Everything About Bean Bag Chairs, and More

When Italian designers constructed the first "Soccos" chairs in 1969, little did they know their creation would go on to become one of America's all-time favorite fads. Bean bag chairs... unusual seating that moved with persons who sat in them, shifting to fit the shape of their body.

Endorsed by doctors for physical rehabilitation purposes, for expectant mothers and persons after back surgery, bean bag chairs were destined to resurrect in popularity, again and again. Some occupational therapists even prefer bean bags to other types of seating as therapy for children with sensory-integration problems.

By 1998 bean bag chairs were being manufactured with removable, washable covers; this made cleanup easier, and chairs stayed attractive.

Today bean bags are available in a variety of sizes, made from nearly every fabric imaginable, including faux fur, faux suede, animal print, vinyl, and leather.

Some chairs are available with liners; removable covers unzip for easy cleaning. Bean bag furniture is among the most portable, long-lasting, and versatile seating available. They even come in sport's styles that mimic baseballs and footballs; basketballs and soccer balls.

The filling inside bean bag chairs starts out in a sugar-like form; steam is blown into each granule, and it expands. That is why the polystyrene beads are also referred to as "expanded polystyrene," or "EPS." Extra polystyrene filling can be purchased separately, to add to or replace the filling in chairs.

There are so many styles from which to select: children's bean bags, and adult sizes; single seating or double. Queen and king-sized chairs to standard, and in such a wide variety of color and fabric choices, they are appropriate for nearly any room's decor.

Regular styles cost under $100, while "upper end" and larger styles can cost $200 and up.