How to Fill a Bean Bag Chair | Simple Refill Steps

Filling a bean bag chair involves opening the liner, adding EPS beads or foam gradually through a funnel until the chair is about 75–80% full, then testing for comfort before sealing.

A sagging bean bag chair just needs a refill. Whether topping off an old favorite or filling a new shell, the process takes about 20 minutes with the right filler and a few tricks to avoid scattered beads.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before opening the zipper: a funnel (or DIY cardboard cone), the correct filling material (EPS beads or foam per the chair’s design), and a well-lit, low-airflow area. Turn off ceiling fans and close windows — lightweight beads drift with the slightest breeze. LoveSac recommends filling to about 75–80% capacity for optimal comfort. If the chair has a child-safe zipper with a tiny tab, a paper clip or safety pin works as a temporary handle, as noted in LoveSac’s official filling guide.

The Step-by-Step Filling Process

This sequence works for nearly every bean bag design, whether it has an inner liner or a single chamber.

• Open the covers carefully. Place the chair on a clean, flat surface. Unzip the outer cover fully. If there is an inner liner, open that zipper too. Keep both openings upright and facing the ceiling.
• Position the funnel. Insert a funnel or DIY cardboard spout into the opening. One person can hold it steady while the other pours — essential for large chairs to avoid spillage.
• Pour filling in small batches. Add fist-sized amounts at a time, pausing between pours to let beads settle. Rushing creates a static mess; adding more is easy, removing excess is not.
• Fluff and redistribute. Every few pours, shake the chair gently or massage the outer cover so filling moves into corners and edges.
• Test before sealing. Sit in the chair for 10–15 seconds. It should feel supportive but soft and flexible. If you sink too far or feel the floor, add more. If firm or rigid, remove a small amount. Overfilling makes the chair hard and uncomfortable.
• Close everything securely. Zip the inner liner first, then the outer cover. Remove any temporary zipper pull tool. If the chair has a child-safety zipper, re-engage it fully.

Keep children and pets away during the process — loose beads are a choking hazard. Work slowly in a contained area; a spilled bag on carpet is an afternoon you don’t want.

Choosing the Right Filler for Your Chair

EPS beads and shredded foam are not interchangeable. Check the tag or original product page to confirm which filler your chair is designed for. Many manufacturers include a recommended filler weight or volume on the care label. If buying new filler, match the material exactly — mixing types leads to uneven support and lumpy spots. If the filling has compressed over years, replace it entirely rather than top off; old beads break down into dust and lose their spring. LoveSac notes that removable covers can be cleaned on a cold cycle, but fixed covers should only be spot cleaned.

How Full Should a Bean Bag Chair Be?

Stop filling when the chair holds its shape but still lets you sink in a few inches. Overfilling is the most common mistake — it makes the chair rigid and can strain zippers or seams. Leave room for filling to shift; that movement is what makes bean bags comfortable. If you’d rather buy a chair ready to sit in, check out our tested roundup of the best bean bag chairs with filler included.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filling in a breezy area. Even a gentle draft sends EPS beads across the room. Work with windows closed and fans off.
• Pouring the entire bag at once. Dumping creates clumps and overflow. Add in small batches and let each one settle.
• Skipping the test sit. The chair feels different empty than with your weight. Always sit before zipping.
• Ignoring the child-safety zipper. Use a paper clip rather than yanking — damaged seams leak filler later.
• Mixing filler types. EPS and foam behave differently; mixing them creates uneven support that worsens over time.