Filling a bean bag can be genuinely quick (and surprisingly satisfying) when you use the right setup. The secret is controlling airflow, working in a contained space, and using a wide funnel so the beads go where you want them to go.
Below is the fastest, cleanest way to fill a bean bag in under five minutes — plus a few safety tips that matter if you’ve got kids or pets at home. This guide assumes you’re filling a cover with an inner liner (which makes the whole job easier and far safer).
What You’ll Need
- Your bean bag cover (ideally with an inner liner)
- Bean bag filling (EPS beads, foam, or pellets)
- A wide funnel (or a DIY funnel made from a small bin or bucket)
- Scissors (to open filler bags)
- A friend (highly recommended for speed and less mess)
If you’re still choosing a cover, start here: bean bag chairs. If you specifically want covers-only options, see Coco bean bag covers or the broader Coco cotton bean bag covers range.
How to Fill a Bean Bag in Less Than 5 Minutes
Time required: about 5 minutes for a standard size (with two people)
Best location: bathtub, laundry, or a corner of a tiled room (zero wind)
Step-by-step
- Turn off airflow — no fans, no air con, no open doors. Beads travel.
- Set up in a contained area — a bathtub is ideal because it stops runaway beads.
- Find the inner safety zipper on the liner (often childproof).
- Insert your funnel into the liner opening and hold it firmly in place.
- Pour in small amounts (2–3 cups at a time) to prevent overflow and static bursts.
- Stop at around two-thirds full, then test firmness by sitting on the bean bag.
- Seal the liner completely (double-check the zipper is fully closed).
- Put the liner into the outer cover and zip the cover shut.
How much filling do you need?
As a quick guide:
- 96cm bean bags: around 300L
- 104cm bean bags: around 400L
- 112cm bean bags (Coco): around 500L
These amounts are a practical starting point — comfort is personal. It’s easier to add more than remove excess.
Safety Tips Before You Start
- Keep kids and pets out of the room while filling. Loose beads can be a choking hazard.
- Fill indoors and avoid breezes (even a small draft can scatter beads).
- Don’t overfill — overfilling makes bean bags uncomfortable and puts stress on seams and zippers.
If static drives you mad, this will help: how to remove static from bean bag filling.
Prepare Your Workspace Properly
If your bean bag has an inner liner, filling is faster, cleaner, and safer. Liners also make it easier to wash the cover (where the fabric allows).
Set up on a hard floor (tile, timber, lino). Vacuum first — beads cling to lint and dust, which makes cleanup harder than it needs to be.
Make a Wide Funnel (DIY Method That Works)
A wide funnel is what makes this a five-minute job instead of a one-hour nightmare.
You can make a solid funnel from a plastic waste-paper bin or a small plastic bucket:
- Use a Stanley knife or small saw to remove the closed base
- Smooth any sharp edges
- Insert the wide end into the liner opening
If you’re using cardboard or rolled paper, wrap it tightly so it holds its shape and doesn’t leak beads at the seam.
Choosing Bean Bag Filling
Most people buy EPS filling in 100L bags from major retailers. If you want a full list of places to buy filler in Australia, use this guide: where to buy bean bag filling in Australia.
There are also different filling options depending on the feel you want:
- Virgin EPS beads: classic “float” feel, best long-term performance
- Recycled EPS beads: cheaper but compress faster
- Foam filling: softer, more supportive, less top-up over time
How to Pour Filling Without Spilling
One person holds the funnel steady while the other opens the bag of filling.
To minimise mess, don’t cut the corner off at a steep angle. Instead:
- Cut a small slit along the end of the bag (around 150mm)
- Pour slowly
- Pause every few seconds to let the beads settle
As you fill, gently shake the liner so the beads distribute evenly and you avoid creating hard “pockets” or empty spots.
Don’t Overfill Your Bean Bag
This is the most common mistake. Overfilling makes a bean bag feel stiff and puts unnecessary pressure on the seams.
A good rule is to fill to roughly two-thirds capacity, test it, and then adjust.
Filling tip: reserve around 100–150 litres and add it gradually. You’ll get a better feel for comfort and it makes it easier to insert the liner neatly into the cover.
Using a Bean Bag Cover
Your cover isn’t just for looks — it protects the inner bag and determines how easy your bean bag is to live with day-to-day.
For family homes, choose covers that are:
- Durable and double-stitched
- Easy to wipe or wash (depending on fabric type)
- Fitted with strong zips and safe inner closures
If you’re shopping for seating options, browse bean bag seating. Covers-only options can be a cost-effective way to refresh a room without paying freight on a fully filled product.
Cleaning Up Spilled Beads
If beads spill, use a vacuum cleaner. A bagless vacuum is handy because you can recover the beads and reuse them.
- Vacuum immediately (before they spread through the house)
- Check corners and skirting boards
- Store leftover filling somewhere kids and pets can’t access
Tips for Foam Filling
Foam filling creates a softer, more “cushioned” seat compared to beads. It can also be a good option if you want less frequent top-ups.
Foam filling tips:
- Use a wide funnel and add it gradually
- Break up clumps as you go
- Test firmness regularly — foam can feel fuller faster than beads
Foam-filled options can also work well in pet spaces. If you’re setting up a comfy corner for animals too, explore our dog bean bags collection.
Bean Bag Filling FAQ
How often should I refill my bean bag?
Most bean bags need a top-up every 12–18 months depending on use. If it starts to feel flat or you’re hitting the floor too easily, it’s time to add more filling.
What type of filling is best?
Virgin EPS beads tend to hold their shape better and last longer than recycled beads. Foam filling is also a solid option if you prefer a softer feel with less maintenance.
Can I wash bean bag filling?
No — don’t wash EPS beads. Wash the cover separately (where the fabric allows) and replace old filling if needed.
What should I do with leftover filling?
Store it sealed in a strong bag or container, out of reach of kids and pets. Leftover beads are ideal for future top-ups.
Watch: Filling a Bean Bag the Easy Way
If you follow the steps above, filling your bean bag should be fast, clean, and drama-free — and you’ll end up with a seat that feels exactly the way you want it to.
