There are so many types of bean bags on the market it can sometimes be confusing to choose the best material and style for you. It all depends on practicality and where and how you want to use it. There are many kinds of durable bean bags available, both indoor and outdoor. If you’re looking for an outdoor bean bag you have certain factors to consider, for example, if it’s waterproof. Indoors, on the other hand, you might need a stain-resistant material. Bean bags in general take a lot of weight because they’re not reinforced by a frame as are other types of furniture. This means both the material and the seams need to be strong. Very durable bean bags do exist, however, and if you opt for the right one it could last you a long time. Here is a quick guide to the best options for durable beanbags.
What’s the best material for durable bean bags?
There is a range of quality fabrics you can choose from for durable bean bags. Many of these are available in different colours, patterns, and styles. You can find the durable fabric that works best with your decor and matches your existing furnishings. Don’t forget the bean bag you choose needs to be comfortable as well. Here are some types of durable bean bags. But are bean bags recyclable?
Vinyl
Vinyl has many advantages as a bean bag material and is a very durable option. It’s both waterproof and stain-resistant so it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor bean bags. Often vinyl bean bags have a layered cover including the smooth external layer and cushioning foam layer underneath. This helps to reinforce the fabric and make it more durable. If you’re looking for extra strength vinyl, you could check the label for a high tensile thread. Another benefit of vinyl is that abrasion-resistant. It can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear so is a great option if you have children. You can pretty much throw it around indoors and it won’t succumb to too much weight. It’s also easy to clean so if don’t worry if you spill anything. Vinyl can be wiped cleaned and is difficult to stain. Vinyl works well outside because along with being waterproof, it’s also UV resistant. It’s also colourfast, meaning you can leave a vinyl bean bag out in the sun and it won’t lose its colour. You can choose durable bean bags in a variety of colours and patterns and be confident they won’t fade. While not being the most luxurious on the market it’s one of the most practical materials. It’s also a more economical option for a durable bean bag.
Corduroy
Corduroy has a completely different feel to a smooth material such as vinyl. This strong woven fabric is cozy and warm and great for bean bags. It’s not waterproof so it’s better indoors. This doesn’t mean it’s not durable, however, and can cope with a lot of weight and being pulled in different directions. This due to the strong weaves in the fabric. Corduroy adds a little more luxury and comfort to bean bag chairs. It comes in a range of different colours and makes a nice addition to any living room or bedroom. You can match it to the colours of your existing furnishings. It can add a stylish, vintage flair to your decor. Corduroy is definitely distinctive and is a very suitable indoor bean bag material. Although corduroy isn’t stain-resistant, it is machine-washable. If you purchase a bean bag with a removable cover then you can throw it in the laundry if it gets dirty. In general, it’s a practical and versatile material. For outdoor bean bags, however, opt for a more water-resistant colourfast fabric that is more resilient to the elements.
Linen
Linen is a nice natural choice for indoor durable bean bags. Linen is a practical material because it is easy to care for. It’s not really suitable for outdoors, however, unless the weather is warm and dry. It is washable, but not waterproof or colourfast. As long as you store it inside when you’re not using it, you can take your linen bean bag outside temporarily. One great thing about linen is that it’s naturally strong. It’s even said to get stronger every time you wash it. It’s much stronger than cotton and is one of the most durable natural fibers. Linen is not only tough but it’s actually very comfortable. It feels soft and is unlikely to irritate your skin. It is also very stylish looking and comes in a range of different blends and types.
Leather
If you’re looking for luxury and elegance then a leather bean bag could be right for you. The natural fabric is also very durable. It is, however, a more expensive choice. Leather is a strong material but it’s not resilient to natural wear and tear. Over time it can develop creases but sometimes this actually adds to its charm. Leather may also crack if you leave it out in the sun too long and it isn’t completely waterproof, although it is pretty stain and water-resistant to an extent.
Faux leather
For a cheaper option, you could get the same look with faux leather. PVC or artificial leather is soft and supple and just as comfortable as the real thing. Faux leather available in a range of colours and can be very stylish. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. Faux leather is more durable than certain types of bonded leather, but not in comparison to real leather. This is probably why it’s that much cheaper. In general, real leather is more durable because it is breathable and stretches. Faux leather is also more prone to puncture or tear, so if you’re looking for durability over price, it might be worth investing in the real thing.
Faux suede
Real suede is a very luxurious material but it can be a little sensitive for a bean bag. If you’re looking for more durable bean bags, faux suede is probably a better option. Faux suede is much more water-resistant and won’t stain as easily. This makes it easier to wash as well. Faux suede is still best suited to indoor bean bags, however, as it’s not colourfast or entirely waterproof. Faux suede adds a touch of luxury to any room and is a great choice for a more sophisticated adult bean bag. It’s available in a range of colours and mimics the look of natural suede, making a nice addition to your decor but at half the price of the real thing.
Cotton
Cotton bean bags are both comfortable and practical. It’s a breathable material and has a nice look as well. It’s not the most durable of bean bag fabrics, particularly for outside. Unfortunately, cotton isn’t colourfast and will fade if you leave it in the sunlight. Cotton bean bags are a perfectly durable option for bedrooms, or children’s playrooms instead. If the cover is removable, you can wash it easily, and in general, the fibre is pretty tough.
Which durable bean bags are best for outdoors?
Outdoor bean bags need to be more resilient to the weather. This means you need a material that is colorfast and won’t fade with exposure to UV lighting, and one that’s ideally waterproof. Many people get outdoor bean bags to sit on their patio or around the pool, so the material needs to be suitable for this. Durable bean bags for outdoor use include vinyl, as already discussed, nylon, and polyester.
Nylon
Nylon is very durable, abrasion-resistant, and resilient. It’s waterproof and resistant to mould and mildew. It’s a good option for poolside furniture. Nylon is also very strong and flexible due to its natural elasticity. It’s not as colourfast as some other fabrics, however, and will eventually start to fade over time in the sun. Nylon is still a popular material for many types of outdoor furniture and can be very versatile and stylish.
Polyester
Polyester is another great option for outdoor bean bags. It’s water-resistant and fast drying. It also tends to maintain its colour for longer and is more resilient to UV rays than nylon and other materials. Another benefit of polyester is that it’s a more sustainable option. The plastics it’s made from are recyclable. Both polyester and nylon are cost-effective solutions for durable bean bags. Polyester is probably the most practical choice for outdoor bean bags, however.
Olefin
Olefin is a type of synthetic, or human-made fabric, that is derived from two chemicals. Those chemicals are ethylene and propylene, with propylene being the primary source. In terms of durability, stain and water resistance and comfort, olefin is the number one choice. Durable bean bags definitely exist, you’ve just got to check they’re the right material for what you need. There are several qualities you need to look for depending on whether you want to use your bean bag indoors or outdoors. Certain fabrics can be very attractive but they’re less resilient when it comes to sunlight or moisture. You also need to factor in how much weight and wear and tear you expect it to handle. Choose the durable bean bags that are practical for you. For more bean bag tips and advice, check out our blog.
