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Kids and adults alike love relaxing in a bean bag chair, but nobody likes furniture that damages the environment, or being exposed to harmful chemicals and flame retardants.
Non-toxic and organic bean bag chairs are now available, but can you be sure they have genuine green credentials, and that you're not getting ripped off?
Over the last few months, I've really enjoyed reliving my college days and testing some of the best eco-friendly bean bag chairs on the market today.
Made from sustainable materials, these bean bags are perfect for people who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Not only are they environmentally friendly and non-toxic, but they’re also incredibly stylish and comfortable. I know you're going to love them as much as I do...
✔ Sustainable Hemp Cover
✔ Machine Washable
✔ Personalization Available
We Say: I was blown away by the build quality and comfort of this bean bag.
The heavy 18 oz. hemp canvas fabric is an extremely durable and sustainable fabric choice. It looks and feels like it will stand the test of time…with ease!
When it gets mucky, the cover is removable and machine washable. Just remember to use a cool/eco cycle and dry naturally. Do not use a tumble dryer.
There are seven color options to choose from. I went for shadow gray. It’s a lovely color that blends in perfectly with my office decor.
In addition to the color options, you also get to choose the filling:
The choices don’t stop there, either. You can also personalize your bean bag with text and a font of your choice. Great for unique gifts or special occasions!
This is a super comfy bean bag that gets the nod as my overall winner. It’s an all-around quality product built to last using sustainable materials.
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✔ Sustainable Organic Cotton Cover
✔ Machine Washable
✔ Personalization Available
We Say: This is a smaller version of the overall winner. Made with organic cotton and with kids in mind.
It’s another quality eco-friendly bean bag chair from Bean Products that has clearly been designed and built to last.
It’s available in seven color options: Black, Cobalt Blue, Fern, Sweet Potato, Natural, Navy, and Tomato.
You get the same three fill options as the overall winner and also a fourth extra option:
My girls tested the latex option and loved it. However, bear in mind that choosing latex will make your bean bag chair heavier than you might be used to.
Also, the latex is very soft and supporting, but it does lose its natural shape and requires fluffing up often. To re-fluff it, simply roll it over on the floor a few times or give it a light lift and shake.
Or Buy on Amazon (Without Discount)
We Say: Brentwood Home's bean bag is the cheapest of my recommendations, but it doesn't skimp on quality.
I tested the teen size and even for my (ahem) larger frame, it feels more than big enough and is genuinely comfortable to lounge in even for longer periods.
It also feels soft on the skin, but durable enough for me to be confident it will stand up to sustained wear and tear.
The blend of recycled and upcycled materials makes it an eco-friendly option, although I would have liked to see a lower percentage of polyester used in the cover. Still, it is fully certified as non-toxic and does meet Global Recycled Standard.
Brentwood Home is also climate-neutral as a brand, which makes me comfortable buying from them.
✔ Shredded Natural Latex Filling
✔ Organic Cotton Cover
✔ Keeps its Shape
We Say: Ok. So this bean bag almost didn’t make the list due to its incredibly high price point. But, in the end, it had to be included because it’s one of the best adult bean bags you can buy.
The materials used to make this bean bag chair are as good as it gets. Shredded natural latex stuffed into an organic cotton cover (available in 18 different patterns and colors).
The shredded latex filling is highly supportive and doesn’t lose its shape like most bean bag chairs. It’s also great for people with allergies because it’s naturally hypoallergenic.
So, if money is no object, then this bean bag, handmade in the U.S., is the one for you.
However, if you’re looking for more value for money, you might want to check out the next offering from White Lotus Home.
We Say: This bean bag from White Lotus Home is significantly cheaper than their Shredded Natural Latex product, and is still handmade in the U.S. to exacting standards.
There are two differences between the two products:
This bean bag is not quite as supportive as the shredded latex option, but it’s still very comfortable and ideal for drifting off outside with a gentle breeze running through your hair (if I had any!).
We Say: This is not a filled bean bag. You’re buying the cover and inner liner, which you can then fill with a filling of your choice. I used the recycled and non-toxic EPS beads from Bean Products.
The cover is a thing of beauty. Expertly hand-knitted from soft but durable recycled cotton yarn. Ana is truly a skilled artisan when it comes to knitting.
The great thing about filling your own cover is that you can get the exact level of comfort to suit your preference.
