The Best Bean Bag UK For Next-Level Comfort
Our top picks
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes some bean bags better than others, we'd like to just throw out a few recommendations. We consider each one to be the best in its category and they should give you a good idea of how different bean bags can be.
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Best Overall
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Best Outdoors
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Best Kids
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Best Size
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Best Gaming
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Best Budget
Best Overall: Charcoal Canvas Bean Bag Chair
At first glance, this bean bag chair might not seem all that impressive. However, for us, it's one of the best all-around bean bag chairs on the market!
Best Overall
First off, we have to complement the design. A lot of bean bags can look a bit childish and can stick out in your living room. But not this one! And not only is the canvas outer layer stylish but it's also very nice to the touch.
Plus, the chair is rather sturdy, meaning that you can laze about for hours without having back pain. And while it has the same filling as many bean bags, it still gets the job done.
But the reason we've crowned it as the absolute best bean bag is simply because we think it suits just about anyone. Whether it's for your kids, for you, your grandparets, or a friend – you can't really go wrong with this bean bag.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: Polyester canvas
- Filling: EPS
- Size: 90cm x 80cm x 70cm
Advantages
Slick design
The bean bag is a stylish addition to any living room.
Nice to the touch
The canvas material is very comfortable.
Good size
Not too bulky or too small.
Disadvantages
Not machine-washable
It has to be cleaned by hand.
Not the best filling
Some might prefer EPP or foam.
Best Outdoors: Bean Bag Chair & Lounger
Although this bean bag might seem a bit generic, it's just what you need in order to relax in your backyard.
Best Outdoors
This is mostly due to its incredible durability. Being both water and fire-resistant, you don't have to worry about any mishaps while napping in one of these chairs. Plus, it comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, so any dirt that does come your way is quickly dealt with.
And when you're buying an outdoor bean bag, this is quite the game changer. After all, it will be spending most of its time down on the dirt. Not to mention that if you have any pets, they'll likely take an interest as well.
It also comes in 10 different, vibrant colours and you can get a 5-year protection plan for a small additional fee. Easily one of the best picks if you want to play it safe.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: Polyester
- Filling: EPS
- Size: 120cm x 100cm x 100cm
Advantages
Multiple colours
The chair comes in 10 different colours.
Easy maintenance
The outer layer is machine-washable.
Durable
Flame and water-resistant fabric.
Disadvantages
A bit bland
Unfortunately, there are softer options on the market.
Not the best filling
Some might prefer EPP or foam.
Best Kids: Creative QT Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair
Sometimes, getting a kids' product means just getting a regular product that's smaller or features bright colours. And other times, the product is specifically made with children in mind. This is that other time!
Best Kids
That's because this bean bag chair also doubles as a place to store away your toys. In fact, children are encouraged to do so, as it gives the chair some loft! And is there anything better than a product that encourages and rewards your children for doing their chores?
Plus, the outer layer is made out of cotton (which is a very sought-after material) and the chair comes in many different fun designs. So, whether you want a floral design or even a bunch of dinosaurs, this bean bag is sure to get the job done.
And once the kids are done playing around, laying back on the soft cotton bag is sure to help them relax. By far and away the best children's bean bag chair we could find.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: Cotton
- Filling: N/A
- Size: 96.52 x 96.52 x 96.52 cm
Advantages
Good design
The chair doubles as a storage space.
Many options
The chair comes in many different patterns and colours.
High-quality
The chair features a cotton cover.
Disadvantages
Not for all toys
Plastic toys could lead to an uncomfortable chair.
No back support
This could be a problem after a few hours.
No fill included
You have to fill the chair with toys, towels, and pillows.
Best Size: Lounge Pug Mega Mammoth Giant Bean Bag Sofa
Although you can get a giant bean bag that's even bigger than this one, the Lounge Pug is still our favourite overall.
