Size:
As this bean bag chair is for adults, it will need to accommodate all shapes and sizes, unless the chair will only be used for you. A bean bag chair should still have space left over when you sink into it for added comfort. When reviewing the bean bag chairs below, we found chairs that measured 4-5 feet were the best and most comfortable option. Nicole Hollis states that, when choosing a bean bag chair, always go bigger if you're not sure about size. It's better to have extra room than not enough, and a larger bean bag will also accommodate another person. Remember too that a bean bag with a back will take up more additional space lengthwise than a regular bean bag.
Material:
The material of an adult bean bag is key, as the material is what will set it apart from a typical children's bean bag. Amy Lau recommends looking for a bean bag chair made from suede or faux suede. Suede is a sophisticated and chic material for a sofa, and this will translate well over to a bean bag and lend it the same sophistication. Another good material choice for an adult bean bag is faux fur. Fluffy, soft, and super comfortable so you can snuggle up, faux fur would suit both a bedroom and living room setting. When it comes to materials, we recommend avoiding polyester with a shiny finish, as it will appear childish. Polyester with a smooth finish is a better alternative.
Color:
Bean bags are an often-used item, so it's important to get the color right. As with all furniture that will be used day to day, darker colors are a better choice than light. Light colors may look nice and match a neutral or minimalist décor scheme, but they will show marks and stains easily as opposed to darker colors. You can still achieve the popular on-trend Scandinavian look with a neutral shade that isn't beige or cream. Taupe and mid-brown match the theme well without being susceptible to showing dirt. Not a fan of neutrals? No problem. Go for bold jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red to bring a splash of color to your home.
Back or Backless:
If you're looking for a bean bag chair to act as extra seating, we recommend looking for one that has a back. A bean bag with a back will offer support when you are sitting for long periods of time, thus giving you a more comfortable lounging experience overall. Plus, bean bags with backs have a better structure, which will only add to the overall look of your room. Although a bean bag without a back will still look good, it won't have the same structure as one with a back. It's worth noting too that the majority of bean bags for children don't have a back, so a bean bag with a back is better suited to adults.
Density:
The thickness and filling of a bean bag chair are one of the main things to look out for. Per Katie Ridder, a bean bag chair should contain a filling that fills at least three-quarters of your bean bag. This will give you room to move around whilst still keeping the main appeal of a bean bag chair -- its squishiness. With a bag that's only filled halfway, you run the risk of your bean bag chair sagging and looking deflated over time. This will change from filling to filling, too -- you'd need more shredded foam to fill up a bag than you would with polystyrene beans.