The nineteen sixties were a decade of upheaval and change. Everything from fashion styles, politics, and even furniture broke the mold of the past. People were looking for alternatives to traditional home furnishings and the humble bean bag chair became an immediate hit. The first bean bag chairs did not originate in the United States and most people were unaware that bean bag chair resulted from the efforts of three Italian furniture designers. The Sacco bean bag chair or just Sacco, was the brainchild of three Italian furniture designers, Franco Teodora, Cesare Paolini and Piero Gatti, while they were working for the famed furniture design company Zanotta.

The Zanotta Company was born during the period of industrial reconstruction in post World War Two Italy. By the mid nineteen fifties, the company had gained a reputation for avante garde furniture designs. From nineteen fifty four through the present day, the Zanotta Company has earned many prestigious awards for cutting edge furniture designs.

The original design of the Sacco chair was released by Zanotta in nineteen sixty nine. With a characteristic teardrop shape, the Sacco bean bag chair provided support for the head and neck. The primary design principle was to provide a chair that molded itself to the body. An unconfirmed rumor has it that the invention of the Sacco bean bag chair was somewhat unintentional. A company that produced Styrofoam had placed some leftover pieces from the production line into a bag and the rest, as they say, is history.

After some initial fits and starts, the Sacco chair went into mass production, becoming the basic model for all bean bag chairs to come. In the United States, the bean bag chair at first considered a fad, a flash in the pan that would eventually go away. The bean bag chair has survived the test of time and is more popular than ever. Newer designs have overcome some of the problems encountered when other manufacturers entered the bean bag market with their own designs.

Early copycat designs consisted of a sewn, vinyl, leather or cloth bag filled with small beads made from polystyrene foam. The chairs sometimes failed when the user would plop down in the chair. The stitching in some cheaper beanbag chairs would fail, releasing a snowstorm of tiny foam beads. Since the beads were made of polystyrene, they were very reactive to static electricity.

Once released from the chair, the beads would stick to every nearby surface. The release of the beads was not only a nuisance, but sometimes posed a danger to small children and household pets. The small beads could easily be inhaled, lodging in the throat, sinus passages or even the lungs. Modern bean bag chairs have been redesigned in order to eliminate the danger of inhalation. While polystyrene foam is still used, the size of the beads has been increased reducing the danger of inhalation. The stuffing is enclosed in a bag that is separate from the cover, reducing the chance of losing your beads.

In general, the nineteen seventies were the undisputed heyday for the bean bag chair. The nineteen eighties and nineteen nineties saw the ubiquitous bean bag lose some ground. But just as the movement in retro clothing and jewelry was getting up a head of steam, the bean bag chair has made a stunning comeback.

Some modern bean bag chair designs have retained the original Sacco design concept with a high back. Modern bean bag chairs have become a favorite among young adults and children. This surge in popularity is partly due to the wide variety of bean bag chairs that feature different themes and sizes. Jumbo bean bag chairs have always been sought after by folks who really like to stretch out and relax. Big bean bags come in sizes large enough for the average adult and small enough for the kids to enjoy. Huge bean bag chairs are the ultimate in comfort. With enough to lounge and relax, many huge bean bags measure over fifty inches across.

Sports fans will have no trouble finding beanbag chairs that represent almost any sport are available in a variety of fabrics and sizes. Sports teams, from the college ranks to the pros have licensed their logos and teams colors to many different products, including sports bean bag chairs. Sports bean bags are a must have item of furniture for every sports fan and collector of sports memorabilia. Stylish and durable, denim bean bags come in classic denim blue and other great colors. Bean bag chairs are also available in other fabrics and materials. From just fun and furry to wild, faux fur bean bags let you express you wild and wholly side. Available in lots of hot colors and animal prints, faux fur bean bag chairs can liven up any room decor.

Hunters, sportsman and outdoor types of any age can add a special look to any den or trophy with a camouflage beanbag chair. Forest greens and mossy oak are popular colors, but for those looking for something more wild, try a hot color like lime or berry camouflage. If you are a fan of college sports, a college beanbag chair is just the ticket for honoring your favorite team or college. Whether you are a Sooner from Nebraska, a Buckeye from Ohio State or a Wolverine from Michigan there is a college beanbag for you.

Kids love bean bag chairs and there is a kid bean bag that would be the perfect accent for your childs bedroom or play space. Available in lots of fun colors and with cleanable covers, a kid sized bean bag is sure to be a favorite place for children to hang out.

The design of modern bean bag chairs has changed over the years. Modern bean bags now use a combination of polyplastic beads and shredded foam rubber for the ultimate in comfort. The beads and foam that comprise the stuffing are sealed in a bag that is separate from the cover. This inner bag makes the job of keeping the outer cover clean much easier. Just remove the outer cover and pop it into your washer.

Whatever style or size of bean bag chair you chose to buy be sure to read the care instructions. Some covers, while removable, may require special laundering. Some fabrics will shrink if dried in a household clothes dryer and should be line dried. Other specialty fabrics may need to be dry cleaned.