A New Take on the Armchair

The armchair has long been a staple of British living rooms. That perfectly placed perch by the window. The classic fireside seat. A design icon in its own right. But in today’s world, where homes are more fluid, flexible and function-led than ever — traditional armchairs are getting some serious competition.
Enter the cord bean bag armchair. It’s soft, lightweight, effortlessly stylish, and most importantly, built for real life. But how does it compare to its more rigid, old-school counterpart?

We’re breaking down the pros, cons, and in-betweens to help you decide: Cord bean bag armchair or traditional armchair, which one really fits modern living?

 

What Is a Cord Bean Bag Armchair?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t your teenage bean bag. The icon Cord Bean Bag Armchair is a sophisticated, design-forward update. Upholstered in tactile, wide wale corduroy with structured back support and a sleek, sculptural silhouette, it brings together the casual comfort of a bean bag with the form of an armchair.

Think: modern softness meets retro-inspired cool.

 

Side-by-Side: Cord Bean Bag vs. Traditional Armchair

Feature Cord Bean Bag Armchair Traditional Armchair
Weight Lightweight and easy to move Often heavy and hard to reposition
Comfort Sink-in softness with ergonomic support Can be firm or rigid, depending on style
Aesthetic Casual, contemporary, texture-rich Classic, sometimes formal
Versatility Perfect for flexible spaces, reading corners, guest rooms Suited to fixed layouts or larger living rooms
Maintenance Soft fabric that’s easy to wipe and spot-clean Often requires professional cleaning
Price Point Affordable, premium-feel option Can be a high investment
Storage & Space Great for smaller homes or flats Not ideal for compact spaces

 

Why Cord Bean Bag Armchairs Work for Modern Homes

  1. Lightweight Design for Flexible Living: In today’s homes, rooms often work harder than ever, doubling up as offices, gyms, reading nooks or kids' corners. Cord bean bag armchairs are easy to shift and reposition, making them ideal for modern living room layouts that change with the season (or your mood).
  2. Cosy Meets Cool: The soft, textured cord finish adds a relaxed, elevated vibe to any room, whether it’s a rented flat or a carefully curated forever home. It pairs beautifully with neutrals, earthy tones and layered soft furnishings.
    Bonus? Cord fabric is incredibly tactile. The kind of furniture you want to touch.
  3. A Bean Bag You Won’t Want to Hide: Gone are the days of tucking your bean bag behind the sofa. These corduroy bean bag chairs are designed to be seen - from their structured shape to their Scandi-meets-retro aesthetic. They look just as good in the living room as they do in a bedroom or reading corner.

 

When a Traditional Armchair Still Works

Don’t get us wrong, we love a design classic. If you have a spacious lounge, a formal entertaining area, or you’re going for a grandmillennial aesthetic with tufted cushions and turned wood, a traditional armchair may still have a place.
But if you're after a lighter, more adaptable, and comfort-driven alternative, the Natalia cord armchair might just be your new go-to.

 

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If your home is about easy comfort, modern style and real-life flexibility, the Icon Cord Bean Bag Armchair is a serious contender. It offers:

  • Comfy support without the stiffness
  • A relaxed but elevated design that works in any décor style
  • Lightweight portability for ever-changing homes

It’s the armchair for how we live now, not just how we used to.

 

Ready to Upgrade Your Seating?

Explore the full range of cord bean bag armchairs from icon, designed for comfort, built to last, and styled to fit seamlessly into your modern home.

Shop our Cord Bean Bag Armchairs here.