Bean bags are the ultimate chill-out furniture. Since the 1960s, they’ve decorated apartments, homes and work spaces, providing both seating and a relaxed, laidback aesthetic that has remained iconic for decades.
Times have changed, and when you buy bean bags they no longer need to be relegated to indoors. Now you can find them in backyards or by the poolside as people relax, munching on BBQ food or drinking cocktails.
But not every bean bag is suited for outdoor use. Here we will give you a quick rundown on the difference between indoor and outdoor bean bags.
The Material
When used inside, bean bags aren’t under constant assault from THE harsh Australian climate. That’s why selecting which material your indoor bean bag is made of is just a matter of style and comfort. When indoors, cotton will do just fine, but you should at a minimum choose stain-resistant waterproof polyester for outdoor bean bag selections Outdoor bean bags also need to have protection from both moisture and the sun. Choosing waterproof material and fabric with UV coating and protection against fading is essential if you want to get prolonged use out of your outdoor furniture. If it doesn’t have at least one of these, there is a good chance that your bean bag was made for indoors.Anti-microbial Coating
While requiring your bean bag to have an anti-microbial coating may seem like overkill, it’s crucial if you want to protect the money you invested in your outdoor bean bag.
The anti-microbial coating prevents mould growth on the material, allowing it to look great year in and year out. While the anti-microbial coating is a smart choice for your outdoor bean bag, it is only nice to have for the one you keep indoors.
Draining
Outdoor bean bags will have mesh lining. Why is this important? Mesh lining will allow the material to drain and dry quickly. Whether your bag will live poolside or on the lawn, quick draining will protect it against damage and prevent it from developing a foul odour. Again, this feature is not essential for indoor bean bags.
Mesh also allows the bean bag to breathe, which means it will stay cooler for longer on hot summer days.
If you are looking to buy bean bags online, check out the line of bean bags we have here on our website.