Regular three-piece suites are famously expensive. The cost of upholstery, carefully crafted wooden frames, cushions, labor, and transport all add up. So why are bean bags so expensive?
Not everyone wants to spend thousands on fancy seating. Sometimes, you just want something simple and affordable. You might think bean bags are much cheaper than regular sofas because they look easier to make. But when you shop for beautiful bean bags, you might be surprised by the price.
Many of the costs involved in making regular sofas also apply to bean bags. It’s not just about stuffing a sack with foam and selling it. The cost of labor, development, and materials adds up. While bean bags are usually less expensive than traditional seating, they can still be a significant investment.
Why Are Bean Bags So Expensive?
People often think bean bags should be cheap because they’re soft and flexible. But making a quality bean bag takes craftsmanship and innovation, just like regular furniture. Designer bean bags are much more than a simple sack filled with polystyrene. They often have multiple sections to keep the filling in place and provide real support.
The price of a bean bag reflects the value it offers. Let’s look at what goes into making a bean bag and why the cost is what it is.
The Quality of the Fabrics
We expect to pay $200 for quality shoes or $300 for a leather jacket. But when we see a $500 bean bag, it can be surprising. Much of the cost comes from the quality of the materials. Bean bags need to be made from fabrics that feel good and are strong enough to last. If the fabric is weak, the bean bag can break and spill its filling.
Modern bean bags use a wide range of quality fabrics. For example, Sunbrella is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic that is breathable and resistant to water, mold, mildew, and UV rays. Olefin is another synthetic fabric known for its comfort, strength, and colorfastness. Even faux fabrics like faux suede and fur require research and development to make them both comfortable and durable. When comparing nylon vs polyester, it’s also important to consider how well each resists UV rays, mold, mildew, and moisture.
There’s a lot of technology and thought that goes into making the outer cover. It’s not just about filling a bag with cheap stuffing.
The Quantity of Fabric
Bean bags use much more material than a pair of shoes or a jacket. The bigger the bean bag, the more fabric is needed, which increases the price. Sofabeds, couches, and loungers can be huge, often requiring several square meters of fabric to cover all sides.
The more material you need, the more expensive the bean bag will be. Larger bean bags are often the main feature in a room, not just an accessory.
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric used for the cover is a big factor in the price. Here are some common materials:
- Cotton: Cotton is breathable and affordable, but it stains easily and takes a long time to dry.
- Leather: Elegant but very expensive for bean bags.
- Silk: Luxurious but usually too expensive for most people.
- Rayon: Used in clothing, but not strong enough for bean bags.
- Faux leather: Waterproof and flexible, but not very comfortable.
- Microsuede: Microsuede is great for indoor bean bags, but not for outdoor use.
- Nylon: One of the best fabrics for bean bags—strong, affordable, and good for indoor and outdoor use.
- Polyester: Durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive—another top choice for bean bags.
Fabric Weight
The best fabrics for bean bags are olefin, solution-dyed acrylic, nylon and polyester, but there are different weights. The density is measured in denier (D). Cheap bean bags are often made with 420D polyester, while quality bean bags use 1680D fibers, which are four times as dense. Heavier fabric costs more but is much more durable, especially for outdoor use and kids’ bean bags.
Amount of Fabric
Larger bean bags need more fabric, which increases the cost. Round bean bags use more fabric than square or rectangular ones because of the way the material is cut. High-quality bean bags often have both an inner and outer cover, adding to the cost.
High-Quality, Comfortable, Long-Lasting Fillers
The inside of the bean bag is just as important as the outside. Quality filling makes bean bags comfortable and long-lasting. The best filling is virgin polystyrene, which is fresh from the factory and lasts longer. Some bean bags use recycled polystyrene, but it doesn’t last as long.
Organic fillers like dried beans or rice are available, but they break down over time and may need to be replaced. Some bean bags use memory foam, which is very comfortable and lasts a long time, but it’s more expensive to produce.
The Zipper
Quality bean bags have zippers so you can refill or replace the stuffing. Because the filling can be a choking hazard, zippers are made tamperproof for children. In Australia, bean bag zippers must not have a pull tab, as required by law. Manufacturers also reinforce the zipper area with strong materials and double stitching, which adds to the cost.
Designer Finishes
Designer bean bags cost more because of the time and skill needed to create unique finishes. If you want a bean bag with special touches or a unique look, you’ll pay a premium for it—just like with designer clothing.
Protective Coatings
Quality bean bags often have coatings like polyurethane or PVC to protect against moisture, spills, mold, and UV light. These coatings add to the durability and price.
Manufacturing and Distribution Expenses
Manufacturers spend a lot of time improving their products, making bigger and better bean bags. Outdoor bean bags need to withstand sun and rain, which requires better materials and technology. Shipping bean bags is also expensive because they take up a lot of space. Labor costs for cutting, sewing, and stuffing also add up.
Limited Edition Beanbags
Sometimes, bean bags are more expensive because they’re limited edition. These are made in small numbers, often with special materials or designs. Limited edition bean bags are exclusive and sometimes even better value because of their quality.
How Much Do Bean Bags Cost?
Bean bags can cost as little as AUD$15 at department stores or up to USD$1,550 for a luxury model. The price reflects the design, materials, and quality. While they may seem expensive, they’re usually more affordable than traditional sofas and chairs.
For expert tips on choosing the right style, size, and material, check out our comprehensive Bean Bags Buying Guide.
Overall Quality
The quality of a bean bag also affects the price. Handmade bean bags or those made in advanced factories cost more but are usually worth it for the quality. Cheaper bean bags made in low-cost factories may not last as long.
Extra Costs
Other factors can affect the price, like warranties, advertising, and brand reputation. Cheap bean bags may only last a year, while the best bean bags can last five years or more. At Bean Bags R Us, we balance affordability and quality to give you the best value. Our bean bags are chosen for events worldwide because they’re tough and well-priced.