What Is a Chaise Lounge?

Ancient Egypt saw Cleopatra on one. Medieval ladies of royalty reclined on them. Courtesans in the Renaissance kicked back on them. And now, fashionable homes are craving them. What is this type of furniture that has such a long and colorful history? They are known as chaise lounges. No longer a cliche found only in Hollywood photographs or psychiatrist offices, chaise lounges are enjoying resurgence in today's well-appointed homes. Their proper name is actually "chaise longue," which means "long chair." The American furniture industry has incorporated its use into the name, hence, we now refer to it as a chaise lounge.

A chaise lounge is typically made like a couch with a backrest on the short end, rather than spanning the long side. Made to normally be used by one person at a time, the backrest on the short end lets the use lift up and stretch their legs out over the extended cushion.

Chaise lounges tread the line between a couch and an extended club chair. Many popular designs today use traditional club chairs as inspiration. Chaise lounges often work like a club chair and ottoman combination, yet offer the convenience of being constructed in one piece.

This form of seating was popular in America as an indoor piece in the late 1800s and the early 1900s. As the population grew and sprawled into the suburbs, chaise lounges took a stripped down design and found a permanent place on America's patios. Because they were built for relaxation, chaise lounges for the outdoors was a logical fit.

In fact, a modern designer of them, Le Corbusier, called general form of chaise lounges "the machine for rest." Indeed they are. With today's life being so hectic, it is no wonder why chaise lounges are becoming popular again.

Today, chaise lounges offer many choices for both indoor and outdoor relaxing. They seem to be the perfect thing for open spaces. No matter your need, you will find the perfect chaise lounge by shopping here at ChaiseLounges.com.