Chaise lounges: Futuristic Seating solutions

A chaise lounge is a kind of sofa with a backrest at one end. The Chaise Lounge was originally known as the Chaise longue, a term which was derived from French. Literally translated into English it means 'long chair'. The misspelling is speculated to have originated from the fact that these chairs were primarily used for lounging and hence the word Chaise Lounge. Chaise Lounges are a classic piece of furniture that you can add anywhere. It is a great way to ensure style and comfort. But there is more to the Chaise Lounge than meets the eye. It has a rich history.

Early history of the Chaise Lounge

• Chaise Lounges in various cultures

  The Chaise Lounge is a blend of the chair and a day bed. It originated in Egypt, providing a design to architects which they used centuries later. Ancient Greek works of art also depicted gods and goddesses lounging on Chaise Lounges. Ancient Mexican culture had its own version of the Chaise Lounge known as the 'Olmecs' Chaise Lounges in ancient Africa were made out of wood and retained simplicity in its design.

• Origin of Chaise Lounges In France

  The name Chaise Lounge is itself borrowed from the French language. The Chaise Lounge originated in 16th century France. The initial design was an elongated chair with four legs and a back rest for reclining. It was designed so that people could recline comfortably on their backs rather than their sides. The furnishings in France were influenced by the art movements of the country. During this time the Chaise Lounge was often constructed out of curved wood, wooden caning or rattan. But as the chair evolved, the designs, materials and styles were also changed to adapt to various surroundings.

• Chaise Lounges In Rococo period

  Chaise Lounges were extremely popular in the 18th century Rococo period. Art in the rococo period was characterized by asymmetry and contrast in elements. The Rococo period saw the transformation of the Chaise Lounge into an elegant piece of furniture that was an important addition in royal and aristocratic households. During this time certain pieces of furniture symbolized social status and the Chaise Lounge was one of them. Beautifully carved feet and arm rests described the Chaise Lounges of these times and it was an artistic challenge for any craftsman to create one. Expensive fabric and rare wood were used in the construction of the Chaise Lounge.

• Chaise Lounges in early 20th century

  Architects of the early 20th century exploited the design of the Chaise Lounge to characterize the straight lines and long floor plans that were prevalent in those times. Back then the Chaise Lounge was not a simple or economical piece of furniture to construct. The metal hand was required to be bent by hand. Since the full assembly had to be shipped, transportation problems too cropped up.

• Advent of Chaise Lounges in America

  It is speculated that Chaise Lounges made their debut in America in the 1830's. It was the huge influx of immigrants that got the Chaise Lounge to America. Here it underwent several changes in style and design. Chaise Lounges began to be constructed in materials like plastic and tubular steel. Rich fabrics and upholstery were used in the manufacture of the Chaise Lounge. Although the Chaise lounge was used only for indoor areas initially, the people's love of outdoors led to the creation of special outdoor Chaise Lounges. Chaise Lounges made their appearance in Pool sides, gazebos, patios, porches, decks and gardens.

• The Modern Chaise Lounge

  Modern times have seen the Chaise Lounge become a piece of furniture that is economical and easy to construct. Modern machinery and engineering skills has pioneered the modern Chaise Lounge. It has become one of the most useful and attractive pieces of furniture.

Indoor Chaise Lounges

The utility and comfort of a Chaise Lounge is ideal for indoor use. It can uplift the decor of any room especially the bedroom and living room. The chaise Lounge is unique because you can put up your feet with a kind of formality which no other furniture provides. Unlike their outdoor counterparts, indoor Chaise Lounges can be chosen in any material since there is no fear of damage from the elements.

• Chaise Lounge in the Living room

  Chaise Lounges are great for TV viewing as well as reading or just relaxing. You can go for Chaise Lounges made of leather, fabric or microfiber to emphasize the formal setting that is reminiscent of living rooms. You could also use wicker and wooden Chaise Lounges. In the formal atmosphere of a living room, it would make sense to add indoor Chaise Lounge chairs. Although these chairs allow a relaxed posture they do not let you fully recline thus maintaining the propriety of the living room. If you go for indoor Chaise Lounges of a classical variety, they will have more curvy backrests and armrest designs and will often sport button tufted upholstery, nail trim and tassel fringes. The traditional designs are also distinguished by elaborately carved feet and the upholstery is done up in silk, toile, or micro suede. Contemporary designs of Chaise Lounges are designed on a smoother line and will have fewer design details. Most modern designs are devoid of an armrest but some models come equipped with a lever that can adjust the recline. If you are decorating your living room in a modern style go for Chaise Lounges that are vibrant and bold in color.

