The Chaise Longue
chaise longue
noun (plural chaises longues pronunc. )
a sofa with a backrest at only one end.
Origin:
early 19th century: French, literally 'long chair'
The unfamiliar-looking spellinɡ of chaise longue (‘long chair’ in French) has led many people to interpret it as the more English chaise lounge. This is regarded as an error in British English but is a common and accepted variant in US English.
The characteristic blend of chair and day bed originated in Ancient Egypt in the days of the Pharaohs, providing a model for later designs. Ancient Greek art depicts gods and goddesses lounging in this type of chair, and ancient Mexico and Africa have also had their own versions of the chaise.
The French chaise longue appeared in the 16th century with a design that featured four legs and a back rest for reclining on the back rather than the side. These early chaise longues were often made of curved wood, wooden caning or rattan. In England the chaise longue was found in wealthy households, used by women to rest during the day without having to go to their bedrooms.
Here at The Chaise Longue Company we have brought both the design and manufacturing techniques into the 21st century giving our clients an almost infinite choice when they create their one-off pieces of furniture with us.
