How to Decorate a Bean Bag Chair to Make it Stand Out

You don’t have to throw your bean bag in a corner because it looks “too casual.” With a little sprucing, it can feel right at home in grown-up spaces without looking like it wandered in from your old dorm room. Here are our styling tips on how to decorate a bean bag chair and make it work beautifully in any room. 

How to Choose the Right Bean Bag Chair to Decorate

Before you can style a bean bag, you’ve got to start with one you actually love! Do you prefer soft and cozy? Or is timeless and modern more your thing? You want to choose a fabric that works for you and your lifestyle. 

If you have pets or kids, skip delicate fabrics that will wear and tear quicker than other materials. Instead, look for a bean bag with a cover that can withstand muddy paws and sticky fingers. 

At cordaroys, we know life can get messy. That’s why our covers are pet- and kid-friendly, removable, washable, and dryer safe.  No matter what life throws at you (or your bean bag), you can toss the mess into the wash and get right back to relaxing.  

Finding the Right Size Bean Bag

The right bean bag size comes down to two things:

1. How much space you have

2. How you plan to use that space

In a small studio apartment, a King-sized bean bag might feel like it’s taking over, while in a big family room, a small one could look lost. A trick for laying out and furnishing your space is to follow the 60/40 rule, which says 60% of your room should be filled with furniture, and 40% should be open. This will help with the flow of movement and give your eyes a visual break. 

Here’s a breakdown of different bean sizes, who they’re best for, and where each size fits:  

Still not sure what size bean bag you need for your space? Check out our bean bag chair size guide to find your perfect fit. 

5 Bean Bag Chair Decorating Ideas

From cozy corners to classic home theaters, a bean bag can transform any room. Have a room decked out in neutrals? Consider a brightly colored bean bag chair to make a bold statement. In fact, interior design experts say that a clear focal point gives a room visual interest by drawing the eye to one main feature and tying the rest of the decor together. 

Whether you want your chair to blend into your space or become the star of it, these decorating ideas show you how to make your bean bag feel at home anywhere and look good doing it. 

Cozy Reading Corners

Rainy days are for reading, and nothing wraps you in comfort quite like cordaroys’ Cloud bean bag chair. This ultra-soft fabric feels like sinking into a marshmallow with just the right amount of support to keep you cozy for hours. 

Need a break from your book or want to stretch out for a nap? Our Cloud convertible bean bag turns into a bed in seconds, so your reading corner easily becomes your napping corner. 

For an inviting, lived-in look, drape a chunky knit blanket over your bean bag with your current read resting on top. Here are some elements you can add to your nook, so you can escape to make-believe worlds in ultimate comfort: 

• Small side table topped with a warm-scented candle

• Soft-glow reading lamp or floor lamp

• Compact bookshelf or floating shelves for your favorite titles

• Textured area rug to keep your toes warm

• Woven basket for extra blankets, bookmarks, pens and highlighters to mark your favorite quotes, and snacks

Whimsical Kids’ Playrooms

Every playroom needs a spot to land, and a faux fur youth bean bag is the ultimate landing pad after building block towers or hosting a tea party for stuffed animals. Soft enough to always be trust-fall ready and sturdy enough for building forts, it’s a piece they’ll grow into without outgrowing the fun. 

Layer it with a colorful throw and tuck a plush toy or two right on the side. To turn the whole space into a little wonderland, add: 

• cordaroys’ crash pad for jumping, tumbling, and storytime 

• Fairy lights or paper lanterns for a little magic

• Low cubby storage filled with books, puzzles, and art supplies

• Fun, patterned rugs to add color and vibrancy

• A climbing wall for active play and skill building

Immersive Gaming Setups

Games can make you forget the real world exists, which is why you need a setup that feels just as epic as the adventures on your screen. With its edgy black and lime green cover, cordaroys’ Optic Gaming bean bag chair is built for keeping you locked in whether you’re deep into a PC campaign or leading your squad to victory on your console. 

Transform your gaming space into the ultimate command center by adding: 

• LED light strips around your monitor, desk, or TV stand for an ambient futuristic look

• Headset stand or wall mount to keep audio gear safe and accessible

• Rolling snack cart so you never have to pause mid-game

• Controller dock or charging station to keep gear ready to go

• Cable management sleeves so cords don’t clutter your space

Nostalgic Home Theaters

There’s something special about dimming the lights and queuing up your favorite film with your family and friends. cordaroys’ giant bean bag chair gives you that sink-right-in softness that makes you forget you’re at home. It’s big enough for family movie nights, weekend binges, and the inevitable mid-film nap. 

For a home theater that feels like your own private cinema, add: 

• Blackout curtains to block out light and distractions

• Popcorn machine or snack cart for easily accessible treats

• XL cozy throw blanket so everyone can snuggle up together 

• Surround sound or a soundbar to immerse yourself in every line and song

• Framed movie posters or marquee signs to give the room that classic movie theater vibe

Academia-Inspired Home Offices

Not every great idea happens at a desk. cordaroys’ convertible bean bag chair in sleek faux leather gives your workspace a comfortable corner for reading and brainstorming sessions. It’s like having a private library chair that just happens to convert into a bed when you need to take that well-earned break. 

To give your office that old-world charm, pair your bean bag with: 

• Classic floor lamp with a warm glow for late-night reading

• Vintage-style side table to hold your tea, coffee, or notebooks

• Slim bookshelf stocked with reference materials and leisure reads

• Textured wool rug to soften the floor 

• A few leafy plants to add life to the space

Ready to Give Your Bean Bag Chair a Makeover?

Your bean bag is officially ready for its main character moment! All it needs is the right look. Whether you’re going for cozy, bold, or somewhere in between, cordaroys has the styles to make it happen. So, find your favorite, decorate it, and get ready for everyone to call dibs on your new favorite spot. 

Sources: 

I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again | Apartment Therapy 

How to create a good focal point in a room | House & Garden