The great bean bags were immensely popular during the late 1960s and were usually made in the form of bean bag chairs. These pieces were a trendy addition to any household and it was rare not to see one sitting in a recreation room. As with any style, their interest waned in the mid-1970s only to return again by the mid-1990s. In the late 2000s, their popularity returned, but this time, these shapeless bags were being replaced by new exciting forms made with a variety of fabrics and sizes. Some of these fabrics were no longer limited to plastic materials but ranged from denim to micro-suede. These designer models are now being seen in trendy lofts, bars, and even some chic dining rooms.

These pieces of furniture are now generally made of fabric and filled with small pieces of PVC pellets or Styrofoam. Some companies began stuffing the chairs with shredded polyurethane and selling them at higher prices for this extra bit of comfort. The size of the beads that normally fill the huge bean bags varies from 3-9 mm, depending on the required comfort level and design. You can also find bags with micro-beads as small as 1 mm. After a couple of years of hard use, the “beans” within the bag will usually become compressed and hard. At this point,comfort will be reduced but can be easily remedied by purchasing refill bags to top them off. Bean bag furniture usually comes in four basic forms: teardrops, the popular sack, armchairs and cylindrical shapes. Many fun shapes also exist in the forms of soccer balls or baseballs and even animals.

Having bean bag furniture in your house is no longer something to be afraid of. These items have made a dramatic comeback as a fun lifestyle addition and accessory. In fact, bean bags in your home can be a sign that you are embracing the retro style and lighthearted attitude of that period.