Literally meaning ‘long chair’, the term ‘chaise longue’ was mistranslated and the term we now use, ‘chaise lounge’ was thus born. Custom built for the rich French people to relax and rest during the 16th century, the chaise lounge is now a symbol of status and luxury for the modern home. Often used as a fancy decor element, everything about chaise lounges adds to the elegance and style of any home.
Complementing the design style of any home, it is important to ensure that the chaise lounge blends well with the decor. This is the only complete guide your will ever need while making your choice for the perfect chaise lounge for your home as we discuss all about them here.
What Is A Chaise Lounge?
Essentially a long relaxing chair that supports the legs is a chaise lounge. It may also be an upholstered sofa that is comfortable enough for a good rest or nap. It is a stylish piece of seating furniture that can transform the look of any space to that of elegance, grace and class. As the name suggests, it is a perfect piece of decor that is suitable for lounging around on a lazy day at home. Usually with a decorative ornamental backrest that spans along the shorter length of the piece, a stylish chaise lounge can effectively break the monotony of the regular layouts of homes.
What Are Their Different Type?
A chaise lounge is a rather functional element that can be a right fit for comfortable seating in your living room, bedroom, home office or a den. You can choose from a variety of chaise lounge types depending on the design style and preferred placement. The five distinct styles for chaise lounges include chair, bench sofa, Victorian, French and contemporary
Chair Chaise Lounge – A chair design for chaise lounge is typical with a distinct seat contour that can support the legs, and may be designed for indoor or outdoor purposes. A standard indoor chair chaise is cushioned and upholstered for comfort and may be customised to have an adjustable back.
Bench Sofa – Similar to a day bed, a bench sofa is usually wider than the standard dimensions. Uncushioned, it is a great option for outdoor use and may or may not have a backrest.
Victorian Chaise Lounge – A fine upholstered furniture piece, a Victorian chaise lounge is ornate and has detailing over the wooden base and legs. Consider to be one of the most expensive styles for a chaise lounge, the modern depiction of this style can be affordable while maintaining the look and feel.
French Chaise Lounge – This category of chaise lounge has further options with different back styles. The Meridian style, with its asymmetric design and high headrest and low footrest, is usually seen with intricate woodwork and tufted high-end fabric choices. The Duchess brisee is a 2 piece lounge with a chair and long footstool, while the Recamier is a couch with no backrest, but two raised ends on either of the shorter sides.
Contemporary Chaise Lounge – Consisting of geometric designs, metal accents or unusual color palettes such bright colors and bold patterns, contemporary chaise lounges can be used with minimalistic design style and can be customized for backrest, single or double piece structure, and adjustability of the components.
What Are The Different Materials Used?
Indoor and outdoor chaise lounges have varying material considerations. Since indoor lounges need not be weather or moisture resistant, a variety of material options such fine upholstery, leather, wood, metal and other aesthetically beautiful choices can be explored.
Upholstery – For a traditional royal chaise lounge, opt for silk, velvet or intricate patterns. For a more modern look, choose linen or suede. A thick tufted cushion is more suited for a luxurious look while sleek design and slim cushions render a modern minimalist look.
Leather – A classic choice, a leather chaise lounge can make any space look sophisticated and chic. A faux leather is a great option that is durable and also gives a look close to real leather.
Microfiber – Soft and comfortable, microfiber is the most popular choice for upholstery since it is hypoallergenic and needs lesser maintenance. Made of synthetic fibers, the chaise can be easily cleaned with a vacuum when needed.
Polyester, wood and metal are the other choices that can be used depending on your personal preferences. More often than not, loungers are now seen outdoors on swimming pool deck, and are great for dozing off on a sunny day outside.
What Should You Consider When Choosing One For Interiors?
Chaise Lounges, with their unique style, can become a significant element within your decor, and choosing the appropriate piece for a chaise lounge goes beyond just the style, material and structure.
