Chaise lounges are iconic pieces of furniture that conjure images of luxury and relaxation. You’ve likely seen them in movies, magazines, or someone’s living room. With their angled backs and elongated seats, chaise lounges are designed for lounging, leaning, and lying down while reading, napping, or just relaxing.
While historically associated with French nobility, the chaise lounge has evolved over the years into a versatile piece of furniture available in modern styles.
Chaise lounges are a great way to add additional seating to your living room or bedroom in an elegant way.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the chaise lounge, the different types available, and tips for styling a chaise lounge in your home. Whether you’re considering adding one to your home or just want to learn more about its origins, read on to discover the allure of the chaise lounge.
What is a Chaise Lounge?
If you’re not familiar with chaise lounges, these furniture pieces are elongated accent chairs that someone can recline on, with support for the entire body. The seat is extended forward to support the legs, and the back is slightly reclined.
Chaise lounges are leisurely pieces of furniture meant for relaxing. They typically lie low to the ground and sometimes offer armrests to assist with getting in and out of them. Some are meant for indoor use like in a living room or bedroom, and others are meant for outdoor use, such as by a pool or on a deck.
You typically need a larger space to add a chaise lounge, but don’t hesitate to replace a boring accent chair with a chaise lounge even if you have a smaller area! Just take measurements beforehand so you know if the chaise will fit nicely.
Chaise Lounge History
Chaise lounges are most associated with Victorian decor as well as traditional French furniture design. During the Rococo period, the chaise lounge became a symbol of high class and social status. It was often thought of as a blend of the daybed and the chair. You may be surprised to learn that the Chaise Lounge derives its name from the French word “Chaise longue,” meaning “long chair.” Since “longue” was so often misspelled as “lounge” by English speakers, the word was simply changed to “Chase lounge” as we know it today.
Where to Put a Chaise Lounge
So, where can you put a chaise lounge in your house? Well, the short answer is: anywhere you like! Chaise lounges work best in open spaces or tucked into an empty corner. They should be accompanied by a floor lamp or a small side table.
The most popular place to put a chaise lounge is in the living room. Another place you’ll find them is in large bedrooms near a big window.
As you can see, chaise lounges really can be placed anywhere including the bathroom, as designed here by Brooke Wagner:
Chaise Lounge Recommendations
Chaise lounges remain somewhat of a status symbol even today in modern interior design. They are generally investment pieces, as most average people cannot afford this somewhat superfluous piece of furniture which is largely unnecessary to daily life. Nevertheless, chaise lounges can be great for reading nooks and leisure corners in your home.
Here are a few options if you’re considering a chaise lounge in your home!
