Put Up Your Feet

Expert Advice: By Phyllis Van Doren

Put Up Your Feet

Five top designers address the subject of a chaise lounge…

Chaise lounge or chaise longue, the definition is the same: a long chair, a very comfortable long chair, one that can put you to sleep. Somehow, for such an elegant piece of furniture, the French spelling would seem appropriate for the indoor version. When it comes to lounging around the pool on one, the American spelling is an obvious choice.

I THINK THE CHAISE SILHOUETTE is an elegant statement about personal comfort. It says, “This is where I kick back and enjoy luxury living.” It’s quite possibly the most ideal haven. I use the lounge spelling but refer to this simply as a chaise or day bed (armless daybed).

I added The Chat Chaise to my Home Retreat Collection, which incorporates an additional arm toward the foot of the chaise so a second person can sit in on some cozy conversation.

My chaise at home is next to French doors leading to a patio. I love to read here or simply wallow in a quiet moment. It also functions nicely for packing and unpacking a suitcase.

I usually try to specify a chaise for someplace in a client’s home. Ideally it is an element in everyone’s lifestyle. A chaise in the bedroom or secluded corner of the living room says, “Slow down and relax.” A pair of chaise lounges is great for a couple in the media room.

I like to create custom designs with different shapes and sizes. I add an arm or two if it’s for reading, no arms if for napping.

James Patrick Walters, Allied Member Asid

J.P. Walters Design, 619-692-9655

YES, I LOVE CHAISES. I don’t get to use them for clients as often as I might want as they need space. Many rooms, especially bedrooms, do not have that extra space available.

I own two outdoor chaises. I use them as often as I can for reading, napping and sunning. I don’t know how I lived before I had them!

I do use chaises both indoors and out for clients. I like them for bedrooms, sunrooms and terraces. The guidelines I go by in choosing a chaise has to do with scale, the material (whether all fabric, wood frame or metal frame) and the style (traditional or contemporary).

I love the gracious connotation associated with the look of a chaise in almost any room.

Rebecca K. Jessen, Asid

Nettle Creek Interiors, 858-461-4366

I MUST ADMIT, I LOVE A CHAISE! There are so many times I’ve been stuck trying to figure out what to do with a particular space and a chaise has come to the rescue. They seem to be a perennial favorite among furniture designers, so there always are new styles, silhouettes and materials to choose from.

I have two chaise lounges in my home, one in the bedroom and one in the children’s playroom.

I can’t remember the last time I didn’t specify a chaise for at least one room in a client’s home. It is the perfect piece of furniture for your patio or garden.

It can seat one or accommodate more in casual outdoor seating for a party.

A chaise is a great way to break up a large living room or add seating flexibility in a small living room. It’s nice to have soft seating in your workplace so they are terrific in a home office.

Even though they look chic, beware of chaise lounges that are too low to the ground. You won’t use it if you can’t get out of it easily. Also make sure the chaise is as long as you are so you don’t have to get up off it to take a nap.

Margo Peters Porras, Allied Member Asid

Mima Design Studio, 619-757-6573

I PREFER THE NAME CHAISE LOUNGE because most people know it that way. At home, I use my chaise lounge outdoors.

I don’t often choose one for a client but when I do it’s either for a bedroom or one for an outdoor space.

If you’re shopping for a chaise lounge, be sure to consider comfort, style and functionality.

Judy Hallberg, Asid

Expressive Interiors, 619-287-2723

THE CHAISE CAN BE a unique and functional addition to a home. I personally have chaise lounges around my swimming pool and enjoy rea-ing on one during the summer. Whenever a client has a swim-ming pool, I suggest chaise lounges.

Indoors, like fainting couches of the Victorian era, they are visually captivating and can be used as a primary reading place or additional seating. They can add a soft and feminine element. They are usually used in larger spaces, can have an interesting curved back and carved feet or can be more modern and minimal.

For clients, I usually specify chaise lounges in master bedrooms or large guest suites when it is appropriate. The pro-portions to the room are very important and you need walking space around it. I take 36-inch butcher paper off the roll and cut it to the actual size of the chaise as a template and place it in the room to confirm that this piece of furniture is the best solution.

Damian Tuggey, Asid

Tuggey Interior Design, 858-270-2249