The 'unstructured armchair' trend is an elevated spin on the nostalgic beanbag – can it replace the cocktail chair?
The indulgence of a beanbag, elevated

Beanbag chairs have long defined days in our youth, from endless hours lounging around in them to simply existing as novelty seating in our homes. However, as we've circled through different eras within interiors, you'll be pleased to know that beanbags are making a comeback – although they look a little different to how we've previously known them. They go by the name of 'unstructured armchairs' now.
While living room trends have undergone a series of changes throughout the years, one thing that remains a cornerstone in this space's furniture setup is the inclusion of a living room accent chair. We've long seen cocktail chairs, mid-century armchairs, and boucle seating take centre stage. However, we predict that unstructured armchairs (aka, the grown-up spin on beanbag chairs) are the next to take the spotlight.
Sofa.com's newly launched Ramona Beanbag Chair, alongside some other equally stylish options that have caught our eye, are a testament to this rising trend.
Wayfair's Velvet Giant Beanbag Armchair
The 'unstructured armchair' trend
Patricia Gibbons, head of buying at Sofa.com explains that for so long, living room furniture and upholstery have traditionally featured sharp, elegant silhouettes. However, she notes that contemporary design has begun to soften these lines to create softer, more welcoming spaces.
Not only do curves and rounded edges play a role in boosting mood at home, but they've also been central to newer home decor trends, like quiet luxury, for example.
Quiet luxury bedroom ideas have a huge focus on curves that not only make a space feel expensive but equally inviting. We think the use of this motif is exactly what has made the fashion-born trend so popular within the interior stratosphere. Therefore, it's no surprise that 'unstructured armchairs' have been so well received.
Sofa.com's newly launched Ramona Beanbag Chair
Patricia notes that Sofa.com's new Ramona Beanbag Chair, which is perfectly aligned with this rising seating trend, is a stylish and flexible way to add that laidback look to any room.
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'Fusing the comfort of a beanbag with a form that's akin to an armchair creates a curvaceous silhouette that's perfect for sinking into,' she adds.
The ultimate answer to laidback lounging. The Ramona Bean Chair fuses the comfort of a beanbag with a form that's similar to an armchair. It's the indulgence of a beanbag... elevated.
The beanbag chair also has an added handle, making it easy to manoeuvre, lending itself as a versatile piece to complement existing living room sofa ideas or sit as a stylish stand-alone addition to any room in your home.
Better yet, this unstructured armchair style is something we've also spotted at a couple of our other favourite retailers, making it a must-have buy suitable for any budget.
Shop the 'unstructured armchair' trend
I personally loved beanbag chairs when I was younger, so knowing that they're being reimagined in a more elevated manner is definitely something I can get behind.
Move aside, cocktail chairs. Here's to the ongoing success of the unstructured armchair.
Jullia was Ideal Home’s Junior Writer from 2022-2024 and the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums having spent over 60 hours testing different models. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for writing blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech and cleaning, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments, putting the newest launches through their paces. When she isn’t writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game or book.
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