Bean bag chairs have certainly come a long way from the “throwaway dorm furniture” category they once inhabited. These days, decades after they first made their debut in the late 1960s, these cozy seats that can be planted anywhere are increasingly available with lush fabrics, memory foam interiors and even washable, removable covers—so it’s no surprise they’re more coveted than ever. After spending one month testing the best bean bag chairs on the market, I determined the Lovesac MovieSac to be my overall top choice; it’s filled with ultra-supportive, squishy memory foam and is undoubtedly the most premium option available in 2023. But if you’ve got kids or pets, consider one of my other winners—the Floyd Squishy Chair, instead—it’s by far the most durable bean bag chair on the market.
The best bean bag chairs are perfect for lounging, gaming and binge watching. Here are our favorite ... [+] picks of 2023. Gaming Chair Kids
For many families, bean bag chairs strike the perfect balance: They’re somewhere in between an overly-rigid reading chair and a too-soft cushion, and the more sophisticated, modern designs on the market will appeal to kids and adults alike. These particular chairs—the ones I designated as winners—are even more appealing. Ahead, learn more about why.
The following is a list of all of the winners from my testing process:
Fill type: Shredded foam | Cover material: 12 choices, including velvet and microsuede | Colors: 140+ options | Dimensions: 36 x 39 x 72 inches
Forget what you think you know about bean bag chairs. Lovesac has taken the OG, no-frills prototype and turned it into a fluffier, more chic version that you’d be hard-pressed to want to get up from—and it was certainly the best chair I tested. Prospective buyers should first note that the inside of any Lovesac chair is filled with shredded foam, which offers a similar texture to the filling of many popular memory foam pillows. Though its squish level is unparalleled, there’s also room for air to circulate through the foam pieces—and that’s a good thing, because memory foam has a tendency to hold in heat. The covers of the Lovesac are also highly customizable and available in a wide range of fabrics, including faux fur, velvet, chenille, denim, jacquard, linen, microsuede and more (this print, shown above, is velvet and retails for more than their basic fabrics.) Keep in mind that certain fabrics take longer to ship, but Lovesac does conveniently offer ready-to-ship options that turn up at your door more quickly.
The Sac arrived at my doorstep compressed into a smaller plastic bag and box. Fluffing the shredded foam and getting the cover on was a bit cumbersome, but it didn’t take more than 15 minutes. I specifically chose to test the MovieSac—which can comfortably accommodate two people—and I opted for a sophisticated-looking faux fur cover. Note, though, that Lovesac also offers the CitySac (ideal for one person), the PillowSac (a square-shaped, two-person chair), the SuperSac (ideal for three people) and the BigOne (believe it or not, that one’s ideal for an entire family of four). Naturally, chairs that provide enough seating for multiple people will take up a greater amount of space in your home, so if you’re looking for a smaller or less intrusive piece of furniture, stick to the versions made for one or two people.
So, what did I think of the MovieSac? For starters, I loved the expansive width—it made cuddling up with my French bulldog so much easier, and the faux fur was incredibly soft to the touch. Compared to the other bean bags I tested, the LoveSac was also the easiest to get in and out of, which is a major plus for those with limited mobility or anyone who just doesn’t want to struggle getting up from a bean bag chair. While some of the chairs I tested were similarly comfortable, to be sure, Lovesac stood out for precisely that reason. Of course, it’s not all about getting out of the chair: Plopping down into the Sac was an instant relief sort of feeling, and it was the perfect size and shape for curling up for a nap or a bit of TV. When it eventually came time to wash the cover, I followed the manufacturer instructions (you’ll need to make sure you’re looking at the correct instructions for your particular fabric choice). I found that the cover zipped off easily, and it was a cinch to pop in the washing machine. And finally, a tip for the savviest buyers out there: If you do end up needing an entirely new cover or filling insert down the line (or if you simply want to change up the look of your Lovesac), you can purchase a cover or new filling insert separately.
I wasn't the only one who gave the MovieSac chair my stamp of approval.
Fill type: Expanded polystyrene beads | Cover material: Cotton-spandex blend | Colors: 17 options | Dimensions: 72 x 24 x 24 inches
Dispel the notion that bean bag chairs have to look or feel a certain way, because Yogibo Max has gone ahead and broken the mold—and perfected this category of chair in the process. While I didn’t choose this chair as my overall best winner due to its larger size, which isn’t ideal for all living spaces, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who does have the space. For starters, setup couldn’t be simpler: Yogibo Max comes as is, so the only cumbersome aspect is breaking down the large cardboard box. The outer cover is made from a soft, stretchy blend of cotton and spandex, which not only allows the beads to move freely and conform to your body, but also offers breathability, ultimately preventing the chair from overheating. Inside, the chair is filled to the brim with expanded polystyrene beads, which glide smoothly against one another as you shift and settle into the bean bag.
My one qualm with this chair: It’s slightly difficult to make your way in and out of it. I found myself wriggling and rolling out of it, core fully engaged, instead of simply being able to stand up. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone with limited mobility. (I should note that after some trial and error, I determined that the best way to plop onto the chair is to straddle it and fall backward.)
Now back to the size of this giant chair. You can certainly stretch out and keep it all to yourself, either propped up as a chair or long like a chaise, but it’s also ideal for accommodating groups of people—up to four, in fact. And when propped up against a couch for back support, it’s just about the coziest way to maximize floor seating space. The long profile also makes it a great guest bed in a pinch; all you need is a blanket and pillow to complete the cozy setup. I also appreciated that this chair weighs only 18 pounds, meaning it can easily be stashed in a closet, garage or office. You could even stand it upright and place it in the corner of a room when not in use.
Finally, discerning buyers will appreciate that this chair comes in 17 different colors. All of the covers are washable and interchangeable, so if your Yogibo needs some TLC, you can simply toss it in the washing machine. Refill beads are also available.
Fill type: Shredded foam | Cover material: Recycled post-consumer polyester | Colors: 4 options | Dimensions: 42 x 46 x 38 inches
The aptly named Floyd Squishy Chair is a must-have for pet owners and parents alike. Its outer cover is made from recycled polyester, marine plastic and post-consumer plastic bottles, making it a highly durable and fully machine-washable option. If your housemates have a tendency to spill, scratch or pounce, this is the chair for you—and my tests proved as much.
Floyd’s model takes cues from the iconic Sacco chair, one of the very first examples of a true bean bag chair. Introduced in 1968 by three Italian designers, the Sacco, too, boasted an oblong shape—but Floyd’s design picks up where its predecessor left off. Unlike the original, it’s filled with shredded foam offcuts from the couch and mattress production process rather than the less environmentally friendly expanded polystyrene beads. This unique inner filling comes compressed in a small box, so users will need to assemble the chair and fluff it up before zipping the cover on. It’s not too difficult of a task.
Of course, for all that durability, you might not be surprised to learn that this chair is certainly not the softest of the bunch. Though I noticed it warmed up considerably after I sat in it for an extended period, it’s still not going to appeal to anyone who’s really looking for an ultra-soft, fluffy experience. Still, the subtle added firmness here did have many pros: One of my favorite aspects of the chair is that it’s designed with back and neck support in mind. That teardrop shape is remarkably helpful when it comes to cradling your lower body, and my neck and head felt nicely supported. For that reason, it felt to me like the ideal compromise between a more structured, traditional armchair and some of the looser bead-filled chairs I tested. (And, again, you simply can’t beat this model’s durability.)
Floyd recommends washing the cover in the machine in a regular cool cycle, then laying the cover flat to dry—I was careful to heed their advice not to put the covers in the dryer. While there are currently no replacement covers available for purchase (nor extra filling), you could always order some from another retailer and add it to the existing foam here—assuming you wanted to fill the chair up to the brim. The more likely scenario, though, is that your chair will serve you well for years without the need for any sort of replacement cover or fixer filling. It’s just that durable.
Fill type: Expanded polystyrene beads | Cover material: Polyester | Colors: 6 options | Dimensions: 61 x 47 inches
There’s no two ways about it: The classics are classics for a reason. While my top pick, the Lovesac, has an elevated feel and upgraded look, the Fatboy Original Slim Teddy Bean Bag is constructed somewhat similarly to more old-school bean bags (save for its shape). Filled with expanded polystyrene beads that, much like sand at the beach, can be shaped and molded by hand, the chair certainly feels the part. My testing process showed it to be a solid, just-right option with just enough flair and aesthetic appeal. That said, it’s almost like an oversized bean bag in that it eschews the traditional rounded design in favor of a rectangular shape. The Teddy’s material is exceedingly soft and made to resist pilling (a bonus for long-term use), and it comes in six colors, ranging from a neutral beige to a vibrant cobalt blue. If you’re not set on the Teddy fabric, though, the same style of bean bag chair is available in stain-resistant nylon, soft cotton, outdoor-friendly olefin and luxurious velvet.
