Outdoor bean bags are the ultimate buy if you want to add laid-back vibes to your outside space, or just create some versatile garden seating.
Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre wherever the sun is, and quick to pick up and bring indoors should dark clouds appear on the horizon, they're a really useful (and comparatively cheap) alternative to the best garden furniture.
A bean bag is perfect for lounging in the sun with a good book, great as extra seating for friends and family at garden get-togethers, and ideal for creating comfortable slouchy cinema chairs for garden movie nights alongside the best outdoor projectors.
In short, an outdoor bean bag is a super versatile addition to any outdoor space, and we’ve sat down on the job to round up the best designs to give your garden a stylish update this summer.
The best outdoor bean bags
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The raised backrest on the Extreme Lounging Mighty B Outdoor Bean Bag makes for a more comfortable lounging experience than a regular bean bag, although you will pay a bit more for this ergonomically-shaped design.
Robust double-stitched, two-way stretch fabric is tough and durable as well as breathable for non-sticky lounging. It's also splash-proof, easy to wipe clean, UV-resistant to prevent colour fading in the sun, and water-resistant. Plus, the design comes with a handy rubber carry handle to make carrying it around the lawn easier.
Available in pretty much every colour of the rainbow there are plenty of choices when it comes to bright and impactful colours, we just would have liked to see a few more neutral options available for those of us not into vibrant primary hues.
This is the most expensive outdoor bean bag in our round-up, and there's no denying it's a hefty sum to pay for outdoor lounging. However, this is also the largest garden bean bag we've come across, with its 120cm length the most comfortable for sprawling out in the sunshine in good weather.
In fact, we'd go as far as to say it rivals some of the best sun loungers in terms of comfort and versatility. After all, this is an option you can throw into the lounge, games room, or a teenager's bedroom when the weather isn't playing ball, so you're arguably going to get far more use from this option.
Outdoors, the chaise longue design with shaped headrest is perfect for sunbathing, reading, and stargazing, and the double-stitched fabric is tough and durable with breathable vents to help keep you cool on sweltering summer days. It also comes in a great selection of colours, including vibrant brights (opens in new tab) and muted pastels (opens in new tab).
If your outdoor bean bag requirements lean more towards the cheap and cheerful end of the spectrum then this budget option is a great choice for some extra garden seating.
A classic round bean bag shape, it doesn't offer as much support as an option with a built-in headrest or back support, but the slightly higher back section does offer some seated support, and overall it's fine for some not-on-the-ground garden lounging. To add some extra comfort there is also an option to buy the bean bag with a matching footstool (opens in new tab).
The water-resistant fabric is also easy to wipe clean and available in sixteen colour options which makes it an especially fun option for kids.
You can sit, lounge, or lay on this super-large Giant Bean Bag and there will be no shortage of beans to make your seat comfortable.
The biggest outdoor bean bag we've come across, this floor cushion is ideal for sprawling, whether indoors or out, or you can prop it against a wall or fence to turn it into a comfortable chair seat.
The waterproof cover means it will survive the odd bit of drizzle outdoors, and twelve colour options make for plenty of style choice.
If you're looking for more of a footstool than a 'traditional' bean bag, then this jute-effect outdoor pouffe will make a stylish addition to the patio, allowing you to put your feet up whilst seated on a garden sofa or lounge chair.
The jute-effect outer is actually made from a weatherproof and water repellent polyester that makes it durable enough for outdoor use, whilst still doing a good job of emulating the natural look we love.
And of course you can sit on it too, so it can also be used as extra patio seating, just bear in mind it's quite a bit smaller than other options on this list.
This good value oversized bean bag will bring a fun and relaxed feel to your garden, plus there are a whole host of colour options choose from.
Simply prop it up against a wall or tree to create a comfortable chair shape that’s perfect for reading and socialising, or lie it flat on the ground as a relaxed lounger.
The cover is waterproof so it will withstand some damp grass, and the outer fabric can be spot-cleaned to keep it looking fresh.
Although you might decide to invest a little more and go for the Giant Bean Bag Bazaar option above, if you have a smaller outside space or you want the lightest outdoor beanbag you can find, then this smaller size could work out the better choice.
As an alternative to the classic outdoor bean bag, this inflatable option offers ease of storage when it's not in use, and the ability to pack it up and take it wherever you please, whether that's the park, beach, or along to a garden party as bring-your-own seating.
The super-simple design means all you need to do to inflate it is to hold the fabric open and swish it through the air to capture some fresh air before sealing with the roll-and-lock mechanism (a gentle breeze does help a little).
Light to carry, durable and stain-resistant, the Lamzac O Lounger is also easy to deflate and fold up compactly, plus it's available in a whole host of colour options.
What to consider when shopping for an outdoor bean bag
Colour choice
While your interior may well be the reserve of more muted shades, the garden is the place where you can branch out and go bold with more vibrant citrus and neon colours, particularly if it's the kids that will mostly be using the outdoor bean bags.
Durable materials
The best outdoor bean bags are waterproof and UV resistant to protect them from rain and sun damage. However, we'd always advise that you store your outdoor bean bags inside (or in a garden shed or garage) when not in use to keep them looking good for as long as possible. Most outdoor bean bags can simply be wiped down with a wet cloth if they get dirty – inevitable if there are kids involved!
Fillings
Most beanbags have a polybead filling, which will naturally compress over time so you may need to refill them in the future to boost the firmness of the support.
Handy features
Larger outdoor bean bags can be surprisingly heavy and bulky, so you might want to choose a design with handles to make it easier to move it around.
Multi-functional
The best outdoor beanbags are the ones you can use inside too during the colder months. They make great extra seating in kids' bedrooms or comfy gaming chairs for kids big and small.
How we chose the best outdoor beanbags
To find the best outdoor beanbags we sat down on the job to try out some of the most popular designs, grilled the Gardeningetc team for their expert knowledge, asked friends and family for their top-rated products, and took into account third party reviews on retailer websites. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Gardeningetc.