Bean bags are already a comfort upgrade — but the cover is what turns a “place to sit” into a piece of furniture that actually belongs in your home. The right bean bag cover changes the look, the feel, how easy it is to clean, and even how long your chair stays looking new.
If you’re choosing a cover for a “comfy sack” (especially a large or oversized bean bag), focus on two things first: where it will live (indoors, outdoors, or both) and how it will be used (kids, pets, movie nights, gaming, reading, pool days). From there, selecting fabric becomes much easier.
Below are 13 of the best bean bag cover styles and materials — with practical guidance on what each is best for, what to avoid, and how to keep it looking great.
How to Choose the Right Bean Bag Cover
Before you fall in love with a colour or texture, make sure the cover suits your real life. A cover that looks incredible but can’t handle your household will become frustrating fast.
Start with the environment
- Indoors only: Softer fabrics (cotton, velvet, faux fur, suede) feel amazing but can stain more easily.
- Outdoor or poolside: You want UV stability, quick drying, and easy wipe-clean performance (olefin, solution-dyed acrylic, polyester outdoor fabrics). If you’re decorating around the pool, see our room styling tips for bean bags and apply the same “purpose first” logic outdoors.
Consider who will use it most
- Kids: Prioritise washable, stain-tolerant fabrics and consider a removable inner liner to make cleaning easier.
- Pets: Avoid delicate weaves that snag easily. Faux suede, outdoor polyester and some canvas options tend to cope well.
- Sensory preferences: If your teen loves plush comfort, faux fur or velvet can be a win. If they dislike “sticky” textures, choose cotton, denim or smooth outdoor fabrics.
Match the cover to your décor style
If you’re going for modern and minimal, solid colours and structured fabrics usually look best. If your space is relaxed or coastal, stripes, denim or neutral cotton works beautifully. If you want a luxury feel, velvet or faux leather can deliver a surprising “designer” look.
1. Cotton Covers for a Classic, Everyday Look
Cotton is an easy entry point: soft, breathable and comfortable year-round. It suits bedrooms, family rooms and casual living spaces — especially if you want a cover that doesn’t feel “slippery” against skin.
- Best for: Indoors, kids’ spaces, everyday lounging
- Why it works: Comfortable and easy to wash
- Keep in mind: Cotton absorbs spills more readily than synthetic fabrics
If you want a simple, practical option, start with cotton bean bag covers.
2. Waterproof Covers for Outdoors, Pools and Beach Houses
If your bean bag will be exposed to moisture, sunscreen, salt air or wet swimmers, choose a cover designed for outdoor conditions. A proper outdoor cover should resist water, dry quickly, and wipe clean with minimal effort.
- Best for: Patios, decks, pool areas, beach houses
- Why it works: Easy maintenance and better durability outdoors
- Keep in mind: Outdoor fabrics still fade over time in harsh sun
For inspiration, look at how outdoor venues style relaxed seating in our guide to the world’s best outdoor resort cinemas.
If you’re comparing materials for outdoor performance, olefin is a standout — see what olefin fabric is and why it works so well outside.
3. Denim Covers for a Casual, Lived-In Feel
Denim bean bag covers are the sweet spot between durable and stylish. They work in modern homes, teen rooms, and living spaces that already have patterned décor or bold wall colours.
- Best for: Teen rooms, casual living rooms, game rooms
- Why it works: Hardwearing and easy to style
- Keep in mind: Deep dyes may fade slightly over time (especially in sunlight)
If you like the look, our denim styling guide is here: denim bean bag chair décor ideas.
4. Lambswool-Style Covers for Ultra-Luxurious Lounging
If you want your bean bag to feel like a premium lounge piece, plush “lambswool” textures (often faux shearling styles) deliver maximum softness and warmth.
- Best for: Reading corners, winter comfort, luxe interiors
- Why it works: Cosy, high-end feel without rigid furniture
- Keep in mind: Requires a little more care than cotton or outdoor fabrics
If you’ve ever wondered whether truly comfortable, supportive bean bags exist, see what to look for in a genuinely comfy bean bag.
5. Velvet Covers for Home Cinema and “Cosy Glam” Rooms
Velvet has a unique ability to feel warm and look polished. It’s ideal when you want your bean bag to look intentional in a styled room — not like an afterthought.
- Best for: Home cinema rooms, music studios, cosy lounge areas
- Why it works: Soft texture + subtle sheen adds visual depth
- Keep in mind: Velvet can show marks and needs gentle cleaning
A velvet option to explore: Teddy Chair Velvet.
6. Faux Fur Covers for Maximum Comfort (and Instant Warmth)
Faux fur is the comfort-first choice. It’s especially popular in kids’ rooms, teen bedrooms, and winter lounging spaces where warmth matters.
