Chaise Lounge

Chaise lounge is a common expression in the United States that has evolved over time. It is derived from the French term "Chaise longue", pronounced shayze long, which actually means long chair. It is a form of a sofa or couch with a backrest at one end to seat one person at a time so that they can recline and stretch out their legs. It makes sense that the term "longue" has in time been modified to the word "lounge", since that is the main purpose of this type of seating.

We know that regardless of what they were called at the time, chaise lounges have been popular with people for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was depicted as reclining on a chaise lounge. In Medieval times, royalty often lounged on them before their courts.

During the Renaissance period in France, chaise lounges were designed as a comfortable and luxurious alternative to the common chairs and benches of the day. The earliest chaise lounges made in North America were made of wood or a type of caning. They have changed slightly over the years to keep with changing design trends, through the Art Deco period, or to suit more Victorian or Modern styles. In the 1800's, parlors and sitting rooms of stately manors or mansions often featured stylized and ornate chaise lounges, topped with ornate, tasseled cushions.

Chaise lounge frames have been made from metal, wicker, synthetic plastics, stone, and even leather. Whatever the material, chaise lounges have added instant style to any space, as they are a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

In the days of old Hollywood glamour, chaise lounges were often incorporated in movie sets. Silver screen starlets like Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe were often seen dramatically posing themselves while reclining on a chaise lounge in movies or for photo shoots.

What about Chaise Lounges for outdoors? These days, chaise lounges are no longer reserved for celebrities or psychiatrists offices (as they became popular from Dr. Freud's concept of analyzing his patients dreams while they reclined in his office). They are a luxurious and functional type of seating that can be made to fit any space, indoors or out.

Depending on your needs, chaise lounges can be stationary or they can have moving features like a club chair, allowing the back to be reclined or even laid completely flat to turn the lounge into a bed. Chaise lounges are the perfect seating for sun tanning, napping outdoors or relaxing by the pool or lake. For people recovering from illness or surgery, a chaise lounge can be a welcome alternative to being confined to bed. A chaise lounge can be easily moved to a sunny or sheltered outdoor location, allowing the person to enjoy the outdoors while remaining reclined and comfortable.

If the chaise lounge is meant to be left outdoors year round, it's important to select a chair that is well designed with high quality materials and craftsmanship. A cast metal frame with a removable cushion and pillows is an excellent option that will withstand even the harshest of climates. If you live in an area with a significant amount of cold, wet weather, its usually best to include a chaise lounge cover with your purchase to make sure your furniture stays looking its best.