Outdoor bean bags are the ultimate buy if you want to give your outside space an instant laid-back vibe. Once the reserve of kids, adults are getting in on the bean bag action too, and it's easy to see why. Perfect for lounging around with a good book, as handy extra seating for friends and family at garden get-togethers, or even comfy cinema chairs for garden movie nights, they're a versatile addition to any space.
From bean bag benches to bean bag loungers, we’ve rounded up the best designs to give your garden a boost this summer. But be warned, once you sit back in one of these, you may never want to get up!
Looking for dining sets or garden sofas? Check out our best garden furniture buying guide.
Best places to buy outdoor bean bags
The best outdoor bean bags
If you’ve never had an outdoor bean bag before, we suggest you start with this one. You can’t go far wrong with a classic and this oversized bean bag will bring a fun and relaxed feel to your garden instantly. Simply prop it up against a wall for a comfy chair shape that’s perfect for reading and socialising. Or lie it flat on the ground as a relaxed lounger and comfy ice-cream eating spot for the kids.
Now this is an outdoor bean bag with a difference! Made.com has thrown away the rule book with this design, and we couldn’t be any more in love. Hand crafted from the braided weave of yarn, the natural fibres mean each bean bag will look slightly different, bringing a sense of character to your garden.
We love the colourful stripes, and you can even mix up your look by positioning the bean bag sunny side up as shown, or flip it over to reveal a striking splash of dark green. If you’re channelling a boho garden vibe with bamboo and soft outdoor rugs, this will be your perfect addition. We’re already imagining huddling around a firepit with friends on a summer evening...
Outdoor bean bags are often the reserve of bright and vibrant colours, but if they're just too bold for you then we think you'll love this on-trend pastel design instead. Pictured in pastel orange and also available is pastel green, the two colours would combine beautifully to create a cosy corner in your outside space. Choose one of each colour and you'll be tapping into the hottest colour combination of the moment.
Move over hard wooden benches, there’s a comfy version in town and it’s the latest summer party essential. If you’re in need of some stylish extra seating for your lawn, these bean bag benches are a stylish and affordable alternative to a wood or metal design. You can go all out and line the edges of your patio with these (in various colours if that’s your thing!) or create a cosy corner with just two.
If you've only got a balcony space and it's underused because it’s lacking the comfort factor, these are small enough to fit into most spaces, and with a few extra cushions and a rug underfoot, you’ll be making the most of that fresh air in no time.
Now doesn’t this look dreamy? If spending the day curled up in bed is your idea of heaven, this outdoor bean bag offers all the same comfort. With both a longer design and a back, you can put your feet up and sink on down into this design. Be warned: napping is likely so be sure to top up your sun screen! It’ll also make a great gaming chair throughout the winter months, or extra seating for bumper movie nights.
Get all the comfort of your living room outside with this contemporary bean bag relaxer. This stylish ochre colour will bring sunny warmth to your garden on cloudy days, and the contrasting piping combined with the triangular-shaped back makes for a smart, modern look.
You can’t go far wrong with a classic blue and white stripe and this look-at-me design has gone straight to the top of our lust list. With built-in straps, you can either position your bean bag into a sofa shape as shown, or release if you fancy a lie down. The striking red and buckle detailing brings added oomph.
Want an outdoor bean bag to really sink into? This teardrop shape will envelop you as soon as you sit down, making for a perfect garden reading spot. Available in a wide range of bold colours, you could even choose a different colour for each family member and really mark your territory! This gorgeous pink shade gets top marks from us though.
Sometimes bigger is better, and that definitely applies to this style. Lie back and put you feet up or use it as an extra perch for your garden guests. This one comes with a removable cover, so you could even buy a few different colours and switch up the look suit your scheme. This yellow shade provides such a pop of colour that it's sure brighten up even the blandest of outdoor spaces.
This box-shaped bean bag can be used as a seat, a coffee table or even a footstool, making it one of the most versatile bean bags there is. Use it alongside your outdoor sofa to put your feet up for extra lounging potential, or have a couple to hand as extra seats for any unexpected guests. At just £19 each, they're a complete steal!
How to buy the best 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 beans 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 poly bead 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.
More great buys for stylish outdoor spaces:
- The best Adirondack chairs
- The best outdoor projectors for garden movie nights
- Add some comfort underfoot with our best outdoor rugs