Best Size
That's because this large bean bag doesn't sacrifice any quality in order to get this big! It comes with a nice cord outer cover and you can even upgrade to velvet if you so chose.
So, if you don't mind paying a little extra, you can really feel like bean bag royalty on your trusty velvet throne! It also fits two people comfortably and can be adjusted for different sitting positions. That means you won't have to worry about being uncomfortable at any point.
So, it's just an overall great model! Add to that a sturdy design, with it being stain and fire-resistant, and a lightweight construction, despite the size, and you get a winner! The only real downside is that you don't get the footstool from the picture.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: Cotton
- Filling: EPS
- Size: 150 x 150 x 48 cm
Advantages
Spacious
Can fit two people.
High-quality
The outer layer is made from top-quality materials.
Adjustable
Can be adjusted for 3 different sitting positions.
Disadvantages
Doesn't come with a footstool or pillow
They can be purchased separately.
A bit pricey
More expensive than similar models.
Best Gaming: Game Over Classic Bean Bag
There are plenty of bean bags that are suitable for gaming. However, there aren't that many that were specifically made with gamers in mind!
Best Gaming
One look at Game Over's Classic Bean Bag immediately lets you know who their audience is. First off, it has side pockets where you can store your controller or snacks.
Plus, it has a dedicated hook where you can hang your headphones when you don't need them. So, already it has features that we haven't seen yet!
But that's not all. The bean bag is water-resistant and can be easily wiped down. And likely the most impressive feature β it has actual air vents.
This means that you can play for hours without breaking a sweat! And as a bonus, we just really like the design β it's simple but fits in nicely with most gamer-oriented products. So, if you or your kids are really into gaming, we can't imagine a more perfect bean bag than this one!
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: N/A
- Filling: EPS
- Size: 83 x 160 x 83 cm
Advantages
Perfect for gaming
You rarely see pockets and hooks on bean bags.
Excellent breathability
The bean bag comes with vents.
Good durability
The fabric is sturdy and water-resistant.
Disadvantages
Not ideal for naps
The bean bag is primarily made to be used as a chair.
Not for everyone
For non-gamers, the hook is more of a disadvantage.
Best Budget: MaxiBean Bean Bag Gamer Recliner
If you just want a high-quality bean bag chair without all the bells and whistles, MaxiBean has exactly what you're looking for!
Best Budget
On the surface, the MaxiBean bean bag chair doesn't stand out much. It has a polyester cover, an EPS filling, and the usual chair shape. However, its quality speaks for itself.
For one, the cover might be from polyester but it's also waterproof and rather durable. So, it could easily pass as an outdoor bean bag if needed.
Secondly, while the design is simple, it does come in 9 different colours. And the shape can be altered a bit by shaking up some of the filling. But most importantly, it's a lot cheaper than anything we've mentioned so far. So, the fact that it can even compete in terms of quality is truly worthy of some praise.
Therefore, if you're not so in love with bean bags that you'd spend more than 40 pounds, this is the perfect choice. Plus, it's an Amazon best-seller for a reason!
KEY FEATURES:
- Cover: Polyester
- Filling: EPS
- Size: 75 x 75 x 95 cm
Advantages
Good price-value ratio
For the price, this bean bag is top-tier quality.
Multiple colours
You can choose between 9 different designs.
Durable
The chair is surprisingly durable for the price.
Disadvantages
Little breathability
Polyester doesn't breathe too well.
Not ideal for naps
The chair is mainly just for sitting.
What to look for when buying the best bean bag UK
Now that you've seen our favourite bean bags, it's time to explain ourselves. Sure, some selling points might be obvious β like the price or the size. But others can be a bit more elusive. So, let's go over everything you need to consider when searching for the best bean bags on the market.
And hopefully by the end, you should be able to understand where we're coming from! But if not, feel free to ask us questions in the comment section and we'll be sure to answer before you know it!
