Mix up your decor by throwing in some of our trendy bean bags! The living room is often the hub of the home, serving multiple purposes. Bean bags can be cleverly used in small living room ideas to maximise space and style, or to help define zones within an open layout for a more functional and organised feel. Here are nine funky sitting area ideas to try at your home or office.
The bean bag chair industry is booming, with an expected revenue of $120 million by 2024. In 2017, the U.S. accounted for 67% of global bean bag chair sales, illustrating the significant popularity of this decorative trend. A successful living room design is inviting and has enough seating for everyone. If you’re searching for creative bean bag living room ideas, you’re in the right place. Here are nine inspiring sitting area ideas for bean bag lovers:
Introduction to Sitting Areas
A sitting area is more than just a place to sit—it’s a dedicated space within your living room or bedroom that invites you to relax, unwind, and connect with others. Whether you’re creating a cozy nook in a bedroom or designing a larger sitting area in your living room, the right layout and furniture can transform any room into an inviting retreat. Consider how you want the space to feel: Do you envision a spot for quiet reading, lively conversation, or a comfortable area to relax? By carefully arranging your furniture and choosing pieces that encourage conversation, you can create a sitting area that feels both welcoming and functional. No matter the size of your space, a well-designed sitting area can become the heart of your home, perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a peaceful moment alone.
1. The Classic Look
Bean bags are incredibly versatile thanks to their round shape, making them a perfect addition to any home style. For a timeless look, choose decorative bean bag chairs in matching prints or classic solids. Popular options include:
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Woven cotton
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Aged leather
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Smooth velvet
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Knitted fabric
Pairing a classic bean bag with an accent chair can further enhance the timeless look of your sitting area.
For a funky vibe, try bean bags with geometric patterns. When styling your living room, remember: simple is often best.
2. All White Everything
For a cool, calm, and collected look, consider an all-white colour scheme. Choose white bean bag covers to complement white walls, and pair them with:
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White carpets or grey-accented rugs
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Glass furniture
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White tilework
An all-white scheme helps reflect light and maximise natural light, making the sitting area feel more spacious and inviting.
Add polished floorboards and a chic rug for extra style points. Area rugs can help to define spaces in open-plan living areas.
3. Country Chic
Love the shabby chic look? Add a country vibe with bean bags made from natural materials like:
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Cotton
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Linen
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Leather
Natural colours blend beautifully with rural-themed sitting areas and existing colour palettes.
To complete the country chic vibe, decorate the sitting area with rustic tables and accessories such as vases or cushions.
4. Scandinavian Design for the Contemporary Living Room
Scandinavian design is defined by all-white walls, hardwood floors, and contemporary furnishings. For a modern look, try bean bags in different shapes, such as:
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Square bean bags
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Boat-shaped bean bags
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Bean bags with pointed edges
Place bean bags in the corners of a rectangular room or around a small table for a true Scandinavian feel. Using low furniture can keep open floor plans feeling open and spacious. To create zones within the Scandinavian sitting area, use area rugs or arrange furniture to define different spaces visually.
5. Mix and Match Small Living Room Ideas
Mix and match bean bags with sofas for a playful sitting area that offers multiple seating options. Accent your space with miniature bean chairs or a bean bag footstool. Arrange furniture to encourage conversation by positioning bean bags and sofas to face each other or form a circle, making it easy for everyone to engage. Try combining different types of beanbags like:
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Bean bag chairs
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Bean bag sofas
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Bean bag cubes
Weigh the pros and cons of each style before you buy.
6. Vintage Eclectic
Create a vintage, eclectic look by adding bean-shaped nap bean bag chairs in a variety of colours. Stick to two complementary colours that match your room’s palette. For a groovy vibe, try a large, overstuffed bean bag as a sofa replacement—it can be just as inviting as a comfortable couch, making it a great alternative to a traditional couch.
7. The Accent Chair Piece
Make a statement with a unique bean bag chair as an accent piece. Look for options with:
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Bold colors
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Interesting shapes
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Distinctive sizes
Try a corner bean bag, pillow bean bag, or one with arm support for extra comfort and style.
Pairing a bean bag with armchairs or opting for a chair and a half can also provide additional comfort and style, maximising the use of your small living area.
