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Bean bags are becoming increasingly popular as a furniture option – and no wonder. They have come a long way since their conception in the 1970s when they were largely uncomfortable and poorly made, making them likely to split. When more minimalist interiors became fashionable in the 1980s, bean bags quickly fell out of favour. Since the late 1990s with the advent of gaming bean bags have seen a return to popularity that coincided with manufacturers redesigning bean bag shapes and finding new techniques for fabrication.

Now many people enjoy bean bags as part of their everyday furniture thanks to modern, well-made, versatile designs. There are bean bags suitable for outdoor use, making them great for summer parties or barbecues, bean bags in stylish faux leather or faux suede, bean bags with 100% cotton washable covers and bean bags with iconic, unique designs. Bean bags now come in a variety of shapes and sizes, suiting everyone from babies to the elderly. They are more comfortable, sturdier and no longer cause neck and back problems like older versions.

The process of creating the perfect bean bag starts with a good, ergonomic design. Rather than attempting a ‘one size fits all’ approach to bean bag production, a good bean bag manufacturer recognises that they need to provide a range of shapes and sizes to cater for everyone’s needs. The gaming chair and teardrop bean bags offer excellent back and neck support, which make them great for sitting for long periods for gaming, studying or relaxing. The Bazaar Bag gives the user 4-in-1 versatility for sitting or lounging. Adult and child bean bags in sizes to suit every height mean that no one should be sitting uncomfortably risking a poor posture. For occasional seating or for using as footstools a range of smaller pods, cubes and ottomans complete the range.

A good design is nothing without the right manufacturing techniques. Quality bean bags are built to last with double stitching, overlocked stitching on seams, insert bags to hold the beans and double zips for extra security. This makes them safer for small children to use, tough, durable and less likely to split. Some bean bags, such as gaming chairs that require more structure for that all-important back and neck support, have piping around the seams and panelling in the design.

The fabrics used in constructing bean bags are important from an aesthetic point of view, but can also make a difference to the durability of the bag, depending on the intended use. An indoor/outdoor bean bag is made from 100% polyester, making it tough and water resistant. Any accidental spills can be quickly and easily mopped up. Other hardwearing fabrics used in bean bag construction include SoftWeave canvas and BarkWeave, both 100% polyester fabrics. The 100% cotton removable covers used on children’s bean bags and the Bambeano baby bean bag can be easily freshened up in the washing machine on a cool cycle. Faux leather – PVC embossed with leather grain – and faux suede – made from 100% polyester with the feel of real suede – are great to choose for adding a comfortable yet luxurious look to an interiors space. They are also lower cost and a lot easier to look after than the real thing. Other fabrics can include chenille and faux fur.

When it comes to colours and designs the sky is the limit as far as bean bags are concerned. Available in a range of colours to suit any room, from classy black to bold orange or turquoise, bean bags can blend in with their surroundings or add a splash of accent colour to a decorating scheme. And if making a statement is the order of the day then why not try leopard print, cool Britannia flags or a New York City nightscape? Children can choose from a range of appealing colours and designs too, everything from animal shapes to images of pirates, cars, robots and shopping, so that they too can express their individuality.

A bean bag wouldn’t be a bean bag without its beans! Bean bags contain a fire retardant EPS (expandable polystyrene) virgin bead filling to give long-lasting comfort and shape. Over time most bean bags need a top-up to retain their structure and comfort, and refills are cheaply and easily available from the manufacturer.

From the design stages through to the final product, the manufacturing process to make the perfect bean bag needs to be quality controlled ensuring that a superior product is received by the customer. With careful production and good after sales service the customer should be more than satisfied with their bean bag purchase.

Helen McGonigal is a married mum of three and experienced freelance writer who writes children’s fiction, poetry, flash fiction and articles on a range of subjects. She particularly enjoys writing about parenting and anything kitchen and home-related, all subjects close to her heart. Helen worked for several years for one of the UKs most-awarded independent homewares retailers.