How to Fill a Bean Bag Chair for Cheap?

How to Fill a Bean Bag Chair for Cheap?

Bean bag chairs are a pleasant and cozy addition to any space. They are best for chilling out, reading, or simply socializing with your friends. However, it can be quite expensive for homeowners to fill a bean bag chair.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to fill a bean bag chair on the cheap.

Best Bean Bag Filling Alternatives

Following are some of the best bean bag filling alternatives to the typical options to refill your bean bag:

  1. Old clothes
  2. Pillow stuffing
  3. Cotton
  4. Packing peanuts
  5. Shredded paper
  6. Shopping bags
  7. Rice
  8. Organic material
  9. Beans
  10. Eco-beans
  11. Old soft or plush toys

There can be more options but these are the most useful ones and the best ones to make a bean bag comfortable.

How to Fill a Bean Bag Chair for Cheap at Home?

The following process is one of the best ways to refill a bean bag chair for cheap like a Big Joe:

Things Required

Before you begin, here are the things you will need:

  • Bean bag chair filling
  • Funnel, or cardboard or paper to create a funnel (optional)
  • Vacuum cleaner (optional)

Step 1. Choose Your Filling

The first step is to choose the filling for your bean bag chair. There are many fillings available out there but homeowners might not be able to afford them or are not willing to spend a lot of bucks on them. So they look for cheaper ways to fill their bean bags.

Using anything but beans is a cost-effective way to fill a bean bag. Also, there are numerous cheap fillers and natural fillings that you can try out instead of typical options such as memory foam, fur, etc. They include:

  • Old clothes or blankets
  • Packing peanuts
  • Quilt and pillow stuffing
  • Dried beans
  • Old toys stuffing
  • Shopping bags
  • Rice

Step 2. Calculate the Required Filling

Before moving on to filling the bean bag, you need to measure the amount needed to do so. Generally speaking, when using beans as filling, you will need somewhere from 100 liters or 1 bag of beans to 600 liters or 6 bags of beans. The required filling depends on the size of your bean bag.

Step 3. Prepare Your Bean Bag Chair

The first thing you need to do is to prepare your bean bag to fill it. Find the child-safety zippers and unlock them to open the bean bag. If they don’t have a pull tab, use a safety pin to open them up.

Step 4. Fill the Bean Bag Chair

The next step is to fill your bean bag chair. Use a funnel to pour the filling into the chair if you have one. If you don’t already have one, roll up a sheet of paper or cardboard to make one.

For the best level of comfort, it’s crucial to evenly fill the bean bag. In order to compress the filling and make the bean bag more comfy, you can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove air from it.


You may also fill the bean bag without using a funnel, the funnel just makes the process easy and mess-free.

Fill the Bean Bag Chair

Step 5. Close the Bean Bag Chair

Once your bean bag chair is completely filled, shake it and adjust the filling. You can test the level of filling capacity by sitting on the bean bag. You may add or remove the filling as per your comfort level.

After you are satisfied with the filling, it’s time to close the bean bag. Close the zippers and close the bean bag. Make sure your chair is completely closed to ensure that none of the fillings can leak out.

How to Calculate the Required Fillings for a Bean Bag?

The first step in filling a bean bag is to know how much bean bag chair filling you require. Whether you have the comfiest Yogibo or the mighty Corduaroy, you need to measure the required amount of filling before stuffing them up.

Let’s use the following bean bag as an example of the calculation:

  • Length (l): 40cm
  • Width (w): 40cm
  • Height (h): 50cm

There are four steps to calculate the required number of bean bag fillers:

Step 1. Determine the Length of the Bean Bag

The first step is to calculate the length of the bean bag. The bean bag in our example has a length of 40 cm.

Step 2. Determine the Width of the Bean Bag

Next, you need to determine the width of the bean bag. In this example, the width of the bean bag is 40 cm.

Step 3. Determine the Height of the Bean Bag

Then you need to determine the height of the bean bag. The height of the bean bag in this example is 50 cm. 

Step 4. Calculate the Number of 1 kg Bean Bag Fillers Required

Once you have determined the length, width, and height of the bean bag, we can easily calculate the amount of filler required.
The final step is to calculate the number of 1 kg bean bag fillers needed using the following formula:
bean bag fillers needed = (l * w * h) / 50,000
Hence, our bean bag will need 40 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm / 50,000 = 1.6 of 1 kg bean bag fillers.