The shape and size
One of the first things you have to decide when getting a bean bag chair is the shape and the size you'd like. They might seem inconsequential but they're actually quite important.
For one, you need to make sure that you have adequate room to fit the bean bag in the first place! After all, a big bean bag won't serve much purpose if it's squished between other furniture. On the other hand, the bigger the bean bag, the more people can use it at the same time. And if you have big kids, the size of the bag is also quite important. So, if you have the room, an oversized bean bag could be perfect for you.
The shape is a bit less important but it's still worth considering. For a lot of people, the classic bean bag design that looks like a dollop is the only one that comes to mind. But pyramid, square and even star bean bags are more common than you'd think! So, take this into account when measuring out how much room you have, or even make the shape fit your room's aesthetic.
The fill type
This is another factor that most people won't give too much thought to. However, you'd be surprised by how much variety there is when it comes to bean bag chairs. And depending on the fill type, the performance and feel of the bean bag chair can vary quite drastically. So, let's just go over the most common bean bag fillings.
EPS beads
This is the most common filling and is the one most bean bags will use. And this is due to a few factors. For one, it's very cheap to manufacture, meaning that it's the ideal choice for budget-oriented bean bags.
Secondly, it's surprisingly robust. While it can't bounce back as well as some other bean bags' fillings, they resist both moisture and heat rather well. Plus, they're mostly air, making it the best oversized bean bag material due to the low weight. That being said, we can't say that it's the most comfortable bean bag filling.
EPP beads
Although it's not nearly as popular as EPS beads (especially in the West), EPP beads make for a very attractive substitute. For one, they're a lot better at bouncing back to their original shape, meaning that your bean bag seats will stay in shape for much longer.
However, while they're more durable when it comes to weight in compression, they're a bit worse off when it comes to the elements. Both heat and oxygen can cause issues, meaning that it's not an ideal outdoor bean bag you can use to chill out next to a campfire. And even a small rip in the fabric can cause some damage to the filling.
Microbeads
The last of the bead fillings are microbeads. And this segment is more for educational purposes than anything else β as microbeads have been banned across the world and in the UK. Plus, even before the ban, they weren't the best filling.
This is because they couldn't be used for extra large bean bags and they could be a choking hazard if some of the beads fell out. And bean bag chairs offer comfort, not danger! So, be wary if you see a bean bag that somehow still has microbeads.
Compressed foam
Foam is the new kid on the block and it brings a completely different feeling to bean bags. And that's because there aren't any βbeansβ inside! However, we can't say that it's perfect.
For people who want to lie down and nap, the best bean bag chairs are those with foam. However, if you want a bit more support, it's a bit more iffy. For example, if you want a gaming bean bag, foam might not give you enough support through long gaming sessions.
And it might not be ideal for outdoor bean bags during hotter months as foam tends to trap a lot of heat. That being said, you can sometimes find bean bags where you can take out some of the foam in order to fine-tune it to your liking. And it's very comfortable. So, having foam in your bean bag chair is a double-edged sword. Also note that if it's high-density foam, it's going to feel more like a seat cushion than a soft pillow!
Buckwheat
Lastly, let's talk aboutΒ the only natural filling you can still findΒ (although it's not too common). WhenΒ choosing a pillow, you may run into buckwheat as an option and the selling points are very similar.
They're a bit rougher than the other fillings, which some people love and others hate. They're also natural, so, they're an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious buyers. And while they can be a bit hard to find, they're usually not too expensive.
The upholstery material
Although the filling arguably impacts the feeling of the bean bag chair the most, the upholstery material is a close second. After all, that's what you'll be in direct contact with and it dictates the durability of the bean bag chair to a significant degree.
However, there are also a lot more options when it comes to the upholstery material. So, instead of listing each one individually, we'll give our two cents on which materials best accomplish a certain task.
Breathability
If you want a bean bag chair that you can sit in all day, breathability is key. And this goes double if it's a larger model that multiple people can use at the same time. In terms of breathability, cotton and wool are our favourites overall as they don't tend to trap heat.
