Chaise lounges are a brilliant piece of furniture that can instantly add a touch of comfort and sophistication to any living space. There are many different types, so you can definitely find the ideal one for your room. An chaise lounge is a great way to add some extra seating for to home with style.
They surely elevate the room's décor but are way more than just ornamental pieces. Compared to regular couches, you get greater utility with chaise lounges. You can place them in the living room, bedroom, or even the home office as an extra chair. Chaise lounges come in various styles and can potentially enhance the aesthetic appearance of your indoors. They don't block your view and are perfect for a quick nap, reading your favorite book, or relaxing after a long day.
However, when looking to buy one, keep in mind that not all chaise lounges are created equal. This article will explore the different types of interior chaise lounges and what to look for when purchasing one.
But before we go through all that, let's brush up on the basics!
What are Interior Chaise Lounges?
An interior chaise lounge, sometimes also called a daybed, is a piece of furniture that can be used in various ways. It often has a low back and one or two arms and can be used as a place to sit or to recline.
The popularity of chaise lounges goes back to the 16th century in France, though the design itself reaches back to the antiquity where a similar piece of furniture was a staple of households in the Roman Empire. They were designed for the rich to be able to rest without needing to head to the bedroom. In the 1800s, during the French Rococo period, they became a symbol of elite status. They also were the epitome of craft as they were made with the rarest and most expensive materials. Even today, they are considered a luxury furniture item for modern homes.
Their popularity is still increasing and is preferred by many over regular sofas and couches. Chaise lounges are still widely available and come in various shapes, sizes, and styles - there is no doubt that you will find one to fit your needs.
Categories of Interior Chair Lounges
Interior chaise lounges can broadly be organized into two main categories. The two categories are lounge chairs and fainting couches. These terms are often confused and used interchangeably, but a subtle difference separates them.
They are both used to describe chair-style furniture, which is generally fine, but logically these are two different terms. To be able to tell them apart will help you make a better buying decision, so let's clear the underlying confusion.
Lounge Chair
A lounge chair is a type of chaise lounge designed to allow the user to sit up or recline. They are perfect for reading, napping, or simply relaxing. The main factor differentiating a lounge chair from a fainting couch is its construction. They will either have two or no armrests and feature an elongated seat and adjustable back.
Fainting Couch
A fainting couch is designed to allow the user to lie down completely flat. As the name suggests, they were initially designed for people who would faint often. The history of its name goes back to the Victorian era when women often fainted due to the tight-lacing of their corsets. They had separate rooms where these chairs were kept for them.
While they are not used for the same purpose in the present day, but the design and craft still prevail. Fainting couches usually don't have any armrests, have a low or no back and are often placed against a wall or near the window.
Different Styles of Interior Chaise Lounges
Now that you know the difference between a lounge chair and a fainting couch, let's explore the different styles of interior chaise lounges. The different chaise lounge styles share a deep historical connection. Many of the designs have been passed down for centuries. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Chair
A chair chaise is a lounge chair with an attached ottoman. The ottoman allows the user to prop their feet up and relax comfortably. The chair chaise is perfect for reading, watching TV, or taking a nap.
This style of chaise is suitable for indoor and outside placement. However, the interior models have additional cushioning that adds to their appearance and makes them more comfortable. The chair chaise also may have an adjustable back to alter the elevation angle.
Victorian
The Victorian style of the chaise lounge is characterized by its luxuriousness and grandeur. They are often made with expensive materials like velvet and leather and reflect superior craftsmanship. The style focuses on the ornamental aspects and features woodwork and sculpted designs with fine finishes.
This type of chaise lounge was popular during the Victorian era but has made a comeback in recent years. You can find some of the restored pieces from the said era or go for modern adaptations that are comparatively cost-effective. Either way, they are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any room.
French
Their graceful curves and elegant lines define French-style chaise lounges. They often have an exposed wood frame that is accented with carved details. The upholstery is usually tufted and made with luxurious fabrics.
It's one of the most popular styles because of its historical significance. This style and its designs run deep and are reminisced with their modern adaptations. The following are the subcategories of the French style.
Recamier: These chaise lounges are usually symmetrical and have two raised ends as the headrest and footrest. They don't have sides or backs; however, either of the raised ends can be used as a back. Since they have no back, they are perfect for placing against a wall or at the end of a bed.
The recaimer style was named after the French socialite Jeanne-Louise-Henriette Recamier. It was popularized in 1800 when Madame Recamier sat on the lounge to pose for a portrait painted by Jacques-Louis David.
Meridian: In the early 1900s, the Meridian style was a common feature in the houses of wealthy Frenchmen. They were named after their use for rest during the day when the sun is near the meridian. The lounges of this style were made with high-end materials and beautiful woodwork.
