Frameless furniture is an oasis of comfort, a place to read and a place to take a nap. It's also an inexpensive option that's easy to make yourself. The first bean bag chair in the style of Italian modernism appeared in the 70s. It was designed by three designers: Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro. The model was released on an industrial scale. But this was not at all the “firstborn” of the “amorphous” chair in Italian history. A less successful predecessor was called "Impact", its disadvantage was that it did not retain its shape.
Description and features
This chair differs from a regular one in that the frame is a bag, so the appearance of the chair depends on the shape of the bag.
There are frameless furniture on the market in various shapes:
- ball;
- ottoman;
- butterflies;
- bag;
- pears.
There are a number of advantages:
- The seat can take the shape of the human body.
- Due to the absence of sharp corners, there is no danger of injury.
- You can make it yourself.
- Due to the fact that the covers have a special hole, it is possible to experiment with the filler to find the most suitable one. The same applies to the top cover. It is possible to choose the one that will complement the design of the room.
The disadvantage of frameless chairs is that they do not provide reliable support for the human body.
Bag chair in the shape of a ball
Frameless children's furniture bean bag chair soft pouf
Chair bag pear yellow
Such soft seats are suitable for children's rooms, as they prevent injury to the child. They are also suitable for relaxation, because the filler envelops the body, resulting in complete relaxation.
Forward to a better life
The DIY bean bag chair has quickly become the preferred place to relax in the home, office and even on the street. Today there are hundreds of varieties of this furniture, from bags to sofas, made from printed materials, fabrics, with many designs. Since the models are so versatile, it's easy to see why so many people prefer to relax on a beanbag rather than a hard chair. Let's take a look at how a chair changes the lives of its owners: Fills a corner of a room Do you have an empty corner in the house that's just screaming for attention? This is the ideal location for a frameless model. It can fit neatly right there, taking up minimal floor space, which is valuable in a small room. When guests arrive, the chair is pulled out of the corner, it is not difficult to move it. Balances perception There are many straight lines in the space of the room. They are created by electronics, shelving, tables, carpets and even windows. According to practice, it is necessary to balance round and straight lines in the house. Bean bag chairs can complement and “soften” any room. Frameless models will be what you need to create a positive, attractive and comfortable environment. Gives a relaxing effect. The chairs are suitable for children because they are soft. There is no reason to worry that the child will be harmed. The models create a feeling of comfort and allow the body to relax when a person plays video games or watches TV. Pets often use the bags as bedding, which is useful for older pets with joint problems. Helps in work Modern lifestyle has abolished the stuffy, overbearing atmosphere, turning it into a relaxing, creative environment, furniture follows the trend. The beanbag chair promotes ease and creativity. Health Benefits Some people are under the impression that firm, straight chairs are better for their backs, but this is far from the truth. When a person sits on a frameless chair, it shapes the body, which allows it to support bones, muscles and joints, giving the opportunity to rest. No matter how someone sits or how many times they move, the chair continues to move with their body.
Attention! For pain in the spine, a chair bag is a must. It will cost less than expensive designer furniture.
Three advantages versus three disadvantages Pros - Seat covers are replaceable and washable; — The chair shapes the interior and will become a child’s favorite toy: children love to jump and fall; — The furniture is safe, without sharp corners, environmentally friendly. Disadvantages - The filler loses its shape over time; — Furniture needs periodic maintenance if it is often moved from place to place; — The filler is sometimes dangerous for a small child.
Types of fillers for frameless furniture
Both natural and artificial ones are used to fill bean bags. Here are some of them:
Expanded polystyrene
This type is the most famous and consists of small balls that create more volume. The chairs have an orthopedic effect.
Polystyrene foam granules (balls)
Polypropylene
These are durable plastic balls. They are able to quickly recover to their original state even after high loads. Polypropylene is durable.
Polypropylene
Polyurethane foam
The material is elastic. Does not cause allergic reactions. The foam can hold its shape for a long time.
It is recommended to wear covers made of leather or other dense material on chairs with such filling.
Polyurethane foam
Holofiber
This material has many undeniable advantages. It is durable, does not cause allergies, does not interfere with air circulation, and does not absorb moisture or foreign odors.
Since frameless furniture filled with artificial balls does not absorb moisture, it can be used in the country house, in the garden, on the lawn.
Holofiber (ball) filler
How to choose filling for a bean bag chair: basic criteria
In order for frameless furniture to last as long as possible, the choice of filler should be taken quite responsibly. The material must withstand the operating load and maintain its size and shape for a long time. We invite you to get acquainted with the main criteria that deserve close attention.
Type
The choice of filler type depends solely on the operating conditions of the bean bag chair, its volume and financial capabilities. The best option is synthetic fillers, in particular polystyrene foam. It will be able to maintain its shape and geometric parameters for a long time. Among the two available varieties, it is worth choosing the first one that is free from defects and meets regulatory requirements.
By volume
The required volume of filler depends on the size of the future bean bag chair. For standard size products you will need about 300 - 350 liters. For a child, 250 - 270 liters will be enough. The diameter of such furniture is about 70 cm with a height of 95 cm. Tall people who dream of comfort should choose a model that includes 700 liters of filler. Such frameless furniture will have a diameter of 1.3 m and a height of about 1.6 m.
Natural materials
Adherents of environmentally friendly materials choose natural products as fillers.
Grains and plant seeds
Popular ones are:
- peas;
- beans;
- buckwheat and its husk;
- rice;
- beans, etc.
Buckwheat husk
Horsehair
With this type of chair, the chairs are quite hard. They are extremely rare, as a lot of starting material is required.
Twisted horsehair (braid)
Feather and down
This option will also take a lot, but the chair will turn out to be very light and airy.
Down-feather filler is one of the types of natural fillers.
Sheep's wool
Furniture made from the hair of rams and sheep is pleasant to the touch and very soft.
You can buy it for little money.
Sheep wool does not accumulate static electricity and neutralizes its negative effects
Wood sawdust and shavings
The best wood filler is waste from the processing of cedar and pine. The aroma of these trees has medicinal properties and can repel insects and rodents.
The disadvantage is that this material cakes and will have to be changed from time to time.
Chair bag with cedar shavings provide complete rest and have a healing effect
Dry grass and hay
This filler stands out for its unique, delicious aroma.
If you add medicinal plants to the composition, the effect of aromatherapy will appear. The furniture is soft and comfortable. Cheap option.
Do not forget that natural ones have a number of significant disadvantages:
- All materials absorb moisture, and this causes them to deteriorate.
- The service life of such materials is shorter than that of artificial ones. After some time, a complete replacement is required.
- To fill a bean bag chair, a large amount of the component is required, and it is not always possible to get it.
- Most natural fillers can cause an allergic reaction.
- Natural ingredients are attractive food for rodents and insects.
Dry grass and hay
Caring for a frameless chair
Sooner or later, every owner of a bean bag has a desire to wash it. This is an integral part of caring for upholstered furniture, which is constantly in contact with the human body, as well as with the surface of the floor, as it is located directly on it, without any stands or rollers.
What does a bean bag chair consist of?
In order not to disturb the structure of the filler, its softness and friability properties, it is not recommended to wash the chair together with the filler.
Thanks to the zipper sewn into the bag, you can remove the cover and put it back on after washing. If you also want to refresh the filler case, you will have to empty it of its contents.
Knowing how to fill a chair bag yourself at home, you can easily pour polystyrene foam granules into a plastic bag of the appropriate size, wash the inner bag and fill it again with balls.
Most popular filler
A popular material for filling frameless chairs are polystyrene foam balls.
Polystyrene foam balls have several significant qualities that are in its favor:
- Moisture resistant material. It is used even in rooms with high humidity.
- Hygiene. Almost does not absorb dirt and odors.
- Comfort. The furniture is upholstered and sitting on such a surface is pleasant and comfortable.
- Availability. Polystyrene foam balls are inexpensive and can be purchased at any building materials store or online.
- Life time. There is no need to frequently add balls, since they remain elastic for a long time and do not lose their original volume. Furniture lasts longer.
Expanded polystyrene balls
To get a durable piece of frameless furniture on which a person will feel cozy and comfortable, it is enough to choose the right filler. After reading my article, everyone will get an idea about the pros and cons of the materials that are usually used in the manufacture of such furniture, and choose a more suitable option.
What is a bean bag and how to use it?
A bean bag is a large bag filled with dried beans, polystyrene beads, or other similar materials. The shape of the bean bag chair takes on the outline of a sitting person, which allows us to talk about the anatomical properties of this furniture.