- Best for: Bedrooms, cosy corners, cold climates
- Why it works: Ultra-soft, inviting texture
- Keep in mind: Can trap dust; occasional vacuuming helps
Try a plush option like the Cloud Grey Fur bean bag for a soft, calming look.
7. Floral Prints for Playful, Personality-Driven Spaces
Florals can look fresh and modern when styled well — especially in bright rooms, boho interiors, or spaces where you want the bean bag to be a feature piece.
- Best for: Bedrooms, creative spaces, colourful homes
- Why it works: Adds pattern without changing furniture
- Keep in mind: Pair with simpler surrounding décor so it doesn’t feel busy
8. Distressed Canvas Covers for Industrial or Minimalist Homes
Canvas is practical and structured. Distressed finishes work especially well in offices, studio spaces, and modern interiors that lean neutral.
- Best for: Home offices, industrial décor, minimalist rooms
- Why it works: Easy to wipe, strong weave, more “furniture-like”
- Keep in mind: Canvas can feel firmer than plush fabrics
Explore a structured canvas style like the Big Boss Chair.
9. Custom-Printed Covers for Branding or Statement Décor
If you’re styling a commercial space (office, reception, events) or want a truly unique look at home, custom printing lets you create something that doesn’t look mass-produced.
- Best for: Businesses, events, branded spaces, themed rooms
- Why it works: Unique identity without changing furniture layout
- Keep in mind: Choose durable inks and appropriate fabric for the environment
10. Striped Covers for Coastal and “Holiday Home” Vibes
Stripes feel instantly beachy — perfect for coastal homes, light interiors, and outdoor entertaining areas. They’re also great at hiding minor marks compared to solid light colours.
- Best for: Beach houses, verandas, relaxed living rooms
- Why it works: Timeless pattern that suits Australian coastal style
- Keep in mind: Use a stripe colour that ties into your room palette
11. Plain Black Covers for Modern, Low-Fuss Styling
Black covers are one of the easiest ways to make a bean bag look “grown up.” They work in almost any room and hide day-to-day marks better than most colours.
- Best for: Teen rooms, gaming rooms, minimalist homes
- Why it works: Versatile, clean look, easy to style
- Keep in mind: Choose a fabric that doesn’t show lint if you have pets
12. Suede and Faux Suede Covers for Soft, Refined Comfort
Suede-style covers feel soft without being fluffy, making them a strong choice for anyone who wants comfort but prefers a cleaner aesthetic than faux fur.
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, homes with pets
- Why it works: Warm texture, refined look, often easier to maintain than real suede
- Keep in mind: Choose faux suede for easier cleaning and better durability
13. Faux Leather Covers for a “Grown-Up” Lounge or Man Cave
Faux leather instantly lifts a bean bag into something that looks right at home beside timber, darker colours, and more traditional furniture. It’s also easy to wipe clean.
- Best for: Man caves, libraries, media rooms, adult living spaces
- Why it works: Sleek look, wipe-clean, pairs well with classic décor
- Keep in mind: Faux leather can feel warmer in summer; keep it out of direct sun
For styling ideas, see man cave essentials and our guide to buying leather-style bean bags.
Care Tips to Make Any Cover Last Longer
Even premium fabrics will wear faster without basic care. A few habits make a noticeable difference:
- Use a liner: A removable inner liner keeps filling protected and makes washing easier.
- Rotate the bean bag: Helps prevent uneven wear and fading.
- Keep it out of harsh sun: UV exposure fades most fabrics over time.
- Spot-clean early: Most stains are easiest to remove when fresh.
If you’re choosing outdoor fabrics, it’s worth understanding the difference between water resistance and waterproof performance: what kind of fabric is waterproof.
FAQs
Can I wash a bean bag cover in the machine?
Many indoor covers (especially cotton) are machine washable. Always check the product care label first, and use gentle cycles when recommended.
What’s the best fabric if I have kids or pets?
For busy homes, look for durable, easy-clean fabrics like outdoor polyester, canvas, denim, or faux suede. A liner also helps significantly.
What’s the best cover for outdoor use?
Choose purpose-built outdoor fabrics such as olefin or solution-dyed acrylic. They’re designed to resist moisture and fading better than standard indoor fabrics.
Do I need a new cover or just a refill?
If the cover is in good condition but your bean bag feels flat, you may only need to top up filling. If the fabric is stained, fading heavily, or damaged, a new cover can refresh the entire look without replacing the whole chair.
Finding the Right Cover Comes Down to Real Life
The best bean bag cover isn’t the fanciest — it’s the one that suits your space, your household, and how you actually relax. Start with where it will be used, choose a fabric that fits the lifestyle, then pick the colour and style that makes it feel like it belongs in your home.
If you’re building a more relaxed lounge setup (especially for movie nights), you might also like why bean bag beds and loungers are so popular for comfort-first interiors.