Tips and Tricks to Fill a Bean Bag

  • if you’re using wash old clothing or blankets before cutting them into pieces.
  • Don’t overfill your bean bag chair when filling it. A bean bag should be slightly underfilled rather than overfilled.
  • Make sure the packing peanuts are recyclable or biodegradable if you are willing to use them.
  • Consider placing a layer of foam on top of the filling to increase the comfort of your bean bag chair.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cheapest Way to Fill a Bean Bag?

The cheapest way to fill a bean bag is to use cheap filling alternatives such as plastic bags, shredded paper, cotton, peanuts, dried beans, etc.

What is the Best Thing to Fill a Bean Bag With?

The best thing to fill a bean bag is:
Memory foam
Shredded foam
EPP beads
EPS beads

What is the Best Way to Fill a Bean Bag Chair?

The best way to fill a bean bag chair is:
Prepare your bean bag
Clean the space
Calculate the filling
Open the bean bag 
Make a funnel
Pour the filling
Shake and adjust the bean bag
Add or remove filling as per your requirement
Zip the bean bag

How Much Foam Do I Need to Fill a 7ft Bean Bag?

You will approximately need 45 lbs of foam to fill a 7ft bean bag.

Can I Fill a Bean Bag with Cotton?

Yes, you can fill a bean bag with cotton. Since the cotton is so warm and cozy, it’s suitable for bean bags to lounge on them at home. Its exceptional durability makes it the perfect option for bean bags in high-traffic locations.

Cheap Way to Fill a Bean Bag Chair!

It can be expensive to fill a bean bag chair, but it doesn’t have to be because there are tons of cheap fillers available. You can choose these fillings to fill your bean bags for cheap. This a practical solution also environmental friendly as well as there are multiple natural options are available as well. As far as the refilling process is concerned, just follow the steps given in this guide.


Share post on
Kade Wiley
By Kade Wiley

Kade Wiley has a qualification in Interior Design & Decoration and has a passion for all things related to beanbags. He has dedicated his services to provide maximum information to homeowners on issues related to bean bags. Besides writing, Kade loves to travel around the world.



Pro Bean Bag is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

How to Set Up Lovesac Bean Bag? – Easy-to-follow Guide Bean Bag How Tos

How to Set Up Lovesac Bean Bag? – Easy-to-follow Guide

Lovesac bean bags have taken the world of comfort furniture by storm, providing a...

By Kade Wiley
Bean Bag Problems 2024 | Ultimate How-to Guide Bean Bag How Tos

Bean Bag Problems 2024 | Ultimate How-to Guide

Bean bags are incredibly comfortable and versatile pieces of furniture. Just like any other...

By Kade Wiley
How to Set Up CordaRoy’s Bean Bag? [Easy Method] Bean Bag How Tos

How to Set Up CordaRoy’s Bean Bag? [Easy Method]

When it comes to bean bag chairs, CordaRoy’s is a popular name. It is...

By Kade Wiley
How to Break in a Bean Bag Chair at Home? [Easy Methods] Bean Bag How Tos

How to Break in a Bean Bag Chair at Home? [Easy Methods]

Did you just buy a brand new bean bag and are now finding out...

By Kade Wiley
How to Gift Wrap a Bean Bag Chair at Home? Bean Bag How Tos

How to Gift Wrap a Bean Bag Chair at Home?

Everyone loves gifts. And a bean bag makes up for an excellent idea to...

By Kade Wiley
How to Clean a Fatboy Bean Bag? – DIY Guide Bean Bag How Tos

How to Clean a Fatboy Bean Bag? – DIY Guide

Fatboy bean bags are very comfy and enjoyable places for kids and adults. But...

By Kade Wiley
How to Clean Yogibo Bean Bag? – Easy Guide Bean Bag How Tos

How to Clean Yogibo Bean Bag? – Easy Guide

Do you have a Yogibo bean bag and it has got dirty due to...

By Kade Wiley
How to Clean Cordaroy Bean Bag? – Easy Guide Bean Bag How Tos

How to Clean Cordaroy Bean Bag? – Easy Guide

Do you have a Cordaroy bean bag that has become dirty and cannot be...

By Kade Wiley