There was a time when bean bags were the domain of kids, providing them with their very own comfy seating, which parents used as a footstool at best. Fast-forward a few decades, and Big Bertha Original has a range of bean bag furniture for every member of the family.

I was one of those kids with a bean bag, and while it was great for me to jump around on, lounge on, and even use as a rolling stunt prop, if either of my parents tried to sit in it, they were left looking like an overturned turtle as they tried to get up.

Thanks to the design efforts of Big Bertha, that’s no longer the case — the company has created a vast range that includes well-structured furniture that you can get out of with ease, yet still filled with those familiar polystyrene beans that provide so much comfort.

Big Bertha Original has some excellent options for anyone looking for an inexpensive way to furnish their first flat, student accommodation, or even a conservatory, but with style and comfort in mind. From single seats to three-seater sofas, there are plenty of options to choose from.

There are also more traditional-styled bean bags in the range, such as the XL Pillow bean bag or the XXL Original, which is made using a water-resistant material for both indoor and outdoor use.

The kids haven’t been forgotten, either. From toddlers to teens, a range of styles, from individual chairs to mini sofas, will keep them comfortable and happy as they read, play, watch TV or play video games.

Jane and Mini-Joe Approved

We tried out the XXL Original and the Albert Kids Sofa bean bag for 2–6-year-olds, and we loved them. The quality of both is excellent, both in terms of materials and construction.

The XXL Original was perfect for lounging in the garden, and with a shake to adjust the shape, it was a comfortable alternative for a deck chair when sitting around with family or friends chatting. We live in a rather arid part of the country, and it’s not rained since the XXL Original arrived, but we’ve tipped some water on it (ok, we spilt a drink on it), and it ran off without leaving any marks or stains. While not the most scientific of tests, it does suggest a few drops of rain won’t be a problem.

The Albert Kids Sofa was a definite hit with our grandkids. They could climb on it, jump around and, eventually, sit quietly and play without us worrying that they would hurt themselves or damage the sofa. It was just about right for them to sit together happily and have enough space, but while it’s supposed to be suitable for kids up to six years old, we seriously doubt two of them would fit comfortably at that point.

Big Bertha Albert Kids Sofa bean bag

Along with a host of different styles, a range of colour options and fabrics are available, allowing you to pick the perfect piece to suit your decor. From hard-wearing cord to vegan leather, you can mix, match, or coordinate throughout to create a unified, contemporary look.

In addition to style and comfort, another great strength of Big Bertha is the price tag. While a more traditionally styled sofa can cost thousands of pounds, a three-seater Albert sofa bean bag costs less than £280. For under £550, you can furnish your home with a two-seater and a three-seater sofa, a footstool, and even a matching mini sofa for the little ones, which we think is a pretty good deal.

What: Big Bertha Original Bean Bags
How much: Range from £7.40 to £370. XXL Original £99. Albert Kids Sofa Bean Bag £110.
Where: BigBerthaOriginal.com

Sam Huff