If you are looking for additional seating, or perhaps want to take comfort outside, getting yourself one of the many excellent bean bags could be the answer. From relaxing in luxury on leather, to getting nice and cozy surrounded by soft Mongolian wool, your choice is practically limitless.

For a permanent addition to your living area, you need look no further than the classic sofa bean bags that are available online and throughout retailers countrywide. Prices vary depending on the size and the material you want of course; but excellent value ones can be found from as little two hundred dollars (or less) for something made out of corduroy or denim.

Many people use their bean bags as alternative sleeping areas too, (excellent crash pads after a long night), but there are even some manufacturers making bean bags that convert into full sized beds without much effort.

If however you are after something slightly more formal, many are available that look a little more like traditionally shaped rigid chairs. The beauty of these of course is that they retain the comfort factor, but produce a fare more elegant and stylish look that can be incorporated into any style of room.

With permanent back and lumbar support too; these can be a lot more comfortable, particularly for those with mobility problems; and subsequently a lot easier to get out of for all! Many of these are quite stylish too; applying the bucket style seating often found in modern sports cars.

If you are looking to relax in comfort outside, there are many options available too. Much like the more formal indoor varieties, these tend to have rigid supports. Constructed out of resilient materials not prone to weathering too readily, these are fantastic additions for young families.

Another beauty with these types of bean bag is their ease of use; practicality and the fact you don't have to struggle to put them up and take them down again each day.

For something completely out of the ordinary, you may fancy going for the huge bean bags often known as 'slabs'. These can serve any purpose; be it a flat lying bed, a two or three seat sofa and even a sun lounger by the pool.

Kids are of course are far from ignored of course; with bean bags coming in a host of popular cartoon characters, shapes and designs to fit in with any bedroom decor.

For gamers out there too; some excellent bean bags exist that are almost too comfortable in many ways. With superb upper body, neck and shoulder supports too, you could find yourself spending even longer in front of your screen!

Bean bags have moved on an awful lot over the last few years, so no matter the type you are looking for, whether cylindrical; round; wedged; outdoor; indoor or anything in between you are spoilt for choice. Constructed with the help of the safest fire retardants, in any number of colors; and materials as diverse as you can think of; you'll sure to find just the one for you.

By Annie Deakin



Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer.