Development of Chaise Lounges
Chaise lounges, originally known as “chaise longues,” were upholstered couches that were shaped like chairs, but long enough to support a grown person’s legs while reclining. The back of the lounge can be placed on only one end, or it can wrap around on one long side of the couch as well. The term could also refer to any long chair that allows for reclining.
Popular in the 19th century, these couches were mostly used by women; during that period, the corsets used by women placed strain on the woman’s midsection, which restricted blood flow. This would occasionally result in women feeling faint after climbing stairs, so every house would have a chaise lounge (called “fainting couches” specifically for this reason) at the top of every staircase.
Today, they are commonly referred to as “chaise lounges” in the North American furniture industry. Through folk etymology, the pronunciation changed slowly and now both spellings can be found in modern American dictionaries. These couches are extremely popular for their aesthetically pleasing design style as well as their functionality.
Almost all antique shops that carry furniture pride themselves on a collection of French chaise lounges, often accompanied by a history of owners and houses from their past. They are also made in mass production by furniture manufactures and can be bought at most furniture stores. They are commonly made out of hard woods and upholstery, but more recently have been made out of wrought iron or hard woven fibers to make wicker furniture.
This type of furniture is perfect for outside use because it holds up well in most weathers and conditions. Less traditional forms are also becoming popular, for example the zero gravity recliners made out of metal and woven plastic. Most of the new designs for chaise lounges are created for outside use, and marketed for people with pools in their backyards.
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