What Is a Chaise?
The word "chaise" is the shortened form of the full term, "chaise lounge," which really should be spelled chaise "longue," the French form, from which the Americanized version comes. Both spellings are in the dictionary and mean the same thing. A chaise is defined as a couch-like chair with a back support and a seat long enough to support outstretched legs. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Bedroom chaises
-
The chaise is most frequently found in bedrooms, where the lady of the house can relax away from the hustle and bustle of family life. A well-placed lamp next to rhe chaise provides a wonderful spot to read the latest novel. If the chaise looks a little more masculine, the man of the family might also enjoy using the chaise to read in peace and quiet.
Living room chaises
-
Occasionally chaises appear in a living room. They are great for TV watching as well as reading or relaxing. Typically the fabric is more rugged and durable than bedroom chaises. Some sofas have built-in chaise sections.
-
Outdoor chaises
-
Another very common form of chaises appears outside, on the deck or patio, or at poolside. These are usually made of wicker, wood, plastic, or canvas, and are often adjustable. They are great for sunning or when tucked under some shade allow for a nice afternoon siesta.
Shapes of chaises
-
Contemporary chaises typically do not have arms. The really comfortable chaises are molded into a curvy silhouette (see picture), which keeps the body from sliding.
Relatives of chaises
-
A relative of the chaise is the Victorian "fainting couch," which may or may not have a back or a half back, and usually one rolled arm, which is used to support a person's back. It was named such because Victorian ladies whose corsets were too tight would fall faint on them! Another relative is the recliner. When it is stretched out, it resembles a chaise and functions as one also.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Brandon Baunach
