Giant "sofa" beanbag instead of a sofa?

marc.faulkner

Hi,

I'm looking for a low cost, funky and modern seating solution for my lounge - as my old green sofa is now looking a bit passed it! I've already replaced the armchair with a relaxer chair - similar to the Ikea Pello and I'm now looking to replace the sofa.

If cost wasn't an issue, I've found a few nice leather sofa's which I'd gladly buy, however having just spent a small fortune replacing lots of other tired furniture I really can't stretch to few hundred £££'s!

I quite like the idea of the giant, elongated beanbags - they're quirky and certainly very modern. They're also a lot cheaper than the average sofa.

First question, does anybody have one of these? And if so, what do you think of it? Would it make a suitable replacement for a sofa etc...

And secondly, are there any shops/showrooms which have them on display so that I could go and take a look to see what I think?

Thinking of something like the image below, but probably in red or brown to match the rest of the decor.

Traveller1981

What would you lean up against? The wall? If so, that wouldnt be very comfortable for you or guests.

I love bean bags but I dont think I could have one instead of a sofa. Have you tried the classfied for people upgragding their sofas. Alternatively, DFS do 4 years interest free credit.

PasturesNew

Bit tricky balancing a takeaway on your lap on that - and lying on it flicking through a magazine while reaching for a mug of coffee.

marc.faulkner

Thanks for the feedback.

I can see what you mean about the practicalities - however I do have more sensible seating available if called for, this would really just be something to flake out on in front of the TV with with my laptop on my knee.

Wasn't actually planning on having it leaning against anything as there's a radiator on the wall my current sofa is against, so I'd probably just have it about a foot or so forward of that...

I'm still looking around at other different and quirky options, but apart from the ridiculous (hand and lip shaped sofa's!) there doesn't seem to be much about.

Doozergirl

How comfortable would you be in either of those two positions for any period of time?

You have to distribute your weight evenly across it - if you sat up straight with dinner or a laptop on your knee, you'd either sink into it or slide off.

It might be alright for a student but I think once you grow up and spend proper time in your living room you have to have a sofa. Land too hard on the thing and all the crappy polystyrene will come out of it as well.

I've bought so much nearly new stuff off ebay at a fraction of the original cost, you will find something decent if you just save up so you've got 200 quid. I got a fabulous Ektorp corner sofa, just months old for 200 quid instead of 900 odd.

My own sofa is pretty different - I negotiated it in with the price of a friends' flat so it was free - don't know where it came from but it's very square. There's a similar one in Habitat.

There's a fine line between 'funky' and 'slightly stupid'. You won't be appearing in any home magazines with a bean bag instead of a sofa. It will look to anyone like you just moved in and are waiting for the sofa to arrive

markelock

I'd rather lie on the floor to be honest. I don't think the pictures make it look practical, so what will it be like in real life?

Doozergirl

http://www.habitat.co.uk/fcp/categoryproducts/browse/living-and-storage/sofas/TOSCANA/

Is very similar to what I have.

The 'ridiculous lips sofa' are based on a design classic, mate! I wouldn't have it in my house either but nonetheless, the original was by Salvador Dali - inspired by Mae West's lips, I believe.

HelzBelz

I've friends with one of the giant bean bags, they look good in the pictures, but don't stay in that shape, have very little support, aren't that comfy and are really difficult to get up from.

loracan1

Just the picture of the sofa beanbag is giving me backache - no support and if they're anything like the beanbag 'cube' we had in the living room will bear no resemblance to its original shape after a month.

edgex

Plain Lazy® Beanbags have been solely created for those who appreciate a more relaxed attitude to life. For work shy, sleep loving style gurus who want a break from the norm! Available in 13 different colours.

http://www.surfhome.co.uk/plain-lazy-beanbags-68-c.asp

tankgirl_2

HI Marc

My advice is not to buy one. I bought one two years ago and found that it was great to start with but the beans quickly flatten esp if you have more than one person sat on it. You then have to find a foam shop to replace them all which can become expensive after a while. I sold mine on gumtree, maybe you could buy a 2nd hand one to test it out rather than spending loads on a new one...

Hope u find your funky sofa!