The epitome of elegance, chaise longues are a timeless staple for any room that’s calling out for a touch of drama. Whether you have an empty corner of a sophisticated living room or a maximalist bedroom demanding a focal point, they’re no longer reserved for French chateaus and stately manors. Now, thanks to the chic and versatile chaises, they can be part of any room in any home.
But exactly what is a chaise longue, from where did this curious piece of furniture originate and how do you style one? Well, we’ve composed this comprehensive guide to help you master this chair-bed hybrid.
What Does a Chaise Longue Look Like?
A chaise longue is what its name directly translates to: a long chair. Akin to a standard bed in length, they’re designed to accommodate the legs of the sitter to allow them to recline fully. Most chaise longues feature a backrest and armrest, though some boast an additional, slightly smaller footrest on its other end.
Where Do Chaise Longues Come From?
Long regarded as a luxurious piece of furniture and a staple of the upper echelons of society for many years, the origins of the chaise longue can be traced back to ancient Greece and Egypt. You may have seen those drawings of emperors reclining on them, a bunch of grapes aloft in one hand and a goblet poised in the other. However, they didn’t truly come into their own until the Rococo period in France during the 1730s.
Synonymous with theatricality and decadence, this trend influenced the growth of heavily embellished, and – dare we say – somewhat outlandish, styles. As a result, chaise longues swiftly became a staple of French interior design and were used to decorate the ornate halls of chateaus and manors.
As they were largely confined to the trappings of the upper classes during this time, chaise longues were frequently upholstered in luxurious materials, like silk, and enhanced with gilded hardware – after all, Rococo was about more is more.
More recently, chaise longues were a common fixture of the private rooms of wealthy Victorian women. Dubbed the ‘fainting couch’, it would be strategically positioned to catch falling women who were rendered dizzy from their tight corsets.
Chaise longues were also frequently used in therapists’ offices in the nineteenth century after being popularised by Sigmund Freud, the Austrian founder of psychoanalysis. As they allowed the analyst to remain out of the view of the patient, they became a useful tool. So, if you associate the chaise longue with a psychiatrist’s couch, now you know why.
What does ‘Chaise Longue’ Mean?
Translated from the French for ‘long chair’, these architectural pieces of furniture were made famous by their iconic silhouette, rich heritage and ability to balance the utility of a seat and the comfort of a bed. If you’re wondering what ‘chaise lounge’ means, it refers to the exact same product but is just an Americanised version of the spelling.
But the variations don’t end there! You also would be forgiven for thinking it’s ‘chez long’ or ‘shezlong’ as these are common misspellings.
How to Pronounce ‘Chaise Longue’
We know what they are, but how exactly do you pronounce their name? Simply adopt your finest French accent and pronounce it as though it’s spelled ‘shayz (rhyming with ‘daze’) long’.
How to Style a Chaise Longue
While they pack a punch on their own, you may wish to accessorise your chaise longue to help it work harmoniously with the rest of your home’s décor.
We suggest furnishing it with a couple of scatter cushions in a complementary shade. For example, if your chaise longue is a neutral colour, such as black or white, you might want to add a pop of blush pink, rich claret or deep emerald to enhance the striking nature of monochrome furniture. Or, if your chaise longue is a bolder blue or teal, pair it with a contrasting orange or yellow cushion.