This item is handmade in Portugal, so there is quite a hefty cost to ship to the U.S. (around $53). Totally worth it in my eyes to get an eco-friendly and bespoke handmade bean bag.
You don’t have to worry about the environmental impact of shipping. Etsy will offset the carbon emissions from delivery and packaging on this purchase.
In fact, the whole order is worry-free because Etsy Purchase Protection also covers it. This ensures that you’ll get a full refund if your item doesn’t arrive, arrives damaged, or isn’t as described.
Not that this will be an issue. Ana is a five-star seller with over 3,000 happy customers to her name.
We Say: This is another option where you buy the cover only, and provide your own fill. It's a beautiful, minimalist design that looked really stylish in our home and always attracted compliments whenever we had visitors.
Made from a blend of local Lithuanian natural linen and cotton, it doesn't feel as soft as some of the other bean bags on the list. However, it does feel comfortable enough to relax on for long periods and is ideal for reading, gaming, or watching TV.
It also has the feel of quality, and I’ve no doubt it’ll last many years.
U.S. shipping is free and takes between two and four weeks.
Etsy will offset the carbon emissions from delivery and packaging, so you don’t have to worry about the carbon footprint associated with international orders.
✔ No Flame Retardants
✔ Formaldehyde Free
✔ CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
We Say: This isn't a bean bag, but it is an alternative worth considering if you're looking for a fun, comfy, and non-toxic seat for a kids' playroom.
My girls are a bit too old and a bit too cool for this play couch (or so they claim) so I used it myself, and I think it’s awesome!
It’s a play couch and a fort-building kit all in one. Hours of fun for active imaginations and then comfy enough for them to take a nap!
You get six pieces in the kit:
And a choice of six colors.
The covers are certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and are a mix of polyester, nylon, and 29% REPEVE® (made from recycled plastic bottles).
The foam cushions are CertiPUR-US certified and contain 20% plant-based foam. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and Formaldehyde Free.
You'll also benefit from a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects for extra peace of mind.
In order to be classed as eco-friendly, all parts of bean bag chairs must be made with non-toxic materials. That includes the outer cover, the inner liner, and the filling.
Organic and natural materials are better for the planet and your health because they don’t off-gas potentially toxic chemicals like some synthetic materials (polyester, for example).
Some sustainable materials to look out for include:
Well-known and respected environmental certifications can help you avoid greenwashing, assuring you that the materials in your bean bag chair are as environmentally friendly as the makers claim.
The following are some of the best eco-certifications available for filler materials and fabric used in bean bag chairs:
Environmental certifications are also an excellent way to ensure that your bean bag chair is made with natural and sustainable materials, and has been manufactured by a company committed to ethical business practices.
Some of the best green business certifications to keep an eye out for when shopping for bean bag chairs include:
The majority of mainstream bean bag chairs are filled with virgin polystyrene balls.
Polystyrene is a plastic made from styrene (a suspected carcinogen).
The production of polystyrene is often damaging to the environment due to the harsh chemicals used, such as benzene and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you might want to consider making your own bean bag chairs.
All you need is some sustainable fabric for the outer bean bag cover, and a natural filling, such as:
There are loads of tutorials on YouTube if you get stuck.
My favorite tip is to use your children’s stuffed toys as an alternative bean bag filling. They're free, and you'll reduce waste and clutter all in one fell swoop…GENIUS!
Some bean bag fillings, particularly those made with synthetic materials like polystyrene beads, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), posing health risks.
Petroleum-based substances may contribute to indoor air pollution, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and long-term health effects in some individuals. Exposure is particularly concerning in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.
Eco-friendly options, such as fillings from natural or recycled materials, are safer alternatives. Natural fillings reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, aligning with a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choice.
I use a simple three-step bean bag filling process:
So. There you have it. All the information you need to choose between the greenest bean bag chairs and organic floor cushions.
I’ve actually chosen both.
A Brentwood Home floor cushion is a great option for daily meditation.
A Looping Home knitted bean bag chair for lazy reading sessions (I’m working my way through John Wyndham’s works. I love the language and pace of The Midwich Cuckoos!).
What will you choose?
Where do you buy your non-toxic bean bag chairs? Are you more of a floor cushion fan? Have I missed your favorite brand?
Garden, study, in front of the fire…what’s your ultimate spot for casual relaxation? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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