Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea of the bean bag and how the first one was made? It was actually invented around 50 years ago, but today’s bean bag chairs are not those of the 1960’s. The bean bag has evolved in many ways from the style to the filler material. Here’s a rundown of the bean bag’s transition from lumpy chair to fabulous furniture.

The Bean Bag Evolution

The bean bag chair, also known as the Sacco, was designed in Italy in 1968 during the period of Italian Modernism. This postwar era movement was inspired by the newly available technology, which increased production processes and introduced new materials such as polystyrene. The modernist movement also favored objects with free forms and asymmetric designs. Italian designers Cesare Paolini, Piero Gatti and Franco Teodoro combined these qualities to create the Sacco; the first formless chair in Italian history. The original chairs were made from pieces of leather evenly stitched together and filled with thermocol pellets. The bean bag became popular because it was the first chair to conform to the shape of the person sitting in it.

During the 1970s the bean bag transitioned and became even more comfortable. This was due to a change in the filling. The thermocol pellets were replaced with pure Styrofoam pellets. At this time, the bean bag chair was not only a popular item in many homes, it was also to be found in the offices of child therapists, and physicians were recommending it for patients recovering from back surgery.

During the 1990s consumer perception of the bean bag chair shifted. It was no longer considered to be just a piece of cheap furniture but became a sought after piece of casual comfort that could meet a variety of needs. The Sacco now shifted its shape, it was no longer just a round sack but was transformed into different shapes and sizes. This was the era of bean bag furniture, which included sofas and recliners. Because there had previously been a number of incidents in which children had crawled inside earlier versions of the bean bag and inhaled the filling, the modern bean bag became more child-friendly.

Today, bean bags remain a steadfast part of Western culture. They can now be found with a wide range of washable fabric covers that are made from strong material. Most are filled with biodegradable Styrofoam pellets, while some are filled with urethane filler which can provide a little more support, and others are filled with shredded foam.

Bean Bag Styles and Sizes

• Conventional bean bags: These are the familiar round bean bag chair that come in a variety of sizes and are great for kids and adults alike. Cover colors and designs are almost limitless.
• Bean bag loungers: If you want a bean bag that you can fit your whole body onto, a lounger is for you. These super-sized bean bags are perfect for reclining while watching TV, reading or taking a nap. You can find all styles and colors of giant bean bag chairs at Sack Daddy.
• Sporty bean bag chairs: Designed for sports fans to grab and put in front of the TV to watch their favorite team in comfort, these bean bags are available in bright colors and team colors. They are larger than conventional bean bags and they’re built for comfort all through the game.
• Couch replacement bean bags:  Ditch your couch for a bean bag large enough to seat two or three people. They’re great for your teen’s bedroom or a student dorm room.
• Bean bag chairs: Slightly different from the conventional formless bean bag, these models are actually shaped like a chair, so they offer you more support and are great if you’re sitting for a long time. These bean bags have a much firmer base than conventional bags, so they retain their form better.

Floating bean bag chairs: Whether you’re floating in your swimming pool or fishing on your favorite lake, these bean bags can go anywhere, from the back yard to the beach.

Bean bag chairs are great for all ages. They help your body relax and are comfortable even if you suffer from back pain. Compared to conventional chairs and sofas they are also inexpensive. So why not grab a bean bag today and sink into coziness and contentment while you’re reading, watching TV, taking a nap, or chatting with your friends.

Max Fletcher is an interior design student who, when not studying, or working on his textile designs, enjoys writing home decor articles.