Using a Chaise Lounge in Your Home Decor

Today we have a guest post from my interior design partner in crime, Janet Fraser.

Janet has been an interior designer in London, England, for over 15 years, seeing in many trends and settings over that space of time. So, without further ado, I present Janet’s guide to the “chaise lounge” ( she’s American :p ):

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The chaise lounge is an upholstered piece of furniture that looks somewhat like an elongated chair. Dating back several centuries, the chaise lounge has maintained a popular presence in home décor. With an elegant and somewhat whimsicle appearance, the chaise lounge is often used to add romance, whimsy and drama to a room. Simple, classic and elegant, the chaise lounge is available in many different styles to suit your style.

Being such a flexible piece of furniture, the chaise lounge can easily be placed in an office, living room, patio, parlor and even a boudoir. There are various ways to arrange this piece, allowing it to easily fit into any décor.

Here are just a few style options available for a chaise lounge:

• Recamier – Made popular by high society hostesses, the recamier features two backrests, one on each end.
• Meridienne – This type of chaise lounge features a sloping backrest, which slopes from one end to the other. Hailing from the 19^th century, the Meridienne was commonly used for napping.
• Duchesse Brisee or Broken Duchess – This is a chaise lounge which is divided into separate parts. Commonly dividing into a chair and footstool or two chairs with a small footstool.

Choosing a Chaise Lounge

Purchasing a chaise lounge can be a bit difficult, due to it’s awkward size and shape. The cardinal rule of interior decorating is this: Do not cram a bunch of furniture into a small space. Measure the room and ensure the chaise lounge will fit comfortably.

Secondly, it’s important that the piece flows well with rest of the room. Envision the look and feel you wish to desire, and go from there. Carefully decide the design of the chaise lounge and go from there. Choose possible colors, patterns, fabrics and size.

Lastly, give some thought about the arms. Chaise lounges are available with both padded and non-padded arms. Do you want a bulky or smooth appearance? Do you have enough room for padded arms? And of course, what will be more comfortable?

Some Things to Remember

To ensure your chaise lounge will mesh with your home and give off the right vibe, keep the following tips in mind.

• Remember that a chaise is seating for one – it cannot and should not be used in place of a sofa. If you need an area with plenty of seating, you may want to try a larger design.
• Be Flexible. A classic chaise lounge may feel like it jumped right out of a 1940s film, but your home is modern. Get a feel for your room and give your purchase some thought. Chaise lounges have come a long way since the 19^th century, and there are pieces for everyone. Whether you want manly, elegant or minimalist.
• Accessories. A chaise lounge is a complex piece of furniture, so it may not require additional help from throw pillows or trendy blankets. Depending on the design you choose, your chaise may not need anything else – especially if it’s in a warm room – try here for some inspiration.

Derived from the romance period, chaise lounges have long been a popular choice for home décor. Whether you’re looking for an elegant touch, a minimalist apperance or a funky accessory, a chaise lounge fits the bill.