Looking to buy bean bags for your home? You might have seen them before in an airport lounge (before the lockdowns), in offices, or at public cafes. Bean bags make great seating options for homes as well, especially if you have a smaller room space.
Unlike any traditional chair or sofa, bean bags are designed to contour around you, following the shape of your body. That’s why you can easily switch between postures and still find yourself lying comfortably in one.
More importantly, bean bags are convenient because they can be easily moved around. Bored with your current work-from-home setup? Simply carry the bean bag into another room, drop it wherever you want, and start working comfortably!
But what should you consider when buying a bean bag? Are bean bags good for your back? Will they shrink in size? How long do they last?
In this post, we’ll discuss these questions and share our recommendations for some of the best value-for-money bean bags you can buy in Malaysia.
What’s Inside a Bean Bag?
Bean bags are typically filled with a range of materials—from expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads to microbeads, foam fillings, and memory foams. The most common filling used is EPS beads, which are made of 98% air, making them super lightweight and the main component of a regular bean bag.
Take note that EPS beads are toxic and non-biodegradable, so never inhale them—especially if you have kids or pets at home. But don’t worry, as bean bags are usually double-stitched, the chances of the beads leaking out are very small.
What if You Want to Refill the Bean Bag?
And will you ever need to do that? In short, yes. Just like most cushions, bean bags will go flat over time if you use them a lot. The good news is that refilling them is quite easy. Here are a few simple steps to refill a bean bag:
- Step 1 – Insert a paperclip or pin into the loop at the zipper head.
- Step 2 – Use the clip sideways; lift it to release the safety trigger, then slide the zipper open. Step 3 – Pour the filling into the bean bag.
- Step 4 – Once filled, zip it up.
- Step 5 – Shake the bean bag to ensure all corners are evenly filled.
What About the Bean Bag Cover?
If you can replace the insides of a bean bag, can you also replace the cover? Generally, we don’t recommend replacing the cover entirely because it can be too troublesome and not cost-efficient—it’s simply best to get a new one!
How to Choose a Bean Bag for Home
First, consider where you want to put your bean bag. If you’re living in a condominium with limited space and need an extra seating option, then a standard-size bean bag is probably the most flexible solution.
If you’re staying in a terrace house with more space, consider a bean bag that’s more resistant to wear and tear because you’ll most likely be moving it between rooms. And if you’re thinking of getting one for your kid’s bedroom or your home office, a standard-size bean bag is a good choice. They can even add a casual seating option in your kitchen area during quick meals.
The various bean bag sizes: Here are some common bean bag sizes based on circumference:
- Circumference 300cm: suitable for kids around 130cm tall.
- Circumference 350cm: suitable for teens or adults around 160cm tall.
- Circumference 400cm: suitable for adults around 180cm tall.
- Oversized bean bags: suitable for any height and multiple users.
Types of Bean Bag Covers
Now that you have a clearer idea of sizes, let’s look at the cover materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl is probably the most common cover material—cheap, versatile, and easy to maintain.
Vinyl covers come in a range of colors and designs, but one thing to note is that they trap heat easily. They’ll get hot and sticky if you’re sitting on them in a warm area, especially in our hot Malaysian weather.
So unless you plan on placing the bean bag in a cold air-conditioned room, you might want to choose another type of cover.
Cotton
Bean bags made from cotton are more comfortable because the material is breathable.
However, cotton bean bags can be easily stained if you spill water or food, and they take longer to dry—probably not the best choice for your kid’s bedroom. Leather is a stylish material choice that fits perfectly into a modern home setting.
Leather
If you’re aiming for a minimalistic yet premium feel, then a leather bean bag is your best choice. It is very durable and can last long even with excessive wear and tear, although it is relatively more expensive compared to other materials.
Pros & Cons of Bean Bags
Believe it or not, bean bags rose to popularity in Italy during the 1960s. In recent years, they’ve become even more widespread as offices started using them to create a more comfortable working environment. However, bean bags are not without drawbacks.
The Good About Bean Bags
They are super comfortable—soft, squishy, and able to mold themselves into any shape depending on how you sit. Whether you’re sitting upright or lying on your back, you’re sure to feel relaxed. They are affordable—if you’re on a tight budget, bean bags are an economical choice compared to armchairs or couches.
Plus, bean bag designs are generally fun and stylish, so you don’t need to worry about compromising your home design. They are light and compact; you can easily move them around, even from one corridor to another, or take them outdoors when you feel like a change of scenery.
The Bad About Bean Bags
They aren’t as durable as regular sofas—they can go flat over time and may not last more than a decade. Also, disposing of them can be tricky because the fillings are non-biodegradable and toxic to the environment; it’s best to bring them to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Are bean bags good for your back? One of the biggest questions we receive is whether bean bags are good for your back over time. Although there’s no concrete evidence that they’re specifically beneficial, in general they provide enough support and help with proper alignment if used correctly.
However, if you experience any back pain while using a bean bag, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
On another note, using a bean bag at home promotes movement—you’re not restricted to one sitting posture, making them a good alternative for keeping active during sedentary tasks.
HOMA Picks – Top 5 Bean Bags in Malaysia
Now for the top bean bag choices (and their prices):
1- Homey Beanbag Green – RM99
One of our best sellers, this classic bean bag comes in various color choices so you can find one that fits well into your home.
2- Skyterra Apple 3.5 Bean Bag – RM160
Shaped like an apple, the Skyterra Apple bean bag is designed to contour around your lower back to help you relax. You’ll want to jump into this after a long day at work.
3- Skyterra Mini Sofa – RM250
Designed like a single armchair while capturing the comfiness of a regular bean bag, this option is perfect if you can’t decide between a chair or a bean bag. Priced at RM250, it comes in a range of colors to match your interior theme. Its industrial finish gives it a distinctive edge for urban living.
4- Skyterra U-Shaped Bean Bag – RM250
Priced at RM250, this unusually shaped bean bag functions like a mini-bed, allowing you to sit, slouch, or lie down comfortably. Whether you’re reading a book or watching Netflix, it’s a great spot to chill.
5- Timeless Julie Bean Bag – RM499
Slightly more expensive than the others, the Julie bean bag boasts a timeless design that fits most modern homes. If you’re looking for something comfortable and visually simple without the bold colors, then this might be for you. Its scandinavian style adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Don’t see something that matches your design? If you’re interested in more options, feel free to browse through our complete list of available bean bags for sale. We ship anywhere in Malaysia!
Conclusion
Now that you know all about bean bags, are you ready to buy one for your home? What questions do you still have about bean bags that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, feel free to take a picture of your bean bags at home and share it with us in the comments—you might just be featured in our next post!