Existing Decor – When picking a chaise lounge, consider the other elements within the space. Deciding whether your chaise lounge cleans seamlessly into the decor, and stands out as a statement accent piece is yet another consideration. The colors and materials for the other decor elements can also help you identify the right fit of chaise lounge for your space.
Space – It can occupy a considerable area within the space. As such, pick pieces that fit comfortably without overpowering the space. Also consider any accessories, such as a side table or an area rug, and ensure easy circulation.
Use – A satisfying choice for chaise lounge is also dependent on the people using it, and the location you intend to use it in.Finalising on a piece that matches your requirements the best will be a smart purchase you will definitely be happy with.
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Chaise Lounge For Outdoors?
Outdoor chaise lounges are commonly seen around swimming pools, decks around water bodies and in patio backyards. Often called as sun-loungers, some of the common considerations when choosing one for outdoors are comfortable material for the cushion, the ability to withstand natural elements, the durability, overall appearance and the maintenance effort required. You may choose from chaises with or without armrests depending on your requirement and personal comfort.
Why Are They The Best Options For Your Home?
Chaise lounges are popular choices for homes as a simple backless chaise lounge will seem a small living room appear rather larger with a touch of grace. A versatile piece of furniture, it can also be a smart fit for awkward shaped rooms. Yet another feature is that they are low seating options that can be easily used in juxtaposition with windows and fireplaces without causing much visual obstruction. And lastly, an elaborate chaise lounge can bring in elegance and royalty becoming a statement piece within your decor.
How To Style A Chaise Lounge?
Having a chaise lounge in a sign of status and royalty even in today’s modern homes. Celebrate having a chaise lounge at home by styling it the right way!
Placement – Chaise lounges can often become the highlight of any space. Placing it with other furniture items will still allow a chaise lounge to flash as an accent piece in a room. Alternatively, you can also create a special cozy reading nook within the area complete with a chaise lounge paired with a side table and rug, a minimalist floor lamp and some plants. You may use a floor rug in contrasting color and pattern to highlight the chaise lounge even further.
A backless chaise lounge may well be used to segregate open plans for areas defining spaces without physical barriers. A quick tip – the right placement for your chaise lounge will depend on the circulation of traffic within the space, and the best location for it is on the side that has the minimum!
Accessories – Chaises lounges are statement pieces anyway, but you can further accentuate them by using a few handpicked accessories. Throws are a great way to add extra warmth and coziness to the chaise lounge. You may also choose to place a couple of cushions for a more relaxed look and feel. Go in for a similar color palette or opt for contrasts for the accessories depending on the design style for the rest of the space.
What are it’s Standard Dimensions?
On an average, the overall length of a chaise lounge is between 73 to 80 inches, and the height may vary between 35 to 40 inches. It can be upto 30 inches wide with a seat height of 13 inches, and can be customised upon personal preferences.
A good rule of thumb is to have a space of at least 3 feet between any other furniture item and the chaise lounge for a comfortable circulation, and to ensure it receives the attention it deserves.
FAQ
- Are chaise lounges practical?
They are practical pieces of furniture that are also stylish and add grace and elegance to the overall decor. The type and style of the chaise lounge will determine its functionality and practicality in any setting. Accessorizing it the right way will only enhance the its value.
- Are they comfortable?
Chaise lounges are very comfortable and can be used in a variety of ways. They are also very stylish and can be a sophisticated addition to your room decor. With adjustable settings, they can be customised to provide maximum comfort and relaxation. Add on to the warmth of the piece by accessorizing it with soft cushions and throws.
- Will they go out of style?
They will never go out of style. It is one such furniture piece that has been in use since centuries and has still maintained its charm and makes its presence felt in any home decor and design style.
- What is the difference between a chaise lounge, sofa and ottoman?
Chaise lounges are usually meant for a single person to stretch out with support to the legs, while a sofa or a couch is designed to seat 2 or more poeple. An ottoman is usually a piece of furniture meant to serve as a footrest, and can be attached or detached from a chaise lounge.
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