What makes a great beanbag?
Making a beanbag isn't rocket science but it's surprising how many beanbags just aren't that good. Our beanbags are made to last a lifetime. However, even if you don't buy from us though, here are a few pointers.
Quality Material.
Leather beanbags are more expensive than fabric or faux-leather but leather provides the ultimate beanbag material since it ages so well, resists dirt, feels good and has character. There are many different types of leather but the most suitable leathers for beanbags are both strong & supple; cow and buffalo leather are good for this purpose.
We offer two leathers. 
1. Our "Buffalo" hide beanbags are made from quality, aniline leather. This is the whole hide thickness (not split for leather & suede and it is less “processed”). Less processed means it has more individuality from the original hide such as stretch marks and unique grain. This leather has a very luxurious feel. Everyone loves these beanbags once they've seen, felt or sat in one. The leather breathes better and so doesn't get 'sticky'. This leather in light colours, like tan & pink, can be a little harder to care for since it can absorb particularly fatty or oily "spills”. Our leather really is the 'cream of the crop' - our supplier reserves the best for us and it is limited in supply. Wikipedia link. CLICK HERE
2. The "Regular" hide is cow hide tanned to have a much more uniform look, is a little thinner and is very easy to care for (needs practically no care at all). We say "regular" but it is very good quality leather; perfect for beanbags. Our regular leather is what you'll find on most other websites or in shops offering leather beanbags. These beanbags are made to the same high standards by our supplier.
All our beanbag leather is dyed right through doesn't have a leather surface on a fabric backing like much cheap leather furniture. If you scratch the beanbags you won't reveal another colour or fabric - just the same leather and colour.
For more detail, these websites that provide excellent information about leather tanning, types and care:
Quality Design
Good beanbag design should combine style and comfort. By "style" we mean the beanbags should look good when they are being used and when they are not being used and should complement your home furnishing. Comfort comes from the size & shape of the beanbag parts. A beanbag should provide both support and sink-in comfort if it has a good design. It needs generous segment height as well as diameter of the base. Then the beanbag will have have “spare” space into which you can sink. This way small beanbags can be surprisingly comfortable.
Our round beanbags have “segments’ which you will notice sometimes are made of smaller pieces. This is done for styling but mainly to keep the cost down. If each segment was without the extra panel or two then a lot of leather has to be wasted since there’s a limit to how many whole segments you can get out of each whole hide. Our beanbags all have longer segment lengths than diameter base.
Quality Craftmanship
Basically the beanbag needs to have been well stitched together so it doesn't fall apart! The stitching (as well as leather strength) supports all pressure within the beanbag. Double machined stitching is the way forward here. Also a good strong base is essential too since this is on the floor. A zip for filling/refilling should be big enough to allow the filling to be taken out.
Our beanbags are all made of strong leather that have double machine stitching and have durable leather bases with large enclosed zip openings. We offer an unrivalled 2 year stitching and leather guarantee. These pictures show segments, double zip & leather base.
Quality Filling
Filling is generally standard but a little foam (shred or crumb) can provide a little protection to the beans and means that refilling is less frequent saving hassle and money. Liners can constrict the movement of beans in the bag. Liners allow for the beanbag to be emptied to clean but this is not necessary with leather beanbags.
Our beanbags do not need a liner.