However, synthetic materials such as polyester or chenille are generally cooler to the touch. So, which one you go for does depend on what you value more.
Comfort
Of course, comfort is completely subjective. However, we believe that getting a plush velvet or velour bean bag is going to be a bit more comfortable than a regular polyester model. That being said, the upholstery only dictates how comfortable the bean bag is to the touch, the rest is up to the filling.
Design
Lastly, bean bags can vary significantly when it comes to their aesthetic. You can go for a faux fur cover for the living room or an acrylic cover for a kids bean bag or for the guest room. So, don't think that you have to default to the traditional, monochrome, synthetic model.
The brand
While people tend to take note of the brand only when it comes to high-ticket items such as cars or computers, they are always worth considering. And that's because certain brands specialise in certain kinds of bean bags.
For example, if you want the largest bean bag for indoor/outdoor use, FatBoy bean bags are among the best. And since they mostly specialise in bean bags, there's a lot of variety!
On the other hand, certain bean bags can be rather difficult to get if the brand has gone out of business. For example, getting an Ayra bean bag chair used to be among the best options but now they can be rather difficult to find. And that in turn can impact the price or even how new the bean bag is.
Tips for buying and using the best bean bag UK
If the entire previous section seemed a bit overwhelming, don't worry, it's not that complicated. If you want to get the best bean bag on the UK market, here's how we suggest you go about your shopping.
- What do you need the bean bag for? If you just want an added seat in your bedroom, a classic budget bean bag will do just fine. But if you want your kids to have a place to laze around in the garden, getting a big outdoor bean bag is a lot better
- Determine your budget. Bean bags can be surprisingly expensive if you want the best of the best. So, set a budget and filter out any bean bags that go over β you don't want to be tempted.
- Consider your room. Bean bags come in all shapes, colours, and designs. So, take the rest of your room into account and try to gauge how to best complement the aesthetic you've already established.
- Play it safe. Generally, getting a slightly more expensive bean bag from a reputable brand is a lot better than getting a sketchy cheap model. This is because brands often offer refills you can buy and tougher outer layers. So, it's actually cheaper in the long run.
The advantages of owning the best bean bag UK
Bean bags might seem rather niche overall. Maybe you think they're only for university students who don't want to get βrealβ chairs. However, bean bags are actually quite versatile and quite useful. In fact, we'd even say that there are some things that only a good bean bag chair can do!
So, we urge you not to disregard them from the getgo. Here are just a few benefits of owning the best bean bags in the UK.
- They're easy to move. Considering the volume of most bean bags, they're incredibly light. In fact, carrying a bean bag that can fit two people is a lot easier than carrying two separate chairs.
- They're comfortable. It's important to note that bean bags are like the middle ground between chairs and pillows. And we'd say you're getting the best of both worlds. They're firm enough to offer support but also a lot more comfortable than a wooden or metal chair.
- They have a unique aesthetic. While a bean bag chair won't be the focal point of your bedroom, it can add to the overall aesthetic significantly. That's because there's a lot more variety in terms of colours, shapes, and materials than with regular chairs.
Conclusion
Overall, bean bags can be rather comfortable and fun. Sure, not every bean bag will be able to compare to a chair or a mattress, but it you get the best bean bag UK has to offer – it might be a tougher call!
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FAQs about the best bean bag UK
Now that we've covered everything you need to know, let's get into a few specific questions you might still have.
What are bean bags filled with?
The most common filling you'll find is EPS beads.
How much to bean bags cost?
Like with any product, this heavily depends on the quality, materials, and size. Typically, cheap models are around 20 pounds, while more expensive ones can be over 100.
Do bean bags go flat?
With EPS beads being the most common filling, your bean bag is bound to lose some of its perkiness over time. However, it usually takes multiple years for this to become a problem.
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