furniture in your home or office, such as:

• Bilbao Bean bag
• London Lounger Bean bag
• Dublin Double Bean bag
• Budapest Bean bag

BEAN BAG FABRIC

You can make a purchase decision based on looks alone, but it is easy to forget to check the fabric, its properties and subsequently its suitability for use.

A basic feature to ensure that the bean bag is filled with is expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads as not only are they heat and moisture resistant, but they reshape after use which in turn allows your bean bag to hold its shape for longer.

Another feature to look out for is whether or not it is double layered. As with our bean bag range, there is an inner bag containing EPS beads (see section 5. Filling & beads – for more information), this is then wrapped in a cover which can be removed and cleaned or interchanged. Not only does this allow you to clean and/or change the colour of fabric but it also adds that extra protection against small scuffs and tares, which would otherwise spill (as with regular bean bag furniture).

FUNCTIONALITY

The fourth aspect (and key consideration) is the functionality. Where is it you are intending to use your bean bag and what is it for?

Simply put, smaller bean bag is best for a smaller room and a bigger bean bag calls for a bigger room, although the specific location and positioning within a room is entirely in your hands as the bag can easily be moved around with minimal effort.

For cosying up in couples or a movie marathon with your mates, why not try the Dublin Double or the London Lounger? Or perhaps you’re a video game whizz and like to fly solo, in which case the Barcelona bean bag or Cologne Gaming chair might be your throne of games.

Alternatively, why not immerse yourself into a fixating book or the latest blockbuster with ultimate comfort in the Budapest Bean bag.

FILLING & BEADS

The filling of the bean bag is essential when considering your purchase. You can get a variety of fillings for bean bags such as polystyrene foam, compression foam or buckwheat grains (to name a few), however, these can be misshapen and difficult (or even impossible) to wash, as well as heavy and bulky!  It is widely recommended to use expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads; not only are they heat and moisture resistant but they are also 98% air, making them ultra-light weight yet rigid enough to retain their form for several years of use!

EPS is not biodegradable, but it is widely recycled and can be used in many ways. In addition to being used as packaging filler and padding, many people like to keep hold of these for craft projects or as soil fillers for potted plants – if you’re really stuck for ideas then most recycling companies will accept them.

We always recommend having an inflammable filling to your bean bags and your provider should be able to provide you with a copy upon request – you can view our certificate HERE.

STITCHES & ZIPPERS

The final point to consider is the stitching and zippers. The stitching should be double stitched in order to be robust and withstand the pressure when in use. The edges of all textile’s elements should also be threaded-hemmed in order to prevent the material from raveling. Zippers should be hidden/encased within the fabric to avoid causing scrapes and scratches to their surroundings.

OUR RANGE OF BEAN BAGS:

These are our key tips to help you purchase your bean bag, so now all you need to do is  pick the colour! View our full range here: BOX15 | Bean Bag Furniture Range

Cant see what you’re looking for?

As standard we only list a select range of our Bean Bags on the website but we can offer many more sizes, shapes, colours and materials on request (subject to MOQs and lead times). Please contact the sales team for more information and prices.