They are cushioned to provide maximum comfort and allow you to recline comfortably without fear of falling backward. Essentially, the meridian-style chaise lounge is similar to the Recamier but without the symmetrical headrests.
Duchess brisée: The word Duchess brisée translates to "broken Duchess" and forms the basis of the lounge's name. They are known for having two detachable parts: the chair and the long footstool for supporting your feet. Some designs may feature a third component for sitting, placed between them.
This dual chair setup is ideal if you want to add a little extra seating area. The components can be used as separate furniture or a combined chaise lounge.
Bench Sofa
A bench sofa is a type of lounge chair with a low and wide profile. Having some similarities with traditional daybeds, bench sofas are placed on an uncushioned structure. It is perfect for people who want to recline in comfort without having to take up too much space.
This chaise style is perfect for small rooms or areas where you want to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They come in various materials like wood, metal, and upholstery. Plus, many of them have an adjustable back that lets you choose your desired recline angle.
Contemporary
The contemporary chaise lounges feature a geometrical design and are defined by simple and clean lines. It's a modern adaptation of the traditional chaise craft; that's why contemporary chaises deliver a combination of the aforementioned styles.
This style plays with modern materials, brighter colors, and fewer patterns to present a minimalist design. These modern structures can be backless or not. They may have a footrest and may include some adjustable components. This chaise lounge type is perfect for people who want the best of both worlds – the traditional style with a modern twist.
Different Material Used for Interior Chaise Lounges
Interior chaise lounges are made from different materials, and each material serves a purpose. The choice of material is directed towards providing comfort and durability or luxury and décor. The lounges can be the statement of your status or an element of décor to breathe new life into a room. Let's discuss the popular materials used for interior chaise lounges so that you can make an informed decision:
Leather
Leather is one of the most popular materials for chaise lounges. It is elegant, stylish, and has a luxurious feel to it. Leather is also quite durable and can last for years with proper care. Leather chaise lounges are perfect for people who want a touch of luxury without the cost of durability.
Leather is a sophisticated material and has eight types differentiated by quality and price. Here are the eight types:
Full-grain: Full-grain leather is the highest quality and most expensive type of leather. It is exceptionally durable and untreated except for hair removal. It is not sanded, snuffed, or buffed; that's why it retains the rugged natural texture of the hide.
Top grain leather: Top grain leather is comparable to full-grain leather in quality. However, it has a more refined look because it undergoes a buffing process. This helps it get a polished finish with a softer feel and a durable interior lounge.
Split-grain leather: It's the leftover portion of the hide after the outer layer of leather is cut away. Therefore, split-grain leather demands more care and maintenance than the two types discussed above. It is a low-quality but cost-effective material that delivers a hard texture on the chaise lounges.
Faux leather: Faux leather is a synthetic material designed to look and feel like genuine leather. It is also called "vegan leather" as it does not use any genuine animal hides. The material is a cheaper alternative to genuine leather and offers similar durability.
Nubuck leather: Nubuck leather is essentially top-grain leather sanded or buffed for a softer appearance. It is comparable to suede in terms of comfort and price but offers more durability.
Bi-cast leather: Bi-cast leather is a two-layer material that combines split-grain leather and colored polyurethane. It usually appears similar to top-grain or full-grain leather but is not as durable. The less expensive alternative needs care as it can crack or peel without proper maintenance.
Bonded leather: Bonded leather is created from the scraps of different types of leather. The material is combined and bonded with a polyurethane coating to create a new surface. It is simply the most affordable and creative type of leather used for making chaise lounges.
Metal
Metal is widely used in contemporary and modern chaise lounge designs. It is quite popular among people who appreciate minimalist design. It adds to the build quality and also gives it a futuristic look. The typical application of metal in furniture is to form a solid frame, base, or feet.
When it comes to chaise lounges, aluminum and steel are commonly used to provide support. There are different kinds of metal finishes preferred for chaise lounges, following are the most popular ones:
Antiqued: Antiqued metal is deliberately made to look old and rustic by adding a layer of protective paint or darkening the metal. It is commonly used in furniture to give inner chaise lounges a vintage look.
Satin: Satin metal has a sleek and shiny finish that gives a luxurious look. The metal is often polished to achieve the desired sheen.
Brushed: Brushed metal is achieved using a wire brush on the surface to create a textured look. It is usually used for creating a rustic or industrial style.
Polished: Polished metal is the most popular type of metal finish as it creates a shiny and reflective surface. It is used to give a modern look to chaise lounges. You will get a mirror-like reflective finish, but fingerprints and smudges will also appear making frequent cleaning necessary.
Hammered: A hammered metal finish is created using a hammer or other tool to create dents and imperfections on the surface. This type of finish is usually used for creating evenly spaced or pattern-like designs.
