Relaxing after a long day is probably one of the best feelings in the world. Almost everyone remembers having their first beanbag as a kid. It’s one of the most cozy ways to unwind. They bring to mind those nostalgic feelings of childhood, but beanbags aren’t stuck in the past. Lots of manufacturers are creating innovative furniture based on your favorite foam-filled sacks.
That’s good news for anyone who spends their workdays sitting at a desk. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders lists office jobs as one of the leading risk factors of lower-back pain. That makes finding the perfect chair that much more important. Here are eight tips to help you decide on the perfect beanbag furniture for your living-room.
- Filling
There are typically two options for beanbags when it comes to filling. Most fillings consist of foam beads. This would be similar to those small beanbags most people grew up with. There are different qualities of filler beads that can heavily affect the maintenance of a chair. Most foam beads need to be replaced after a certain amount of time due to compression from use.
A large portion of modern beanbag furniture is filled with hypoallergenic shredded foam material. It’s usually cut into small chunks that make it easy to shape. The downside to this memory-foam filler is its weight. Shredded foam is considerably heavier than foam beads, but it’s definitely more durable.
- Fabric
Beanbags typically have an inner-lining that protects your filer material from dust. That lining adds an extra layer to reduce the chance of damage. The outer fabric is usually washable once it’s removed. Not all brands have washable coverings. You’ll have to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to maintain your chair in that case.
There are water-proof beanbags available for outdoor use. Those models are perfect for tailgating at a football game. They are also less likely to rip from being used on rough ground.
- Size
There are three basic sizes of beanbag chairs on the market today. The smallest sizes are commonly under thirty inches. Those sacks are suitable for most kids under the age of ten. Medium sized bags range from thirty inches to fifty-four inches in diameter. They are great for teenagers, but they are big enough for average adults. The full-size beanbag furniture can range from fifty-four inches to seventy-two inches. Those sizes can comfortably seat up to two adults.
Beanbag furniture isn’t limited to just three sizes. There are many different models to fit anyone’s needs. You can even get beanbags that are as large as a couch that seat multiple people.
- Cleaning
You should check to see the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods before attempting to clean your furniture. If you’re furniture has a machine-washable cover, then its going to be easy to take care of. The most important part of selecting a beanbag is choosing one with a sealed inner-lining. Any filler that doesn’t have a durable barrier from dust will eventually need to be replaced. Keep in mind that you can not clean the filler materials, and you should never attempt to wash the filler materials in your beanbag. Wetting the filler material can promote the growth of harmful molds.
You should avoid using liquids to clean a non-removable covering. Some chairs only allow for dry-vacuuming. Check for color-fastness when using any fabric detergents to avoid fading colors.
- Shipping
If you’re purchasing your beanbag from a local store, then you don’t need to worry about shipping. The harsh reality of beanbag furniture is that many of the leading brands sell their products directly through online stores.
There aren’t many companies that ship large beanbag furniture within a few days. If you find one that does ship relatively quickly, then it will make the whole process much easier on you. You may need to schedule a specific delivery date in order to sign for the furniture when it arrives. That’s a big deal when compared to the Lovesac. It can take up to a month to reach your doorstep. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for shipping rates.
- Warranty
The warranty on your beanbag will probably be related to the cost of the product. Inexpensive sacks will likely have a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Higher-quality furniture will typically range from three to five years on the included warranty limits. Those warranties usually cover defects in the product, and they will likely cover damages that do not occur due to the end-user. Manufacturers account for possible issues within certain limitations. You’ll need to refer to your specific warranty guidelines.
- Safety
If you have young kids in your home, then you might want to look for a sack with safety features. Some models come with locking zippers that prevent children from opening the cover. You can also purchase beanbags made from flame-retardant materials. Double-stitching protects the seams from splitting under heavy-use.
If you suffer from allergies, then you should definitely make sure that your sack is hypoallergenic. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that homeowners use allergen-resistant covers on all furnishings to reduce your contact with dust mites. If you get a hypoallergenic sack, then you won’t have to worry about it causing a problem.
- Personalizing
Are you having trouble finding the right pattern to accent your beautiful living-room? You can always find personalizing options through online stores. You can add special texts, and you can add your own custom graphics. Each manufacturer will have different options depending on the models you choose from. If you can’t find the perfect design, then you can always create your very own!
You’re A Beanbag Expert Now!
Finding the right beanbag furniture for your living-room will be easy. Just keep these simple steps in mind, and you’ll have no problem making the right choice. All you need to do is decide on what matters most to you. Choose a sack that’s going to perfectly fit the people who are going to be using it. Check out all the available safety features for small children. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Express your uniqueness with a head-turning furniture piece that’s sure to impress everyone!