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How to Choose Outdoor Bean Bags for Summer BBQs & Garden Parties?

Mark Mellett • 20.04.2026 • 4 min read

Summer is almost here and if you're planning a BBQ or garden party, seating is one of the first things you'll need to sort. Elephant Living outdoor bean bags are one of the easiest, most stylish ways to give your guests somewhere comfortable to sit, relax, and enjoy the sunshine. But not all bean bags are made equal. Here's everything you need to know before you buy the perfect bean bag. 

 

What Makes Outdoor Bean Bags Suitable for Summers Parties? 

Traditional garden furniture big patio sets, heavy chairs can feel a bit rigid for a relaxed BBQ or summer get-together. Our outdoor large bean bags are different. They're lightweight, easy to move around, and guests can pull them wherever they're most comfortable near the fire pit, on the lawn, or right next to the food. 

 

They also work brilliantly for all ages. Kids love them, teens love them, and adults will sink into one with a drink in hand and not want to move all evening. If you're not sure which size suits your space, our jumbo bean bag is a firm favourite for garden entertaining big enough for two and built to last. That versatility is hard to beat. 

 

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Bean Bag for Your Garden? 

Before you buy, there are a few things worth checking. Get these right and you'll have bean bags that last summer after summer. 

 

  • Weather-resistant fabric  - Look for materials like Outdoor Olefin which is specifically designed to handle sun, rain, and the general unpredictability of Irish summers. It won't fade, warp, or hold water. All Elephant Living outdoor bean bags are made with Outdoor Olefin fabric for exactly this reason.
  • Easy-clean surface - A wipe-clean cover is a must. Avoid fabrics that need dry cleaning or are difficult to maintain outdoors. Our Elephant Lounger Bean Bag has an easy-clean cover built for real life ideal when guests are eating and drinking outdoors.
  • UV resistance - Prolonged sun exposure can fade colours quickly. UV-resistant fabric keeps your bean bags looking vibrant all season long. Our Elephant Boho Bean Bag is a brilliant example bold patterns that stay bright all summer, no matter how much sun they get.
  • Size and shape - For parties, bigger is usually better. The Elephant Ulko Lounge Chair is perfect for guests who want proper structured support while relaxing outdoors great for long BBQ evenings around the garden.
  • Colour - Go bold for summer! Bright colours look stunning in a garden setting and photograph well if you're hosting events. Browse our full range in the Elephant Living outdoor collection.

How To Set Up Bean Bags for a Summer Garden Party? 

A good rule of thumb is one bean bag per two guests people share, drift around, and half of them will be standing at the BBQ anyway. For a gathering of 10–15 people, 6–8 bean bags are the sweet spot. Enough seating without turning your garden into a furniture showroom. 

Mix your sizes for the best setup. A couple of larger bean bags for adults who want to properly sink in, a few smaller ones for kids, and you've got something that works for everyone. They sit perfectly alongside existing garden furniture too you don't need to replace anything, just add to it. Here's a quick breakdown: 

  • Lounger-style bean bags — Perfect for long, lazy summer evenings. Guests can fully recline, stretch out, and completely switch off. Best on a lawn or decking area where there's room to spread out. Our Elephant Lounger Bean Bag is ideal for this.
  • Upright/seat bean bags — Better around a fire pit or outdoor table where guests want to sit up, eat, and chat. More practical when food is involved. The Elephant Ulko Lounge Chair works brilliantly here structured enough to sit up comfortably, relaxed enough to feel like a party.
  • Kids' bean bags — Give the little ones their own space and keep them out of the adults' seats. A Junior Bean Bag in a bold colour is always a hit at family BBQs.

Tips for styling your garden with bean bags 

Outdoor bean bags aren't just practical they can genuinely make your garden look amazing for a party. A few styling tips: - 

  • Cluster bean bags in small groups of 3–4 to create natural conversation areas around your garden.
  • Mix complementary colours for example, navy and white, or coral and sage rather than matching everything exactly.
  • Add a couple of outdoor cushions and a throw for a cosy, layered look as the evening cools down.
  • Place bean bags on a rug or decking area to define the "lounge zone" at your party.

Don't leave your guests standing. Shop the Elephant Living bean bag collection and get summer-ready with free delivery across Ireland. 

 

FAQs 

1. Are outdoor bean bags waterproof? 

Not all bean bags are waterproof, but weather-resistant ones like our Elephant Living outdoor range are made with Outdoor Olefin fabric designed to handle rain, spills, and damp Irish summers. A quick wipe and they're good as new. 

 

2. Can outdoor bean bags be left outside overnight?  

On a dry night, yes. Our Elephant Living outdoor bean bags handle light rain and damp conditions well. That said, we recommend bringing them in during heavy rain or storms it keeps them in great shape season after season. 

 

3. How do I clean a bean bag after a BBQ? 

Easy, just a damp cloth and mild soapy water do the job for most spills. For tougher stains, a soft brush works well. Avoid harsh chemicals. Our outdoor range is designed to be low maintenance clean up takes minutes. 

 

4.What size bean bag is best for adults at a garden party?  

For adults, the Elephant Jumbo Bean Bag is the most popular choice for garden parties at 175 x 135cm it's big enough for one adult to fully lounge or two teens to share comfortably. 

 

5. How many bean bags do I need for a BBQ or garden party?  

A good rule of thumb is one bean bag per two guests. For 10–15 people, 6–8 bean bags give you plenty of seating. Mix sizes a few large ones for adults, a couple of junior ones for kids and you're sorted.

SPECIAL OFFER

Elephant Boho Bean Bags

The Elephant Boho is our bohemian style beanbag offering you to relax and unwind, read a book or sit with friends and family! The latest edition to the elephant family and I am sure you can agree it is worth the wait!

The Elephant Boho beanbag comes in three colours, offering different options allows you to choose the one that is right for your space, whether that be your bedroom, living room or maybe a toy room. 

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€159.00

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