Beanbag chairs of the '60s conjure up images of hippies mellowing out on the floor, listening to groovy music on headphones by the light of a lava lamp.
Today's beanbag is about versatility, comfort and eco-smarts.
Two Ottawa entrepreneurs discovered the modern version of the chair while poolside in Dominican Republic. It was love at first lounge.
"We ended up buying a couple of them and never turned back," says Linda Goodwin, who co-founded the newly created Lotus Lounger with her husband Chico.
The chairs are ideal for an urban or outdoor lifestyle, whether in the living room for watching TV, in the spare room as an extra bed, or a dorm room for studying. Their outdoor version fits in perfectly at the cottage.
"The outdoor chairs bring a new type of comfort to the deck, boat, or poolside," she adds. "Kids and pets love them too."
The couple chose "Lotus" in the title because it's a flower that represents the awakening to the spiritual reality of life.
And because Buddha was often depicted sitting on a lotus flower, they felt Lotus Lounger would represent a new beginning in comfort. The couple displayed them at major events and festivals around the province this summer. Once folks would sink in, they did not want to get up.
"One woman (who purchased a chair) said her daughter rushes home from school so she can claim it to do her homework in," says Goodwin. "It really brings a whole new comfort (level) into people's lives."
These modern beanbag chairs are big enough for two and can be moulded into different positions, from lounger to chair. They're available in three styles: Indoor cotton for $199; an indoor/outdoor canvas chair for $219; and a nylon outdoor version with a strap for $239.
The 15 cubic feet of fill is made from reclaimed plastic made in Canada and the covers are available in a range of neutral or vibrant colours. They can be purchased at www.lotuslounger.com.
Laurie Jarvis, co-owner of the Ottawa design firm Unique Spaces, says this type of chair is a stylish alternative to conventional furniture, and it's flexible.
There's still a multitude of McMansions out there, says Jarvis, but there are also a lot of people who are downsizing, which is where multipurpose furniture fits in perfectly.
"You want to have a flexible piece, you don't want to have too much stuff," says Jarvis. "You move (the chair) to the kids' room, you move it to the great room, you move it to the deck outside and then you move down to the water."
They are working on a floating version for next spring.
"The thought of floating in a pool or lake on that much comfort blows people's minds," says Goodwin.
-- Postmedia News
