A chaise lounge is a long, comfortable chair used to stretch one’s legs and lean the back. It is derived from the French word “chaise longue,” which means "long chair”, and is a combination of a chair and a bed.
It was first used in ancient Egypt and became popular in France in the early 1500s. Today, it can be found inside homes—living rooms and bedrooms. Some are simple and modern, while others are soft and fancy.
Not to be confused with
Types of Chaise Lounge
The chaise lounge comes in various styles and each has unique characteristics. Understanding these variations can help select the right type for your space.
- Meridienne: It has an asymmetrical design with one high end that curves outward.
- Recamier: It has a symmetrical profile with raised ends of equal height at both the head and foot.
- Duchesse Brisée: A broken duchess style composed of multiple pieces, typically a chair with a matching footstool.
- Fainting Couch: It has a Victorian-era design with one raised end and a dramatic curved shape.
- Contemporary Chaise: Modern with clean lines, minimalist profiles, and often uses innovative materials.
Tips on Styling and Placing a Chaise Lounge
To include a chaise lounge in your space, you must consider its placement, scale, and complementary elements. Here are a few tips to help you style your chaise lounge.
- Consider traffic flow: Avoid putting the chaise in high-traffic areas.
- Balance with other furniture: Pair with smaller accent pieces rather than competing with large furniture
- Layer with textiles: Add throw pillows and a light blanket to enhance comfort and visual interest
- Scale: Choose an appropriate size for your room. Oversized chaises work in rooms with large spaces, while armless or smaller versions suit small spaces.
- Create purpose: Place near a window with good light for reading and a good view.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.