Chaise longues were designed for society’s upper crust.
While they were popularised in 16th century France, the furniture item actually dates back to around 3000 BC. Archaeologists discovered the long chair style in ancient Egyptian tombs. While modern-day iterations may not feature opulent ivory detailing and have shed their purpose as a horizontal way to enjoy meals, they are still a hugely desirable addition to your living or bedroom.
The chairs’ luxurious connotations are bolstered by their reclining silhouette, long base and low design. Due to their expensive construction and rarity, chaise longues became a symbol of social status during the Rococo period, a time marked by opulent decor and ornamentation.
Alongside their exclusive reputation, chaise longues are closely associated with psychology. You’d be hard-pressed not to witness an on-screen therapy scene where the client isn’t woefully reclined on a chaise longue.
In fact, it was the godfather of philosophy himself, Sigmund Freud, who introduced the use of chaise longues into the practice of psychoanalysis. It was believed that this would encourage the client to speak more freely, as the psychotherapist would sit out of direct view of the chaise longue. Freud's own chaise longue can be seen in the Freud Museum in London, if you fancy a cultural day out.
There are three main types of chaise longue, which have traditionally been used to enhance the interior of a shared living room or positioned as a boudoir chair in the bedroom. They include:
- Duchesse brisée: The 'broken duchess' describes a chaise longue that is divided into two parts; the chair and a long footstool.
- Récamier: A récamier showcases two raised ends and nothing lining the long sides. It is often linked with the French neoclassical style and is named after society hostess Madame Récamier - who posed on a récamier for a portrait painted in 1800 by revered artist Jacques-Louis David.
- Méridienne: A méridienne features a high headrest, and a lower footrest, joined by a sloping piece. Méridiennes are used as asymmetrical day-beds and were particularly popular in the grand houses of 19th-century France.
A chaise lounge operates much in the same way as an accent or armchair; to bring a luxury feel to your boudoir. If you have the space, you can create a cosy reading nook or it can act as simply a surface to temporarily store your clothing rejects before they head back into the wardrobe or into your washing basket.
Contemporary chaise longues can be modular in design to connect to a larger sofa, offer additional storage capabilities or stand alone to bring elegance to your room’s interiors. There are asymmetrical designs for those who prefer a sideways recline as well as symmetrical constructions with both a head and footrest for sprawling on your back or front. A selection of valuable antique options is also available to buy via 1stDibs and Vinterior for eagle-eyed interior fiends. However, household favourites Dunelm, Loaf and Heals stock contemporary options to elevate your home minus the bank-busting price tags.
Discover the best chaise longues up for grabs and shop the edit below. Sit back, relax and bathe in an air of nonchalance and pensive thought while you sit all day long on the chaise longue.
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Dunelm Wisteria Velvet Chaise Longue
Adorn Dunelm’s Wisteria chaise longue with cushions galore and curate a dreamy reading corner. A fabulous addition to larger spaces in need of a zhuzh, the elegant piece is a mid-range pick to impress.
Buy now £299.00, Dunelm
Homebase Gigi Velvet Chaise Longue
Position Homebase’s Gigi chaise longue at the end of your bed for a highly stylish finish to your personal space. Perfect for reading, journaling and dramatic draping, the navy velvet piece is set to spark interior envy.
Buy now £156.00, Homebase
Penelope Green Chaise Longue
Inject your home with a bolt of luxury. The Penelope green chaise longue, available to purchase on pre-loved marketplace 1stDibs, is an undeniably chic choice. Admire the curved silhouette of the chartreuse item, which is complemented by a beechwood structure, traditional button tufting and slanted legs.
Buy now £5538.15, 1stDibs
Fairmont Park Loretta Upholstered Chaise Longue
Personalise your home and choose the colour and texture of your dream chaise long. This failsafe rendition by Fairmont Park can be designed in a myriad of tempting tones, from sea green to lilac and more. Recline on the linen exterior and watch the day roll by.
Buy now £499.99, Wayfair
Cleopatra Daybed Chaise Longue
Modernise your pad with a stunning Cleopatra daybed in a soft shade of lilac. The piece features a curved shape with a gentle purple velour finish and buttoned upholstered fabric. Meet your home’s unique new focal point.
Buy now £2468.77, 1stDibs
Artemis Home Lissone Velvet Chaise Longue
Keep it real with a splash of teal. The hue will complement any home interior, especially in chaise longue form. Artemis Home’s Lissone chaise longue boasts a velveteen finish, plush foam and webbed seating and an ergonomic shell back.
Buy now £245.99, Robert Dyas
Vintage Regency Tufted Velvet Chaise Lounge
Hailing from the late 20th century, this vintage regency chaise longue is a sight to behold. A radiant chartreuse colourway creates a vibrant statement, while bolstered sides offer comfort of the highest degree.
Buy now £2392.03, 1stDibs
Loaf Chin Chin Armchair Chaise
Offering a modern take on the stylish sear, Loaf’s Chin Chin chaise longue is a cushioned perch to rest upon. Solid oak wood legs prop up the sumptuous, padded piece, which makes for a highly romantic corner piece.
Buy now £1935.00, Loaf
B&Q Velvet Chaise Longue
Velvet is a go-to for chaise longue upholstery for good reason. As this forest green rendition demonstrates, velvet pieces infuse the space with contemporary charm, while the timeless appeal of the chaise longue exudes Rococo decadence.
Buy now £149.99, B&Q
Darlings of Chelsea Sloane Chaise
Snuggle down in the cushioned folds of the Sloane Chaise by Darlings of Chelsea. A generously sized piece that doubles up as a sofa for smaller spaces, the dark teal velvet seat is a refined yet comfort-forward investment.
Buy now £1750.00, Darlings of Chelsea
