Bean Bag vs. Traditional Armchair: Which is Right for Your Space?

Choosing the right furniture for your home is a big decision. Each item can feel like a big, expensive purchase. So, you want to be certain that it’ll last, and not leave you with regrets. And this can be especially important when you’re looking for the perfect armchair, because it’s your peaceful place, your chill-out zone, and you really need it to be comfy. So, if you’re looking for a new seat, what do you need to consider when choosing between a traditional armchair and a bean bag alternative?

Comparing Bean Bag Chairs with Traditional Armchairs

Comfort

Bean bag chairs:

When it comes to comfort, bean bag chairs like the Natalia Sacco are hard to beat. They mould around your body, providing support no matter how you sit. So, whether you’re curled up with a book or watching a film, you feel cosy, supported, and supremely comfy.

Traditional armchairs:

Armchairs look nice because they comply with our aesthetic expectations. And they offer structured support, typically with firm cushioning and armrests. A lot of the time, this can be really comfortable. But because they are rigid and have no way of moving with your body, after a while, you’ll often find yourself slouching. Your spine curves. It has no support. So, you’ll often end up with poor posture and the pains to go with it.

Cost

Bean bag chairs:

It’s rarely a good idea to generalise, but bean bag chairs are more affordable than traditional armchairs. If you’re working to a budget, you can often find bean bags like the Scandi Lounger at really affordable price points. Right now, we’re offering it for less than £80. Meaning that you can get a high-quality piece of furniture for a fraction of the cost of a traditional armchair.  

Traditional armchair:

Classic armchairs can be a significant investment. Depending upon your design, frame material, and upholstery, you can easily spend upwards of £1,000 for a decent armchair. While that might not be a bad investment for a long-term purchase, if it doesn’t deliver on comfort, it can be a costly mistake.

Versatility

Bean bag chairs:

One of the biggest advantages of bean bag furniture is its versatility. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and works in any room. Some bean bag chairs are even weatherproof, so you can use them outdoors. This versatility can make them a really useful piece of furniture, especially for those who have limited space and can’t accommodate furnishings that will only be used occasionally.

Traditional armchairs:

Although there’s much to be said for the armchair’s inimitable style, there’s no getting away from the fact that they’re also pretty bulky and hard to move. Once you have an armchair, it tends to stay where you place it. And the only thing you can really use it for is as an armchair.

Style

Bean bags:

One of our favourite things about bean bag furniture is that you can find a design that completely suits your style. There are so many different shapes – from the Sloucher to the Eva to the traditionally inspired Josephine. Then you’ve got the different fabric types – leather, cotton, cord, velvet, boucle, chunky knit, faux fur. And the endless colours. This makes it so easy to find a bean bag chair to suit your needs, style, and aesthetic.

Traditional armchairs:

Armchair design has improved in recent years. You have a choice of colours and textures, and they tick every box of the classic design aesthetic. And for some people, that’s all that really matters. Especially with the various designs to choose from – vintage wingbacks to mid-century modern silhouettes. So, when it comes to style, you just have to let you do you.

Space-saving

Bean bag chairs:

There’s no denying that if you're working with limited space, a bean bag chair can be your best friend. Lightweight, easily moved, and easily tucked away when not in use. With bean bag chairs like the Bubble, you’ll also often have a much smaller footprint than a traditional armchair.

Traditional armchairs:

Armchairs are bulky by nature. Their rigid frame and wide arms take up more floor space. It’s not a flaw, it’s simply the design of the product. So, if you want a traditional armchair, you’ll also certainly need to compromise on space, which can be a challenge in smaller rooms.

When it comes down to it, no one can definitively claim that a bean bag is better than an armchair, or vice versa. There are pros and cons to both. Our main tip when choosing is to think about your space, your comfort, and your style. That way, you’ll find the best solution for you.

Thinking a bean bag chair might be the option for you? Check out the complete Big Bertha bean bag chair collection.