Conveniently, this chair ships to your door fully intact—in other words, no setup is required (that might seem like a given, but most of the foam-filled bags I tried did require some assembly). It’s certainly not as cushy as some of the other chairs I tested, nor does it offer as generous a give when you sink into it. But for those who prefer more support, this brand is one to consider. I found that I could position it different ways depending on how I wanted to use it: I perched atop it like a meditation cushion at times; at other times, I shaped it into a lounge chair with a lower back. Like a traditional bean bag chair, it can be instantly shaken back to neutral from whatever position you’ve chosen, so you don’t have to worry about indentations from repeated lounging or lumps from clumped stuffing. Because of its lower profile and lightweight beads, the chair is also easy to stash away, should you want to keep one or two on hand for movie nights or kids’ sleepovers and not leave them out in the open 24/7.
For me, cleaning was a cinch, but you should note that Fatboy does not recommend machine-washing; the cover cannot be separately removed. That could be a problem for bigger spills and messes. Instead, the chair is spot-clean friendly (soap, water and a cloth get the job done). The good news: If your chair does happen to rip or wear through completely, Fatboy sells a bean bag repair kit in multiple nylon colorways. And if the beans themselves need a boost or end up spilling out, you can purchase bags of replacement beans in various quantities direct from the manufacturer.
To test comfort and support, I relaxed on each chair for at least an hour at a time, doing things I would normally reserve for the couch: working on my laptop, lounging with the dog, watching TV and scrolling through social media. I made note of which chairs I fidgeted the most in as I worked to get comfortable, which ones I didn’t want to leave and how easy or difficult it was to get in and out of each bean bag chair. I paid close attention to how the respective filling materials of each chair held up to prolonged lounging (Did they compress when I sat in them? Did they maintain their shape?), and if they released any odors. I also took note of whether said filling made any substantial noise while I moved around on the chair.
Next, I took aesthetics into account. Some chairs blended more easily into my space; those that were not as great-looking typically made up for that fact with an excellent comfort level. Still, it was important to take all of the above into account. I also rated each cover material, taking notes on how the exterior of each chair felt against my clothing and skin as I used the chairs for longer periods of time. (The faux fur options I tried, for example, were soft to the touch and felt delightfully luxurious, but they did tend to get hot as time elapsed.) Additionally, I paid close attention to how simple it was to open and assemble each chair—some came already put together but others required a fair amount of assembly, fluffing and zipping.
Finally, I ran each washable chair’s zip-off covers through a standard washing machine cycle, noting each manufacturer’s specific directions carefully. With those models that weren’t washable, I looked to the manufacturer’s instructions for advice on how to spot-clean; I simply used a damp towel, soap and water, then checked for residue and any more-than-temporary water marks.
There are so many factors that make up a truly great bean bag chair, from the look and shape of each model to its ultimate feel. Ahead, I’ve compiled a list of what to consider when shopping for the best bean bag chairs on the market.
According to Nicole Crowder, a furniture designer and upholsterer I consulted for this review, a bean bag chair’s overall comfort is going to depend on two things: your own preferences and the filling material. So before deciding on a bean bag chair, think about what you want from it. If you’re looking for something to curl up in during a nap, you’ll want to choose a chair that conforms to your body and provides just enough support—ideally a chair made with expanded polystyrene beads or memory foam. If, instead, the purpose of the chair is just to help you sit cross-legged on the floor (say, for a round of meditation or extra seating for guests and kids), a sturdier, more traditional bean bag chair might fit the bill. Alternatively, you could look into a bean bag that mimics a chair, like my pick from Floyd.
Bean bag chairs can be covered with materials that are just as cozy and chic as any regular piece of upholstered furniture. When looking for specific cover materials, Crowder recommends opting for one of the following: 100% cotton for durability, linen for its unique ability to stay cool, velvet for homes with pets that like to scratch, bouclé for some added texture or suede as an unexpectedly luxurious option. Materials she wouldn’t necessarily recommend for a bean bag chair include tweed and twill, as they can get itchy. Stretch jersey fabric earned her disapproval as well: It can get quite hot, as can faux fur.
Next, take the filling into account. Despite what the name suggests, the bean bag chairs aren’t always filled with plastic beans anymore; in fact, the two most popular fill materials currently on the market are expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and shredded foam. EPS beads provide a more classic bean bag experience; they shift and scrunch around your body when you sit, providing excellent support. They’re also softer and lighter than plastic beads. Shredded foam, meanwhile, is extremely cushy with a slight bounce. If that cloud-like sinking feeling is what you’re after, it’s a great choice.
For those with pets, kids or just a tendency to be rough on their furniture, I’d recommend looking for a bean bag chair that has a removable and machine-washable cover. Bean bag chairs on the more inexpensive end tend not to feature these sorts of removable covers, so it’s certainly worth considering investing in a higher quality chair if you think the chair is likely to undergo any damage or spillage. You’ll also want to check if the company sells replacement covers and filling. Should you want to change up the look, give the chair a makeover or simply add more fluff down the line, you’ll have that option.
I’ve thoroughly tested and researched a variety of products for shopping guides and reviews during my 5-year journalism career. The list includes dishwasher detergents, bedsheets, mattresses, spray cleaners, brooms and more. I’ve written reviews and shopping content for brands such as The Strategist, Domino, Insider Reviews and Real Simple.
For this piece, I spent approximately one month testing the most popular and highly rated bean bag chairs, taking detailed notes about the setup, comfort and durability of each one. I also spoke to Nicole Crowder, a furniture designer and upholsterer, and Eloisa Lewis, a climate scientist and founder of the think tank New Climate Culture. This story was last updated in October 2023.
Bean bag chairs are, of course, less structured than a typical armchair or love seat, so they may present a unique styling challenge in homes that value aesthetics. Furniture designer and upholsterer Nicole Crowder suggests integrating a bean bag into a room like any other piece of upholstered furniture, and thinks they’d work particularly well in a reading nook or dedicated wellness zone. “Add some throw pillows, then style it with a rug, a lamp and some plants,” she says, and “maybe even have them circle a coffee table like a conversation pit.” Keep your style in mind while shopping, too. For example, if you’re drawn to midcentury design, choose a bean bag chair that mimics the silhouettes of that era, and stick to muted natural hues.
It’s best to protect your investment before any spills have time to set into stains. Crowder recommends treating most upholstery with Scotchgard as soon as you bring a piece home, and especially if it’s a popular seat in the house. You’ll also want to choose a location in your home that’s not in direct sunlight, as many fabrics are subject to fading over time. “To avoid indentations,” Crowder says, “turn it over after every sit, shake out all the particles and make sure it’s not always compressed.” This is also a good time to give your bean bag a quick vacuum, then spot-clean with a damp rag. If your bean bag has a removable cover, give it a deep clean in the washing machine every month or so, following the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent fading or shrinking. When it comes to repairing damage, Crowder points out that “handling it before it gets too far gone is always the best choice,” and advocates for frequent checking for nicks, frays and rips.
When shopping for any furniture, you’ll want to weigh what’s most important to you in the manufacturing process, as well as what materials are used. If you’re concerned about the sustainability aspect of owning a bean bag chair, climate scientist and think tank founder Eloisa Lewis would encourage you to “be a detective” by breaking down every material that goes into a piece: Is it made with finite, fossil fuel–based materials like plastic or polyester, or renewable textiles like rubber, latex, cotton or linen?
Lewis points out that certifications in the United States are a dime a dozen, and instead of taking a company at face value, you can reach out to their customer service to ask about their sustainability initiatives. Look for organic materials that are farmed sustainably and locally, as these practices enrich the ecosystem by replenishing groundwater, supporting biodiversity and creating healthy probiotic soil. There’s something to be said for made-to-order furniture, too, she says, since they’re not overproduced and tossed in a landfill if they don’t sell. However, petroleum-based materials (even if they’re redirected from the landfill initially through recycling and reusing) will still eventually end up in a landfill, so investing in nontoxic and sustainable products is always the best route.
In lieu of expanded polystyrene beads, Crowder recommends filling a bean bag cover with buckwheat hulls, which she uses for making meditation pillows. They can get heavy, she says, but they hold their shape well, keep your body temperature cool and are widely available at an array of suppliers.
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I'm an Oakland-based technology reporter and Senior Writer at Forbes. Contact me at semerson@forbes.com or securely on Signal at 510-473-8820.
I'm an Oakland-based technology reporter and Senior Writer at Forbes. Contact me at semerson@forbes.com or securely on Signal at 510-473-8820.
I'm a Forbes technology reporter and senior writer based in San Francisco. Send me tips at rnieva@forbes.com or richardnieva@protonmail.com.
I am a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, relationships, home, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Health, Yahoo Life, and more. I have a master’s degree from American University, live by the beach, and hope to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
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I’m a writer, editor, and fashion/beauty/pop culture enthusiast living in New York City. If I’m not in the middle of a Law & Order: SVU marathon, then I’m probably walking my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dexter, shopping, or searching for the best cacio e pepe that the city has to offer. I previously served as Features Editor at InStyle and my writing has appeared in Elle, Refinery29, Vice, and more. I’m always up to discuss celebrity memoirs, emo bands of the early aughts, and the weekly Sakara Life menu; follow me at @samanthajsimon.
I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on my website.
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Gaming Chair Kids I am a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, relationships, home, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Health, Yahoo Life, and more. I have a master’s degree from American University, live by the beach, and hope to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.