8. Turquoise Takeover
Turquoise remains a top choice in interior design. Turquoise bean bags come in fabrics like:
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Microsuede
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Faux fur
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Canvas
Start small with turquoise accents, or opt for a mostly white bean bag with subtle turquoise details. Pair with white walls and ocean-themed art for a fresh look.
9. Playroom Paradise
Turn a corner of your living room into a playroom paradise with bean bags. They’re safe, easy to move, and perfect for kids. Find creative storage solutions to avoid a cramped feeling in small living rooms. Look for bean bags with:
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Washable fabric
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Round shape
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Primary colors
Select fun designs, such as emoji faces, for a playful touch. Bean bags are also great for family movie nights—kids and adults alike will love them! Bean bags are perfect for watching tv together and provide extra seating for both kids and adults. You can also use bean bags to fill dead space in corners or even create a cozy spot for reading or relaxing near a bed.
Arranging Furniture for Your Bean Bag Sitting Area
When arranging furniture in your bean bag seating area, the goal is to create a layout that feels both inviting and practical. Start by considering the focal points of your room, such as a fireplace, large window, or TV, and arrange your bean bags to take advantage of these features. Position bean bags in a circle or semi-circle to encourage conversation and make sure everyone has a clear view of the room’s highlights. Add a coffee table or side table in the centre for drinks, snacks, or books, and layer in throw pillows and cozy blankets for extra comfort. If your sitting area is near a fireplace, arrange the furniture to maximise warmth and ambience. Don’t forget to leave enough space for easy movement, so guests can come and go without feeling cramped. With the right layout, your bean bag sitting area will become a favourite spot for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the best features of your home.
Maximising Space with Bean Bags
Bean bags are a smart solution for small living rooms and bedrooms, providing flexible seating without occupying too much space. To maximise your square footage, opt for bean bag chairs or ottomans that can be easily moved or tucked into an empty corner when not in use. These versatile pieces offer additional seating for guests and can also serve as footrests or accent seating. Opt for compact designs that fit snugly into your sitting area, leaving plenty of room for movement and other furniture. By using bean bags, you can create a cozy, inviting space that feels open and uncluttered—perfect for relaxing, reading, or spending time with friends and family. Whether you’re working with a small apartment or a compact bedroom, bean bags help you maximise every inch of your space while keeping things comfortable and stylish.
Creating a Conversation Area
Designing a conversation area within your sitting room is all about encouraging connection and warmth. Arrange your bean bags and other seating options in a circular or U-shaped layout, allowing everyone to see and talk to each other easily. Place a coffee table or side table in the centre to hold drinks, snacks, or games, making the space feel even more inviting. Use an area rug to define the conversation zone and add a layer of coziness to the floor. To enhance the atmosphere, incorporate soft lighting, plants, or artwork that reflects your style. This setup not only makes your sitting area more functional but also creates a welcoming environment where family and friends can gather, share stories, and make memories. With the right layout and a few thoughtful touches, your conversation area will quickly become the heart of your home.
Making the Most of a Small Space
Furnishing a small living room or bedroom can be a design challenge, but with a few smart strategies, you can create a sitting area that’s both cozy and functional. Choose compact furniture pieces, such as a bean bag chair or a small sofa, and look for multi-purpose items, like an ottoman with built-in storage. Wall-mounted shelves or floating desks help save valuable floor space, while throw pillows and a small plant add warmth and personality to the space. By arranging your furniture to maximise every corner and utilising vertical space for storage, you can create a relaxing and inviting sitting area - even in the smallest of spaces. With the right approach, your small living room or bedroom will feel open, organised, and ready for lounging or entertaining at any time.
Best Bean Bag Sitting Area Ideas
Choosing the perfect bean bag chair for your living space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For example, in a living room layout, you might arrange two chairs on one side of the seating area with a gas fireplace as the focal point. At the same time, bean bags can accommodate extra seats throughout the house, offering more comfort than a regular chair. With so many shapes, styles, and colours available, you’re sure to find the right fit. Lighting can add warmth and function to a living room. Use these bean bag decorating hacks to get started, and contact us if you need help finding the best bean bag chairs for your home!