Upholstery
Upholstery is among the most preferred materials to make interior chaise lounges because it offers nearly endless options. It is one material that delivers both traditional and modern tastes. If you desire a classic look, you can find options like silk or velvet with different patterns. And if you want a modern finish, you can look at options like suede, linen, or chintz.
Upholstery is also a durable material that can last for many years with proper care. They range from minimalist to over-the-top decorative designs. The material is used to add comfort and support to a chaise lounge. By choosing upholstery, you can rest assured of your lounge's appearance, durability, and comfort.
Polyester
Polyester is another common material used for interior chaise lounges. It is usually extracted from petroleum and often mixed with other materials to create the desired look. Polyester is known for its durability and resistance to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkles. It is also a stain-resistant material that is easy to clean and maintain.
Polyester is a cost-effective material that delivers a wide range of colors and patterns. You can find polyester in different weights that offer different levels of comfort. It is durable and can go on for years without any special care. The only major downside of using polyester is that it is sensitive to heat.
Microfiber
Another popular material used to make chaise lounges is microfiber, a synthetic material that is made up of many tiny fibers. The advantage of using microfiber is that it is incredibly soft and comfortable. Plus, it has hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for furniture use.
The material is also preferred because of its durability and stain-resistant nature. The build makes it immune to liquid spills, and you can easily wipe it off before it leaves a stain. Microfiber is usually less expensive than other upholstery materials and can last for many years with proper care.
Wood
It's a no-brainer that wood is the most common material used to make all kinds of furniture. However, how it is used to make chaise lounges is very interesting. As a statement of wealth, chaise lounges were made with premium woods like oak, birch, mahogany, cherry, etc. Along with the high-quality wood, the lounges had elegant and intricate carved designs.
These fundamentals are still prevalent; however, the choice of material also includes more affordable options. Modern designs include woods like pine, poplar, ash, etc. The wood is often stained or painted to create the desired look. Sometimes, metal or glass is also used with wood to create an interesting design.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Interior Chaise Lounges
Based on the above information, you can decide on the style and material you want in your interior chaise lounge. But many other factors come into play when you head out to buy one.
Getting any piece of furniture for your home is a significant investment. You don't want to end up with something you regret later on. So, take some time to consider all the factors before making a purchase. Here are some aspects you must keep in mind while buying an interior chaise lounge.
Size
The first and foremost factor to consider is the size of the lounge. It should be in proportion to the rest of the furniture in the room. If you want to place the lounge in your living room, it should not be too big or too small. Similarly, if you're opting for a bedroom chaise lounge, make sure it's not too large so that it dominates the space.
The size of the lounge also depends on how you're planning to use it. If you want to use it for reading or relaxing, you might want to go for a larger size. But if you just want it for decoration, then a smaller size would do just fine.
Space
Another essential factor to consider is the available space in the room. You need to make sure there's enough space to accommodate the lounge. If you're placing it in the corner of the room, you need to ensure there's enough space around it. There should also be enough space for you to walk around the lounge.
A chaise lounge is a large piece of furniture, so you need to mind the space available to place it. You can either select a location or a lounge that fits right without overwhelming the surroundings.
Existing décor
You wouldn't want to mess up an already existing décor by placing an odd lounge in the middle of the room. The lounge you select must complement the room's existing décor.
For example, if your room has a lot of straight lines and modern furniture, then a chaise lounge with intricate carvings and curves might not look so good. A simple, minimalistic lounge would be a better choice. On the other hand, if your room has a lot of intricate details and is heavily decorated, then a more ornate lounge would fit in perfectly.
Purpose
What will you be using the chaise lounge for? This is an important question that you must ask yourself before making a purchase. If you want it for reading or relaxing, you might want to consider features like a headrest and armrests. If you're using it for sleeping, a large lounge will do.
If you want it for decoration, any size or style will do fine. But if you have some specific purpose in mind, it's essential to get a lounge that meets your requirements.
Budget
Lastly, your budget is an essential consideration while buying a chaise lounge. As mentioned earlier, these are not cheap pieces of furniture. The major elements that impact the price are the material and style of the lounge. So, you can find chaise lounges in different price ranges.
For instance, if you opt for high-quality leather and wood finishes, the price will be high and vice-versa. So, all your preferences need to be checked against your budget as cost is a significant factor you can't ignore.
Final Words
The above article explored the fundamentals of chaise lounges, from the historical essence to the modern-day adaptations. You also learned about the various styles and factors that need to be considered before making a purchase.
Now, you have all the information to select the ideal interior chaise lounge for your home. Go ahead and make an informed decision, and enjoy the comfort and luxury that these pieces of furniture have to offer.
