Bean Bag Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are a lot of negative things said about bean bags. But they have a place in millions of people’s homes. They’re popular for their ease and comfort. Their lightweight moveability. And, in many cases, their cost. And yet still the myths and falsehoods continue. So, in this blog, we’re going to address the top five misconceptions about bean bags.

Top Five Bean Bag Mythconceptions

Bean bags are bad for your posture

The non-traditional design and mobile filling of bean bags has prompted generation after generation of parents to claim that bean bags make you slouch. That they don’t provide enough support. That they’re bad for your back. And that if you use a bean bag you’ll never ‘learn how to sit properly’. But all of that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Precisely because bean bag filling is mobile, it can mould to the shape of your body. This means that bean furniture is just about the most supportive seating you can find. It’s great for your posture because while you might try to slouch, but the beans are there to prevent aches and strains. And they’re also great for your back because of all of that.

Bean bags are dangerous

There are a number of reasons why this myth started. Back before the industry was regulated, bean bags were frequently made from flammable materials – much like every other form of furniture. And the zips didn’t used to be reinforced, so children and pets could choke on the beans. Both of these issues have now been completely addressed. If you look at the High Back Bean Bag, for example, it’s made from fire retardant cord, and has a double zipper for added safety.

The only real safety precaution related to bean bags is that you should never use them for babies. Obviously, feel free to sit on a bean bag with your baby. But until children are full mobile, they should never be left unattended with a bean bag. And even when they are mobile, children should only use age-appropriate bean bags. That’s why we offer a full range of toddler, child, and teen bean bag furniture.

Bean bags are poor quality

OK, well, it’s hard to make sweeping statements here. Because, yes, some bean bags are poor quality. But it’s a case of you getting what you pay for. If you purchase bean bags from a dedicated manufacturer, such as Big Bertha, you’re gaining so much more than a gimmick. We make our bean bags from a wide range of high quality fabrics, from needlecord to leather. Each fabric is chosen for its strength and durability, as well as its comfort. And most are stain-resistant. The stitching is reinforced to protect against damage. Child safety zips are used to avoid leaks from tampering little fingers. And they are all refillable, helping you extend their lifespan, if needed.

Bean bag filling is cheap and nasty

Think of bean bags and you’ll probably think of polystyrene balls. And most bean bags do still use this form of filling – including many of ours. Why? Because it’s so comfortable and versatile. And it really does mould to your body to provide optimum comfort. However, memory foam filled bean bags are also available. Many of them are bed sized (and used as such). So, if beans aren’t your thing, there’s no reason why a memory bean bag wouldn’t suit you.

Bean bags never keep their shape

This one used to be true. Back when bean bags used to be simple sacks, they’d flop wherever they fell. But contemporary designs mean that bean bag chairs and sofas keep their shape. But if you buy well, they also have the advantage of being adjustable. A design like the bean bag sofa hammock can be adjusted to your needs. And if you want to puff them up a little, you simply need to give them a shake.

Bean bag furniture has evolved in recent years. It’s no longer just a cheap alternative to ‘real chairs’ for kids and students. It’s comfortable, sophisticated, versatile, and available in a whole range of shapes, styles, and sizes. So, before you listen to the common bean bag mythconceptions, do yourself a favour and try one out for yourself.

Check out the complete collection of bean bag furniture from Big Bertha.