Chaise lounges are upholstered sofas with inbuilt leg support, back support provided at the end of the couch where an armrest could usually be, and either no back or a sloping half back. Intended for a single person to recline on, they can also be used for traditional upright seating. Increasingly, the chaise concept is included in sectional lounge suites and corner couches.

Chaises come in a variety of styles and fabrics to suit a range of tastes, including cotton, fabric and linen, hardwood frames and leather finishes.

What is a chaise lounge?

A chaise lounge, with its backrest at only one end, is a cross between a sofa and a daybed. Essentially designed for an individual to stretch out on, a chaise provides the upright seating of traditional couches - with the aid of cushions. 

There is a much wider range of chaise lounge styles than may be first expected, from the traditional Victorian with a sloping half backrest and ornate detailing in the base and legs, to the modern bench sofa which is often un-cushioned and sometimes backless.

Which chaise lounge designs are popular currently?

1. Chair – an elongated armless chair designed with a rounded contour to offer support to the legs.

2. Victorian – also known as ‘fainting couches’. The Victorian style is most commonly seen in period movies and classically inspired homes.

3. Contemporary – often a geometrically designed piece, sometimes adjustable, ideal for minimalist tastes.

They are also commonly used in modular seating arrangements as corner lounges, L-sectionals and two chaise sectionals – a traditional sofa with a chaise at each end. 

What are the most common materials and finishes for chaise lounges? 

• Cotton

• Linen

• Polyester

• Velvet

• Hardwood frames

• Leather finishes
  
  

Should a chaise lounge be part of the living room furniture? 

As a lounge chair specifically designed for individual seating, a chaise lounge may work best in larger living rooms where there are other sofas, lounge suites or seating options available.

Recliner lounge chair vs chaise lounge: what’s the difference?

Generally, when referring to recliners, people imagine a La-Z-Boy-style sofa chair with retractable footrests and an ability to recline the chair, rather than the chaise, which is stationary and simple in design, and intended to be reclined upon rather than reclinable.