Chaise lounge furniture – nothing evokes a sense of total relaxation like a chaise lounger. The phrase summons up images of reclining in complete bliss in a living room or garden or by a pool.
But what exactly is chaise lounge furniture?
The term ‘Chaise Lounge’ sparkles with that glamorous cachet that only the French language can imbue but its meaning is actually quite mundane. The fact is this item of furniture was developed in France centuries ago for the use of the leisured classes.
The phrase is derived from the French for ‘long chair’ (chaise longue) and when the product arrived in the United States, the name was altered to chaise lounge as it more accurately described its function.
After all, the word ‘lounge’ perfectly evokes utter relaxation. It’s the ideal word to describe what we do on evenings and weekends when the hard work is done and we claim our reward of total indolence for a while.
So a chaise lounge chair is essentially a long reclining chair or sofa – a chair that’s long enough for you to put your feet up. Most are fixed but some models have an adjustable end that can be elevated for reading or lowered flat for use as a bed. In fact, one use of a chaise lounge is as a day bed for a quick siesta or hours of total relaxation during the day.
Chaise lounges were originally for indoor use and European models were very ornate with sumptuous upholstery. These grace any living room or bedroom and are useful in a study for resting between work sessions. Here they have the ambiance of Freudian couches that were once associated with the great psychoanalyst. Sometimes an enterprising executive will put one in office to zone out during work break.
While these ornate indoor items are still popular, more modern chaise lounge furniture is available crafted from various woods such as teak, eucalyptus, rattan or wicker, and metal chaises lounges made of wrought iron or aluminum.
Chaise Lounge furniture is highly versatile too. These chairs are suitable for both indoor use in the living and bedroom, and outdoor use such as on patios, in gardens or by the pool.
Outdoor furniture such as patio chaise lounges often feature elaborate models with slide out trays for drinks and snacks, armrests and wheels to move them around the pool or patio area.
While indoor chaise lounge furniture are often sumptuously padded, chaise loungers for outdoor use need no cushions or covers. However a wide range of chaise lounge covers and chaise lounge slipcovers are available should you wish to change the appearance or make your furniture more comfortable.
Modern chaise lounge furniture come in a wide array of materials, styles and finishes. The different materials and finishes can evoke different moods.
For example, rattan or wicker chaise loungers can create the ambiance of the Orient and you can lie back and imagine yourself a planter in the tropics. Teak, on the other hand, creates an item of dark beauty that feels warm and comforting to the skin.
Another joy for the home is the outdoor chaise lounge. These are hardy items that allow you to relax by your pool, on your patio or deck or in the garden.
For relaxing at home whether in your living room, in your garden, on your patio or beside your pool, a ‘long chair’ is exactly what you need. You can find all your chaise lounge furniture needs online – check the web sites of leading vendors to find the chair of you dreams.