How To Fill A Bean Bag Chair

How To Fill A Bean Bag Chair (Without Getting Beans Everywhere!)

BySarah Williams
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Last updated on June 22nd, 2023 at 01:18 am

How to fill a bean bag? It seems like it should be a relatively simple task! And yet, if you’ve ever tried to fill a bean bag chair, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge. The beans for bean bags seem to go everywhere except where you want them to go. If you don’t do it right, you could be vacuuming up little white polystyrene balls for the next few weeks!

They will go everywhere and you’ll find them in every nook and cranny. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to help make sure the beans end up in the right place. In this article, we’re going to answer the most popular questions people have about how to fill a bean bag chair.

Whether you’re starting from scratch and filling a brand new empty cover with beans, or refilling an existing bean bag chair, I hope you find the following useful!

Why do I need to refill a bean bag chair?

Bean bag chairs are often filled with tiny styrofoam or polystyrene beads. These have numerous pockets of air inside them. Over time, these beads settle and compress, reducing their size and making them flat. This can make the bean bag chair less comfortable.

Your bean bag may start to flatten or get saggy and provide less support. Refilling the bean bag chair will plump up the beads and make the bean bag chair more comfortable to sit in.

How often do I have to refill my bean bag chair?

Bean bag chairs typically need to be refilled every few months to once a year. However, this will vary depending on how often the bean bag chair is used. It also depends on the quality of the material originally used to fill your bean bag.

Cheaper bean bags tend to go flat quicker! If you find that your bean bag chair is losing its shape or isn’t as comfortable as it used to be, it’s probably time to add more beans.

What to fill a bean bag with?

When it comes to filling a bean bag, the options are endless, and it can be hard to know where to start. But fear not, there are plenty of materials that will work wonders to create that perfect, squishy feel. Polystyrene beads are a popular choice due to their lightweight and mouldable nature, allowing the bean bag to conform perfectly to your body shape.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, try filling your bean bag with natural materials like rice, beans, or buckwheat hulls. These options may take a little extra effort, but they are much easier on the environment. With all these choices, the perfect bean bag fill is out there waiting for you!

Our Favorite beans for bean bags

Our top beans for bean bag options are:

Read this article for a more comprehensive review on what to fill a bean bag with.

Do I need to empty out all the old filler before refilling?

No, you don’t need to empty out all the old filler. You can just add new filler on top of the old to fill the space and make your bean bag firmer and more supportive. However, it’s best to remove at least some of the old filler first (we usually remove about half).

If you only top up your bean bag every time it goes flat (and never remove any of the old filler), eventually, you’ll end up with a bean bag chair that’s mostly made of old flattened filler. This can be uncomfortable and won’t provide the same level of support as a bean bag with fresh filler. Also, your bean bag will get increasingly heavy and more difficult to move.

eps beads

How do I empty a bean bag before refilling?

If your bean bag chair is really old and flat, you may want to start from scratch and empty the entire thing out. Or as we suggested above, you can try and pour out half. This can be a messy job, but it’s not too difficult. Here are a few tips on how to do it:

  1. 1First of all, make sure you do it indoors, and away from pets and children who could ingest any stray bits.
  2. Remove the bean bag cover according to the manufacturer instructions (most of these are child proof zippers that you need a paperclip to open). If your cover is removable then the beans will be held inside a liner which you will also need to unzip.
  3. Slowly and carefully empty the beans into a garbage bag or container. You can use these beans to fill other cushions or pillows, or even to make a bean bag for your pet!
  4. Once the bean bag is empty, wash the cover in your washing machine. If it’s really dirty, you may want to pre-treat any stains with a stain remover before putting it in the wash.

Easy Steps to Fill a Bean Bag

Filling a bean bag can be an enjoyable and straightforward process. With these easy steps, you can fill your bean bag correctly and effortlessly, without creating any mess in your lounge.

So let’s get started and give your bean bag the fill it deserves!

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the required materials. You will need:

  • Bean bag
  • Cardboard insert or rolled-up cardboard (as a funnel alternative)
  • Scissors
  • Bean bag filling
Necessary Materials to fill a bean bag Chair

Step 2: Prepare the Bean Bag

To sure the filling goes in smoothly without making a mess, try using a cardboard insert. If you don’t have one that fits, simply roll up some cardboard into a funnel shape to guide the filling into the bag. This method helps keep your bean bag clean and tidy!

Step 3: Open the Bean Bag Zippers

First, you’ll need to locate the childproof safety zipper attached to your bean bag cover. With the clever use of a paperclip, you can gently release the first zipper, revealing the filling chute. Then carefully guide the paperclip to open the second zip to gain access to the bean bag’s interior.

Step 3: Open the Bean Bag Zippers

Step 4: Prepare for Filling

Filling a bean bag can be a challenge, but having a friend or family member lend a hand can make it much easier. One person should hold open the bean bag filling chute using either the cardboard insert or a rolled-up cardboard, while the other person helps to pour the filling. That way, you can stuff your bean bag to your heart’s content.

Step 5: Open the Bag of Beans

With a pair of scissors, delicately slice open the top of the bean bag filling plastic bag. Ensure an opening of around 20 centimeters to regulate the flow of beans. This guarantees your control over the process.

Step 6: Begin Filling

To fill a bean bag, one person should hold the filling chute, while the other pours the beans at a steady pace. This two-person technique will help to avoid spills or overfilling, so you can perfectly maintain the bean bag’s shape and comfort.

Step 7: Fill to the Desired Level

Continue pouring the beans into the filling chute until the bean bag reaches the desired level of comfort and support. Be mindful not to overfill the bag, as it may affect the overall shape and comfort.

Step 8: Close the Zippers

Remove the filling chute from the bag once the bean bag is adequately filled. Use the paperclips to close both zippers securely, ensuring the beans are contained in the bag.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Comfy Bean Bag

Congratulations You have successfully filled your bean bag. In just a few minutes, its comfort and relaxation will be yours to enjoy. Sit back, unwind, and bask in the comfort of the coolest bean bag in your lounge room.

Remember, following these simple steps will ensure you fill your bean bag with ease, and without creating any mess! Take delight in your bean bag and luxuriate in the comfort it provides!

30% Off Jaxx Bean Bags

Here are a few tips on how to fill a bean bag chair without making a mess:

First of all, this really is a job for two people! Trying to do it on your own will likely result in beans everywhere. It’s not that it’s a hard job – it’s just really easy to make a mess. You need one person to pour the beads while the other person holds the bag.

Make sure you do it indoors in a room with plenty of space. No children or animals should be in the room as polystyrene beads can be a choking hazard. Close any doors or windows that could cause a breeze as any movement of air (even from an air conditioner or fan) could blow those little white balls everywhere.

I came across a really good video on Youtube that demonstrates exactly how to fill a bean bag without making a mess. They show you how to reduce static using baby powder, how to open the bean bag zipper using a safety pin or paper clip, and how to use a homemade funnel (made using cups) to pour the beans into the bag – totally mess free!

How to clean up styrofoam/polystyrene balls?

If you do happen to spill some of the beans, you’ll find they’re pretty hard to pick up because of the static. The static electricity is what makes them seemingly blow away from you as you try to brush them up.

Vaccuum cleaner

man vacuuming

The best way to clean up styrofoam/polystyrene balls is to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Rather than using the normal vacuuming motion of moving the head backward and forwards, try to just dab at the piles of styrofoam. Just make sure you empty the vacuum cleaner bag afterward as the beads will clog up the vacuum if they’re left in there.

Dustpan and brush

Another option is to use a dustpan and brush. Again, this will take some time as the beads are very light and will fly everywhere if you’re not careful! Use slow sweeping movements as any air will disperse them even further.

Before you try either of these it’s a good idea to spray the balls with anti-static spray. This addresses the issue of static before you try to vacuum or brush up the balls and makes the job A LOT easier. If you don’t have this, you could try a sprinkling of bicarb of soda to help neutralise the static. Another option is a fine spray of water from a sprayer.

Where to buy bean bag filler?

You can find bean bag filler at most craft stores or online (Amazon sells both foam and polystyrene bead filler. When purchasing bean bag filler, make sure to get the right type of filler for your bean bag chair. For example, if your bean bag chair is filled with polystyrene beads, you will need to fill it with more polystyrene beads. If it is a foam-filled chair, you will need to purchase more foam.

big joe filler
Get Big Joe Polystyrene Bean Bag Filler On Amazon

Conclusion

Filling a bean bag chair doesn’t have to be a messy job! With a little bit of planning and some help from a friend, you can easily fill your bean bag chair with fresh filler. Just make sure to use the right type of filler for your bean bag, fill it slowly, and use a funnel to avoid any spills.

I hope these tips on how to fill a bean bag chair without making a mess were helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Sarah Williams
Latest posts by Sarah Williams (see all)
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin