Bean bag chairs have evolved well beyond the vinyl sacks of the 1970s. Today's options come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, fabrics, and price points — which makes choosing the right one less obvious than it used to be. Here are five things worth thinking through before you buy.
1. Fabric
The cover material affects how the bean bag looks, feels, cleans, and holds up over time. The main options:
Cotton — soft, breathable, and comfortable against skin. Not stain-resistant and takes a long time to dry when wet. Best for indoor use in low-traffic areas. Our cotton bean bag covers are machine washable.
Polyester and nylon — the most practical everyday choice. Easy to clean, fade-resistant, mould-resistant, and water-repellent when treated. Polyester is the standard for outdoor and high-traffic use. See our post on the differences between nylon and polyester .
Leather — durable, looks premium, and suits adult spaces. More expensive than synthetic options but long-lasting. Not waterproof; needs occasional conditioning. Our leather bean bag guide covers what to look for.
Microsuede — soft and comfortable with a velvety texture. Wears well but is more prone to staining than polyester or leather. Suited to indoor use. Not suitable outdoors.
Vinyl — durable and waterproof, but gets sticky and hot in warm weather. Not a good choice for Australian summers or outdoor poolside use where olefin or polyester perform better.
For a full breakdown of every fabric type, see our complete bean bag fabrics guide .
2. Shape and Size
Bean bags aren't just round anymore. The right shape depends on how you plan to use it.
Round chairs — the classic format. Works in most spaces and suits casual lounging, reading, or watching television. Available from small children's sizes to large adult sizes.
Rectangular and corner shapes — useful for rooms with limited space where a round bag would dominate. Fits neatly into corners or between sofa sections.
Loungers and day beds — full-body support for lying down, napping, or extended relaxation. The large bean bag range includes two-seater options that accommodate adults lying flat.
Bean bag sofas and modular options — designed to replace or complement a conventional sofa. See our post on bean bag couches for the home for options.
Measure your space before buying — it's the most common mistake. A bag that looks right in a product photo can be surprisingly large in a smaller room.
3. Where You'll Use It
The intended location affects which fabric and size you should choose.
Living room — comfort and aesthetics both matter here. Microsuede, cotton, or leather suits an adult living room; polyester handles family use better. For decorating ideas, see our living room bean bag guide .
Kids' room or playroom — polyester is the practical choice: easy to clean, durable, and available in bright colours. Go for a fun colour or pattern. See our guide to durable bean bags for what to look for.
Gaming room — choose a bag with plenty of filling so you can sit more upright when using a console. A firmer, well-filled bag is more comfortable for extended gaming sessions than a soft, under-filled one. See our post on the best bean bags for gaming .
Bedroom — a bean bag used primarily as an accent piece in a bedroom won't take as much wear as one in a living room, which opens up more fabric options including microsuede and cotton.
4. Safety
If children or pets are in the household, the fill and construction matter.
Polystyrene beads are the most common filling. If a cover tears and beads come loose, they can be a choking hazard for young children and small animals. Ensure any bean bag used around young children has a childproof safety zipper that prevents small hands from opening it.
Our children's range meets Australian safety standards and features childproof YKK zippers. Check that the stitching is tight and the cover material is durable enough to handle rough use. For detailed guidance, see our bean bag safety guide .
5. Beyond the Living Room
Bean bags work in more spaces than most people consider.
Pool and outdoor use — our Portsea pool bean bag is designed to float in the water. Made from solution-dyed acrylic fabric, it's chlorine-resistant, UV-resistant, and dries quickly. Once you're done in the pool, hang it to dry and bring it inside. For broader outdoor use, our outdoor bean bag range handles Australian conditions without fading or deteriorating.
Dog beds — our dog bean bag range gives your dog their own comfortable, durable resting spot. Made from robust materials that handle claws, moisture, and the general enthusiasm of a well-loved pet.
Ready to Choose?
Browse our full range of bean bag chairs , including options for those wanting top-quality materials and finishes. Our Costa Luxe Lounger is one of our most popular two-person options. If you're not sure where to start, our fabrics guide and bean bag types guide cover everything in detail.
