Noted Italian designers developed the first bean bag chairs in
the 1960's. Their creation was called the 'Sacco,' and was at
the time described as an 'anatomical armchair.' It became the
first mass produced bean bag furniture. Just like its
counterpart these days, the Sacco was filled with polystyrene
beads that make them lightweight and easy to mold to the shape
of the body. While enhancements to its size and shape have
occurred over time, in general the bean bag chair form remains
true to the design of the Sacco from the 1960's.
The original concept behind the bean bag chair was to create
stylish mobile furniture, which is unlike conventional bulky
furniture. Thus the bean bag chair is easily moved from room to
room as well as from indoors to outdoors. The design of it is
highly praised, as it adapts to many different body shapes. The
original Sacco featured a headrest that got its shape from beans
being pushed up into this area. In the more modern bean bags,
the head area is not a separate component, rather now a part of
the bean bag chair which is accentuated.
These days, bean bag chairs are available in a vast range of
colors and styles. However, not all fabrics are created equal -
some are more hardwearing, some suitable for outdoors use,
whereas others may be warmer to the touch. In general though,
the sturdier the fabric, the longer the bean bag chair will
last. More sturdy fabrics are easier to maintain and clean, and
require less care. Also, darker colors show fewer marks and
stains than lighter color fabrics do. If your climate is cooler,
a chair with a fur rather than denim fabric for instance will
keep you warmer.
Fur bean bag chairs are an extra cozy option and come in a
variety of colors and designs. Many feature designs that
resemble animal hides, while others feature bright cheery
colors. Denim bean bag chairs are one of the more hardwearing
designs. These have a classic coloring and are one of the
easiest styles to coordinate with the rest of your home décor.
Like a pair of favorite jeans, denim bean bags will go with most
other colors. Nylon and Vinyl bean bags help repel liquid, so
are suitable options if children will be around or using the
chair. Vinyl features a more leathery look and a textured feel.
You need to take extra care when filling a bean bag chair. It is
best done with someone else helping you out - otherwise you can
end up with thousands of polystyrene beads rolling around the
floor of your living room. The best approach is to put the bag
that contains the beads inside the bean bag chair and gently
open it. Then the beads need to be gently poured in. Filling
bean bags needs to be done indoors - as even the vaguest hint of
breeze can cause the beads to scatter everywhere. One key
consideration is how full the bean bag should be stuffed with
polystyrene beads. Many people have their own preference -
however you should bear in mind that if a bean bag chair is
understuffed it won't provide adequate support for you and may
be a little uncomfortable. A fully stuffed bean bag provides
very firm support. It is recommended that people with bad backs
overfill their bean bag chair - as a fuller bag will provide
particularly good support for your back. In general though, a
good rule of thumb is to fill the bean bag to 6 inches above the
widest point of the bag.
When sitting in a bean bag chair for the first time, you should
sit in roughly the middle part of the bag. If you sit too high
up in the bag, your back won't be entirely supported, and
sitting too low may put strain on your legs. However, it is best
to find your own favored position on the bean bag chair - the
position that you are comfortable in is best.
As a piece of interior design, bean bag chairs can be used as a
main feature in a room, providing a contemporary, relaxing look.
They can also be added to complement other furniture or colors.
Their minimalist look provides a relief from other 'busy'
furniture. One could argue that just looking at one is soothing
and induces relaxation. In particular, they are suited to décor
that will lend itself to a retro look. However, bean bag chairs
aren't confined to any particular style, as the variety of
fabrics and colors available will allow them to tastefully blend
in with any decor.
Claire Calkin
http://www.blob.co.nz
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