What are bean bags made of? There are three main components to consider: the cover, filling, and liner. Each plays a crucial role in ensuring the durability and comfort of our bean bags. The cover is the outer layer of the bean bag, made from durable and easy-to-clean material. The filling is what gives our bean bags their cushy and comfortable feel, while the liner holds everything together and helps maintain the shape of the bean bag chair over time. Lets' explore each component in more detail and give you a closer look at what is inside bean bags.
Bean Bag Covers
Bean bags come in a variety of cover materials, each with its own set of characteristics. The choice of material can affect the comfort, durability, and overall aesthetics of the bean bag.
Our Choice: Microsuede
At Gigantic Bean Bags, We use microsuede (which is a type of microfiber) for our bean bag chair covers due to its soft and comfortable texture reminiscent of natural suede. Renowned for its durability, microsuede resists wear, scratches, and fading, making it a practical option for frequently used furniture.
Additionally, microsuede is more affordable than genuine suede, providing a similar aesthetic at a lower cost. With a diverse range of colors, hypoallergenic qualities, and machine-washability, microsuede emerges as our top choice for cover material.
Other Types of Covers
In case you're wondering, here are some other common cover materials used for other brands of bean bags:
Cotton
Cotton covers are soft, breathable, and comfortable. They are also relatively easy to clean. However, they may not be as durable as some other materials.
Polyester
Polyester is a durable and stain-resistant material. It is often used in bean bag covers because of its resistance to wrinkles and fading. It's also easy to clean. The downside is that most polyesters don't breathe very well.
Nylon
Nylon is another durable and easy-to-clean material. It is resistant to water, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it may not be as soft as cotton or other fabric options.
Faux Leather (Vinyl)
Faux leather or vinyl covers provide a sleek and modern look. They are easy to wipe clean, making them a practical choice for households with children or pets. However, they may not be as breathable as fabric options.
Linen
Linen covers offer a natural and textured appearance. They are breathable and can be comfortable, but they may be more prone to wrinkling than some other materials.
Canvas
Canvas covers are durable and often used in outdoor bean bags. They can withstand exposure to the elements and are resistant to fading, but are not as soft and comfortable as other materials.
Chenille
Chenille is a plush and velvety fabric that can provide a luxurious feel to bean bags. It is soft and comfortable but may require more care to prevent snagging.
Velvet
Velvet covers add a touch of luxury and elegance to bean bags. They are soft and plush, but they may require more maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Outdoor Fabrics
Some bean bags are designed for outdoor use and come with covers made from weather-resistant materials like polyester, nylon, or specially treated fabrics.
Bean Bag Filler
Bean bags can be filled with a variety of materials, each offering different levels of comfort, durability, and cost.
Our Choice of Filler: 100% Recycled, Furniture-Grade Shredded Polyurethane Foam
Shredded polyurethane foam is our choice for bean bags due to its adaptable nature, conforming to the user's body shape for a customized and comfortable seating experience. This filler is resilient, maintaining shape over time, and is easy to fluff and reshape. Its breathable nature prevents heat buildup, making it a durable and comfortable choice for extended use.
We use 100% recycled foam filling in all of our bean bags, combining environmental sustainability with practical comfort. This choice aligns with eco-friendly principles, emphasizing responsible production practices. Learn more about the filler we use.
Other Types of Filler
Here are some common bean bag filling materials used by other brands:
Polystyrene Beads
These are small, lightweight, and often the most common filling for bean bags. They provide a comfortable and supportive seat. However, over time, they may compress and lose their shape, requiring occasional refilling.
Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Beads
Similar to polystyrene beads, EPP beads are lightweight and provide adequate support. They are also more eco-friendly as they are recyclable and may be more durable than traditional polystyrene. They also, however, require refilling.
Memory Foam
Bean bags filled with memory foam provide a more luxurious and conforming seating experience. Memory foam retains its shape and molds to the body, offering excellent support and comfort. However, these bean bags can be heavier and more expensive.
Polyester Fiberfill
This is a soft and lightweight filling material. It provides a plush feel and is hypoallergenic. However, it may compress over time, requiring occasional fluffing.
Natural Fillers (e.g., Beans, Rice, Buckwheat)
Some bean bags use natural materials like dried beans, rice, or buckwheat hulls as fillings. While these options are eco-friendly, they may not provide as much support and can be less durable over time.
Air-Filled
Some inflatable bean bags use air as the filling, making them lightweight and easy to move around. However, they may not offer the same level of support as foam-filled bean bags.
Bean Bag Liner
The liner of a bean bag can be made from various materials, depending on the manufacturer's design and specifications.
Our Choice: 100% Cotton Liner
We use a 100% cotton liner all of our bean bags for several practical reasons. Firstly, it serves as a protective barrier for the bean bag filling, preventing it from escaping or clumping together. This containment makes it easier to maintain the shape and consistency of the bean bag chair over time.
Additionally, a cotton liner simplifies the cleaning process by providing a removable, washable layer that can be easily taken off and laundered. This helps keep the outer cover of the bean bag clean and extends the overall lifespan of the furniture.
Overall, the use of a 100% cotton liner enhances the functionality, cleanliness, and longevity of bean bags by providing a convenient and protective inner layer for the filler.
Other Liner Materials
Other common materials for bean bag liners include:
Cotton
Cotton is a natural and breathable fabric. Cotton liners are often used for their comfort and ease of washing.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking. Polyester liners are easy to care for and maintain.
Nylon
Nylon is a durable and lightweight material. Nylon liners are resistant to water, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Spandex or Lycra
These stretchy materials are sometimes used for liners to provide flexibility and conformability. They are also easy to clean.
Mesh Fabric
Mesh liners allow for better airflow, promoting breathability and preventing the accumulation of heat inside the bean bag.
Vinyl
Vinyl liners are water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. They provide an additional layer of protection against spills and stains.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene liners may be used for outdoor bean bags as they are resistant to water and other environmental elements.
Why Know What's Inside Bean Bags?
In conclusion, the contents of a bean bag play a crucial role in determining its comfort, durability, and overall user experience. Understanding what's inside a bean bag not only enhances our appreciation for its design but also allows us to make informed choices based on our preferences for comfort, sustainability, and longevity. Ultimately, the combination of thoughtful materials ensures that the bean bag remains a versatile and inviting piece of furniture in various settings.