Bags of Style

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the recreation room, that ubiquitous piece of 1970s furniture — the beanbag chair — reappears on the scene. But this time, shapeless blobs are out, and eye-popping new forms and fabrics are in. Designer models are plopping down in lofts, home cinemas, trendy bars, even dining rooms. Here are five you won't want to hide in your closet.

LIVINGSTONES Inspired by her native Nice's shingle beach, French designer Stéphanie Marin's line of giant pebble "poufs" — which come in varying sizes — add a surrealist touch to interiors. Covered in soft[an error occurred while processing this directive] new wool and dyed natural rock colors, they come in free-form cushion and couch shapes. Buy one, or to get the full-fledged outdoorsy effect, a whole roomful. smarin.net

AMBIENT LOUNGE Ditching the "dodgy, shapeless" look, this British company combines old-style comfort with sleek new contours. Curved backs and reclining loungers ("sofas that just happen to have beans in them") — plus 283 L of polystyrene microbeads — make for a blissful way to enjoy a chilled latte or a DVD thriller. ambientlounge.co.uk

LIGNE ROSET With his Soft Machine line, Parisian designer Frédéric Ruyant aims to put an end to formal dining. His soft Kanda chairs and angle sofas grouped around a 62-cm-high square table invite guests to sink in, wine, then dine in the same space. The result is a clean, modern look — and no more elbow fights with your neighbor. ligne-roset.tm.fr

FATBOY The advantage of these beanbags, says this Dutch company, is "you won't end up with 200 million little polystyrene balls on the floor." The giant rectangles and "islands" are made from supersturdy nylon and filled with body-molding "memory balls." Choose from 16 colors, three Marimekko prints — and there's even a model for your pooch. fatboy.nl

INOUI As a child, Sophie Larger adored the beanbag her mother made for her. At 33, the French designer now makes her own playful versions from stretch Lycra — "swimming-suit material" — and inflatable rubber. While the padded Doum is irresistible to kids, she recommends parents pair it with a Louis XV commode. inouidesign.com