What to Look for in a Bean Bag Chair

Bean bag chairs are generally not sold in retail stores, at least not the really good quality ones. For the most part, if you want to buy a bean bag chair you have to shop online and purchase sight unseen. This is a scary prospect as you are spending a fair amount of money on an untested product at an unknown website. Returns are a hassle and can be quite expensive.

So before making a purchase ask yourself the following questions to ensure you end up with a bean bag chair that is going to work for you and your family.

• Does the bean bag chair come with a warranty?
  Does the manufacturer stand behind the quality of the bean bag chair? There are bean bags on the market with no warranties, 30 day, 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and lifetime warranties. The warranty should be clearly stated and you should be able to easily contact the company if necessary.


• Does the bean bag chair come with a removable, washable cover?
  Further to that, can you actually get the cover off the bean bag? If you have a removable cover but cannot get it off the chair it doesn’t do you a lot of good. Not being able to remove the cover limits the life of your chair. Even with spot cleaning the cover will only stay clean for so long. Eventually you will want to wash the cover and if you cannot remove it, you will likely want to get rid of the chair, with the end result of you wasting your money.


• What is the bean bag chair filled with?
  Polystyrene bead fill is great as they make the chair light and easy to move around; however, they break down over time and you have to refill your bean bag. This can be quite costly and it is not always easy to find polystyrene beads in Canada at a good price. Polyurethane foam fill is great because it is super soft and comfy and it never breaks down so your bean bag never needs to be refilled. It is heavier though which can make moving the chair around more difficult. Look for eco foam fill that is non-carcinogenic and safe for home use.


• Is the bean bag chair constructed of high quality materials?
  Check out the quality of the materials that the bean bag is made from. Request swatch samples; make sure that you are satisfied with the durability of the fabric. Upholstery or furniture grade fabrics that are stain resistant are the best because they are going to stand the test of time and they are soft and supple. They are more likely to stand up to wear and tear and to look nice in your home for many years. Avoid cheaper fabrics that may tear or stain easily.


• Is the bean bag big enough?
  Choosing the right sized chair can be a challenge, especially as the dimensions are often given in a range of units. If you only have circumference to go by, phone or email the company and get length, width and height. Circumference is not a useful measurement for determining if the bean bag chair is going to work for you. The biggest factor when determining size is the person’s height (and weight). The taller you are the bigger bean bag you need to get the most support and comfortable seating position. This is true for kids as well – age is not always a good determining factor for choosing a bean bag. Measure your space and then use chalk to mark out the space the chair will occupy in the room. Having a bean bag is great unless it is too big or too small for you or the space.


• Is the bean bag comfortable?
  The most important thing in the end is that you like sitting and lounging in your bean bag chair. Look at the size and shape of the bean bag and try to match one to how you want to use it. If you like gaming, you want a chair that will support a more upright seating position. If you like to snuggle and watch movies, you want a bean bag chair or lounger that will support your whole body. Also, check your living space ahead of time and ensure that the chair you buy will fit the space you have. The way you want to use the chair really determines which chair is the best for you.


• Is the Bean Bag Chair Safe for Your Home?
  What is the bean bag made up of? What is it filled with? Does the manufacturer comply with California Technical Bulletin 117? Is the fill carcinogenic and will it off gas chemicals into your home? Does it have a child-safe zipper? These are important considerations when purchasing any furniture for your home. Find a safe bean bag from a manufacturer that cares about your health and the environment.


• Does the company you are buying it from respond to your queries?
  If you are unsure about what you are buying, phone or email the company. They should respond in a timely manner. Ask questions; be sure about what you are ordering. When buying online, mistake can be expensive. Take the time to be sure before you place your order and you are more likely to end up with a bean bag that will fit into your home for many years.