The fabric used to make a bean bag chair can be of any type. It can be leather, suede, polyester, cotton, chenille or canvas. All types of fabrics are good options, with polyester being primarily the only material that is suitable for outdoor use.
To use a bean bag chair, you really don't have to do anything other than sit. If you need to move it to another room, closer or further away from the TV, or just out of the way, just move it to where you want it. They are lightweight and very easy to move.
Ideas for ottomans using improvised materials
Let's consider options for ottomans with original designs . Common objects, bottles, tires and rags serve as filler and frame.
Bottles
An unusual option for creating a do-it-yourself ottoman from plastic bottles . The bottles need to be held together in a round shape and secured with tape. The bottom and top of the product are made from cardboard.
The bases are made from foam. They are fixed with tape. The cover is made of beautiful fabric. You can see the design made from bottles in the photo . A similar item is suitable for decorating a living room.
Tires
Interesting models can be made from tires. How to make an ottoman depends on the availability of available materials and skill. The tires need to be fastened together. A material similar to foam rubber is placed inside. The holes are then covered with thin boards. A soft base is mounted on top and a cover is put on. To decorate the structure you need to use dense fabrics.
Ottomans for children
To make an ottoman with your own hands, you can use drawings and diagrams. Bright and colorful fabrics are used to make products. Try these options:
- The model, made of two pieces of material of different colors, looks interesting. Plain fabric can be used at the bottom.
- A wonderful solution is square-shaped structures.
- An original composition can be achieved by using fabrics of different colors.
- Children will love the cone-shaped ottoman.
- You can even sleep on a long ottoman. To make it you will need flat pillows and a long blanket. The pillows are placed in a fabric cover and secured in place.
How to fit an ottoman bag into the interior
The ottoman can fit into any room and become its functional addition. The design of a beanbag depends on taste preferences and interior design.
In the bean bag chair you can comfortably watch TV, read a book or work at the computer.
For a children's room they use bright colors with a themed print. To decorate the living room, it is recommended to choose dark colors as they are more functional. Armchairs in soft pastel colors are suitable for the bedroom.
The bean bag chair will fit perfectly into any interior.
To decorate a non-residential office or study, a discreet style is used; chairs made of durable, non-staining fabric that is easy to clean are suitable here.
A few more artificial foods
You can fill a bean bag chair with almost any soft substance. Today, many polymers are used for such purposes:
Polypropylene. Peas made from it are quite strong and durable. This product is very often used in Asian countries for the manufacture of furniture. The substance quickly restores its original shape and, when compressed, has good shock-absorbing properties. One disadvantage that has not led to its widespread use is its low fire resistance. When burned, the balls can release very toxic substances.
Polyurethane foam. This type of filler appeared relatively recently. The material is elastic and practically does not cause allergies. The foam retains its shape perfectly, so the contours of even small pieces can be visible through soft fabric. Therefore, this filler is very often used with leather upholstery, which smoothes the outer shape of the chair.
Holofiber. This substance is not an independent filler. It is often used as a softening pad together with polystyrene or foam balls. Furniture with this substance becomes much softer and more comfortable
It is important to choose the correct sizes of all components. It should be noted that holofiber is completely hypoallergenic, resistant to moisture, breathable and practically does not absorb third-party odors.
Master class: how to sew a fabric ottoman
Universal products can be made from fabric. This provides additional seating and leg rest space. In this master class you will learn how to make a round ottoman with your own hands.
For manufacturing you will need the following components:
- 1.25 meters of thick woolen fabric;
- lightning;
- scissors;
- measuring tape;
- sewing pins;
- a piece of leather;
- filler;
- sewing machine.
The process of creating ottomans
- Cut out a circle (46 cm), a rectangle (length 142 cm, width 40) and a square (side 48 cm).
- Cut the square into two parts.
- Sew a zipper to both sides. The zipper should connect the two halves.
- Then cut out a circle from the square using a ready-made template.
- Fold the rectangle in half along the short side .
- After this, this part needs to be sewn to one circle, and then to another.
- You can make a handle from a strip of leather .
- Additionally, buttons are attached to the leather strap.
You can use polystyrene beans as a filler. Foam or polyester is also used. It is recommended to sew the zipper together before use. This DIY round ottoman is ready to use.
