How to Choose the Right Bean Bag Fill: Beans vs Foam vs Mix

Not all bean bag fill is the same, and the fill you choose changes everything about how your bean bag feels, how long it lasts, and where you can use it. Here's how to pick.

EPS polystyrene beans

The classic bean bag fill — lightweight, springs back into shape quickly, and easy to find (Kmart, Big W and Target all stock it). Great for everyday indoor use. The trade-off: beans compress over time and may need topping up, and they don't love moisture, so they're not the best choice for anything left outdoors.

Shredded foam

Denser and more supportive than beans, and holds its shape for longer — closer to sitting in a proper chair than sinking into a bag. Costs a bit more, but worth it if you're using your bean bag daily rather than occasionally.

The 30/70 mix

Many of our customers land on a mix of roughly 30% beans to 70% foam by volume — it gives the support of foam with a bit of the classic "give" that beans provide. It's what we recommend as a starting point on most of our indoor bags.

Outdoor fill

If it's going outside, the fill matters even more — look for a fill designed to drain and dry quickly rather than reusing indoor fill outdoors, where it can hold moisture and break down fast. Check our outdoor range for bags built with the right fabric and fill combination from the start.

How much do I need?

Every product page on our site has a size-specific "Recommended fill" guide. If you're not sure, our step-by-step filling guide covers the how-to, and we're always happy to confirm an exact figure if you get in touch.