Decorating
Iconic Designs: 14 Variations on the Chaise Longue
Kick off your shoes and settle down for a decadent lounge on one of these classic designs
Romantic. Stylish. Comfortable. There is no better way to while away the afternoon than sprawled out like a Hollywood starlet on a chaise longue, which – as you can probably guess – is French for ‘long chair’. Originating in 18th-century France, the divine recliner was upholstered to match bedroom-style comfort, but many contemporary designs, while still clearly descendants of the classic chaise shape, offer a more streamlined profile. If you are considering buying one soon (and there are many to suit modern décor schemes), take inspiration from these swoon-worthy styles.
Enjoy a purple patch
The chaise may be associated with the fainting couch favoured by damsels in distress, but don’t think they are old-fashioned. Even when tufted in plump purple velvet, they can be handsomely hip and present as the main draw in your living room.
Discover 11 non-scary ways to add purple to your interior
The chaise may be associated with the fainting couch favoured by damsels in distress, but don’t think they are old-fashioned. Even when tufted in plump purple velvet, they can be handsomely hip and present as the main draw in your living room.
Discover 11 non-scary ways to add purple to your interior
Go wide
Settle back with a four-legged friend and read away your weekend on an extra-wide chaise made for two. Generous, plump upholstery makes this kind of lounge one of the most comfortable. Covered in a durable natural fabric in a watermelon colour, it will make a refreshingly pretty addition to your home.
Settle back with a four-legged friend and read away your weekend on an extra-wide chaise made for two. Generous, plump upholstery makes this kind of lounge one of the most comfortable. Covered in a durable natural fabric in a watermelon colour, it will make a refreshingly pretty addition to your home.
Cultivate a worldly feel
Evoking the suave sophistication of a gentlemen’s club, this guest bedroom features a leather-tufted Chesterfield-style chaise. Surrounded by some impressive occasional furniture with globetrotting credentials, such as an oriental screen, a bamboo bedside table, a Moroccan octagonal side table and a zebra-print rug, this is a couch on which to dream of far-away adventures.
See how to give your home a Moroccan makeover
Evoking the suave sophistication of a gentlemen’s club, this guest bedroom features a leather-tufted Chesterfield-style chaise. Surrounded by some impressive occasional furniture with globetrotting credentials, such as an oriental screen, a bamboo bedside table, a Moroccan octagonal side table and a zebra-print rug, this is a couch on which to dream of far-away adventures.
See how to give your home a Moroccan makeover
Keep it minimal
Often found in a boutique hotel lobby or in a swanky warehouse loft, the low-profile black leather chaise is the ultimate in sleek minimalism. This Barcelona daybed is a signature piece of one of the greats of modern architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It was originally designed as part of the collection for his pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition, and is still in production today.
Often found in a boutique hotel lobby or in a swanky warehouse loft, the low-profile black leather chaise is the ultimate in sleek minimalism. This Barcelona daybed is a signature piece of one of the greats of modern architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It was originally designed as part of the collection for his pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition, and is still in production today.
Embrace classic curves
If you are a secret fan of Victoriana, but have thus far been reluctant to indulge your passion, you’ll probably like this modern twist on the style. Covered in deeply tufted velvet, this scroll-armed chaise is an exercise in opulence (although the turquoise colour is very contemporary), and looks
especially enticing as it is framed by a large bay window that looks out onto a leafy garden.
If you are a secret fan of Victoriana, but have thus far been reluctant to indulge your passion, you’ll probably like this modern twist on the style. Covered in deeply tufted velvet, this scroll-armed chaise is an exercise in opulence (although the turquoise colour is very contemporary), and looks
especially enticing as it is framed by a large bay window that looks out onto a leafy garden.
Make a statement
A little bit midcentury modern, a little bit Freudian couch, this classic William Haines chaise was introduced in 1950 and has continued to be a favourite with stylistas and starlets ever since.
A little bit midcentury modern, a little bit Freudian couch, this classic William Haines chaise was introduced in 1950 and has continued to be a favourite with stylistas and starlets ever since.
Choose a modern classic
There must have been a glimpse into the future of furniture when famous design trio Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand designed the chaise known simply as LC4. The form-follows-function recliner was first conceptualised as long ago as 1928 but became particularly famous when it went into production via Italian design house Cassina in 1965. It is built in a shape designed for relaxation – the chrome-plated steel frame is adjustable and able to move through angles of inclination. The seat is usually upholstered in either black or white leather, or a pony skin or cowhide.
There must have been a glimpse into the future of furniture when famous design trio Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand designed the chaise known simply as LC4. The form-follows-function recliner was first conceptualised as long ago as 1928 but became particularly famous when it went into production via Italian design house Cassina in 1965. It is built in a shape designed for relaxation – the chrome-plated steel frame is adjustable and able to move through angles of inclination. The seat is usually upholstered in either black or white leather, or a pony skin or cowhide.
Curl up in comfort
Fill a nook by a cosy fire with a plush new chaise to create a warm and toasty zone. Place a small table and a lamp by the chaise and you’ll not only have created a relaxing place to read but also the perfect place to unwind before bed.
Fill a nook by a cosy fire with a plush new chaise to create a warm and toasty zone. Place a small table and a lamp by the chaise and you’ll not only have created a relaxing place to read but also the perfect place to unwind before bed.
Set the scene
As dramatic statement, better to be looked at than sat on, La Chaise is more artwork than armchair. It was designed by Charles and Ray Eames as a lounge chair for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1948 and its form was inspired by ‘Floating Figure’, a sculpture by Gaston Lachaise. Its voluminous scooped-out shape allows for a wide range of sitting and reclining positions, no doubt those that could form part of a little performance art display!
As dramatic statement, better to be looked at than sat on, La Chaise is more artwork than armchair. It was designed by Charles and Ray Eames as a lounge chair for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1948 and its form was inspired by ‘Floating Figure’, a sculpture by Gaston Lachaise. Its voluminous scooped-out shape allows for a wide range of sitting and reclining positions, no doubt those that could form part of a little performance art display!
Act natural
Why should only outdoor furniture get to be made of wonderful weaves in natural rattans and cane? Bring the outdoors in with this Swedish poolside recliner to replace a more traditional chaise in the bedroom.
Why should only outdoor furniture get to be made of wonderful weaves in natural rattans and cane? Bring the outdoors in with this Swedish poolside recliner to replace a more traditional chaise in the bedroom.
Celebrate form
Stretch out and unwind on a gorgeous comely chaise. This one has a swooping arm perfect for striking a seductive pose, which is possibly why it’s named after Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen famous for reclining and ordering minions about. Despite its contemporary look, the Cleopatra chaise longue was designed in 1970 by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort. Apart from its beautiful shape, it also has wheels and can be trundled about from room to room.
Stretch out and unwind on a gorgeous comely chaise. This one has a swooping arm perfect for striking a seductive pose, which is possibly why it’s named after Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen famous for reclining and ordering minions about. Despite its contemporary look, the Cleopatra chaise longue was designed in 1970 by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort. Apart from its beautiful shape, it also has wheels and can be trundled about from room to room.
Keep it family friendly
Kids love a chaise, too, so don’t keep these comely couches all to yourself. Let your children enjoy the comfort of a chaise in a family room or study. Find one with a fun shape that’s well sprung and upholstered to endure a bit of bounce, such as this sturdy, slippery dip-shaped leather option.
Kids love a chaise, too, so don’t keep these comely couches all to yourself. Let your children enjoy the comfort of a chaise in a family room or study. Find one with a fun shape that’s well sprung and upholstered to endure a bit of bounce, such as this sturdy, slippery dip-shaped leather option.
Show off a grand design
More showpiece than snooze spot, this elegant chaise is just the thing to set the tone in a formal entry or lobby, signalling an upmarket décor style in the rest of the home.
TELL US…
Do you have a chaise? What kind is it? Share it with us in the Comments below.
More showpiece than snooze spot, this elegant chaise is just the thing to set the tone in a formal entry or lobby, signalling an upmarket décor style in the rest of the home.
TELL US…
Do you have a chaise? What kind is it? Share it with us in the Comments below.
Have an empty corner to fill? Rest naturally in this chunky shaped chaise, which will suit most homes, as will the light grey upholstery. Alternatively, if you want to liven it up a bit, some colourful patterned cushions should do the trick and will make the chaise extra comfy for nap time.