• Bedroom Chaise Lounges

  The bedroom is an ideal place for the Chaise Lounge. Here you can take a well deserved break from the rigors of family life and unwind. It promotes relaxation and gives any space an overall effect of comfort. A strategically placed lamp nest to the Chaise Lounge can provide a wonderful place to read. A fabric Chaise Lounge is appropriate for the intimate atmosphere of the bedroom. With their unique shape and function Chaise Lounges can impart character to the atmosphere of the bedroom.

Outdoor Chaise Lounges

The Chaise Lounge is unmatched in comfort and looks. It is the perfect piece of furniture acting as a chair when needed and even a bed if required. The materials used in the construction of indoor and outdoor Chaise Lounges vary, but the comfort and relaxation it provides seldom changes. Traditional wooden Chaise Lounges are always an option when thinking of the outdoors. The wooden models are available in an assortment of colors and finishes you can accentuate the beauty by adding some colored weatherproof cushions.

• Chaise Lounge in garden

  In the serene atmosphere of a garden the Chaise Lounge is the perfect relaxing place. It would be an ideal way to imbibe the beauties and sounds of nature. When looking to furnish your garden with a Chaise Lounge, look for materials that are sturdy and resistant to the elements.

• Chaise Lounges by the pool side

  If you have a swimming pool, add a few wooden Chaise Lounges by its side. After a swim you can flop down on it and enjoy a cool drink or just soak up the sun.

• Patio Chaise Lounge

  The patio is an ideal place to entertain guests or spend some time by oneself. The addition of a Chaise Lounge accentuates the patio decor and provides an avenue to relax.

• Chaise Lounge by the beach

  Metal and plastic Chaise Lounges are ideal because of their portable and light weight nature. You can carry these to the beach and give yourself a break from lying on boring beach towels.

Decorating with a Chaise Lounge

The style and design of the Chaise Lounge will have an impact on the accessories that you add around it. Decorating a room with a Chaise Lounge is as easy as decorating with any other piece of furniture. Installing a Chaise Lounge allows for experimenting with various kinds of decor as they come in many contemporary and traditional designs like heavy wood or classy leather.

• Accentuate the Chaise Lounge

  Make your Chaise Lounge the focal point of the room where you are keeping it. Create a space in the room exclusively for the Chaise and the activities you will be using it for. Place a rug under the Chaise to cement its position the room. By doing this you will be attracting attention to your Chaise Lounge. A modern black leather Chaise Lounge would look good over a thick white rug while a wooden Chaise Lounge would look good over a country style or Victorian rug. The design and style of the Chaise should complement the decor of the room.

• Table by the Chaise Lounge

  Place a small table near the Chaise Lounge. You can also place a quaint little reading lamp for the purpose of reading. The table can come in handy when you want to place things that are often used when you use the chair like books, spectacles, a water glass, a pen or a notepad. You can also decorate the table by placing flowers or candles thus calling attention to the Chaise Lounge.

• Add Blanket or pillow to Chaise Lounges

  If you have a traditional decor carefully place a throw blanket over the foot of the Chaise and keep some attractive and fluffy pillows at the back. If your room boasts of a modern decor, do away with the throw blanket and settle for the pillows only. This helps in making your Chaise Lounge look inviting and comfortable.

Guide to buying Chaise Lounges

If you have finally decided to invest in a Chaise Lounge, then there are certain things to keep in mind before you go ahead.

• Purpose of the Chaise Lounge

  The first thing that you should decide is the purpose for which you will use a Chaise Lounge. If it is mainly for the activities of relaxing and reading, then ensure that the Chaise Lounge has adequate back support, at least one arm rest and strong upholstery like leather. If the Chaise is for a host of general activities, you should consider a double Chaise with microfiber fabric. Such materials can handle spills and the resulting stains. If the chaise is meant to be a place where you only take naps, look for a model with plush upholstery. If it is the men's rec room you are looking to furnish go for a dark colored leather Chaise.

• Location of the Chaise Lounge

  The main factor to keep in mind is the coordination of the Chaise with the decor of the room. You have to think of the decor whether the chaise is in the living room or the bedroom. Traditional decor will match with a classic style Chaise while a modern decor will go with a contemporary looking Chaise Lounge. Be sure to match the overall decor. If the rest of your furniture is moderately priced, do not go for keeping an expensive Chaise in the same space. It will ruin the quality of the room.

• Number of people using Chaise Lounge

  The size of the Chaise Lounge is dictated by the number of people who would use it. Chaise Lounges are available in single and double sizes and also as part of sofa sets. If you think your kids will be using it opt for a hard covering like microfiber. Avoid leather and expensive coverings if you have kids and pets around. If you think several adults will use the Chaise in the living room, look for a Chaise sofa. A Chaise should be sturdier as compared to other pieces of furniture since unlike other furniture it holds the whole weight of a person. If you have multiple users for the Chaise this factor should be kept in mind. Also keep in mind that once you have got a large Chaise Lounge installed, it will not be easy to move it around.