Chaise longue: how to choose it, types and characteristics

The chaise longue – also known in Italy as “Agrippina” – is a chair-armchair for perfect relaxation. It is no coincidence that it is a session that was already used by Greek philosophers during their lessons. Unlike chairs - where you can sit - and beds - made for lying down -, the chaise longue (long chair, in French) performs two different functions at the same time: that of being able to sit or lie down with a single piece of furniture. Throughout history, chaise longues have taken on different shapes and styles: from the supine cathedra of the masters of Greek and Roman antiquity to the famous à réclage continu chaise longue by Le Corbusier who designed it for the interiors of Villa Church near Ville d'Avray, in metal tubing, and presented at the Salon d'Automne des Artistes Décorate.

The main chaise longue models

Chaise longues are of different types, shapes and materials. While maintaining the logic of a reclining armchair with backrest, the variations and models over time have given free rein to designers from all over the world, making this piece of furniture very flexible and versatile, which can be combined in both classic and modern contexts, in offices such as in homes, in professional offices as well as in some open spaces. Here are some examples of style applied to chaise longues:

• Modern chaise longue: recognizable for its essential lines with chromed or non-chromed metal structures, mainly in leather in white or black.
• Designer chaise longue: there are many models, all very refined, sophisticated and expensive required to amaze guests like the "Charlotte" by Cristophe de la Fontaine.
• Vintage chaise longue: it is the classic one we are mostly used to, a chaise longue inspired by the aristocratic courts of the eighteenth century with elegant and embroidered wooden legs and coverings in precious fabrics or leather
• Chaise longue sofa: more and more often sofas "integrate" their seat with a chaise longue with an adjustable reclining backrest, very comfortable and padded. It adapts to any type of living room.
• Outdoor chaise longue: not only for interiors, chaise longues are increasingly used to furnish outdoor spaces such as verandas and gardens with refinement and taste, ideal for relaxing and relaxing. The materials that predominate for the exterior are rattan, fir wood, banana and the ever-practical PVC.

How to choose a chaise longue

When you decide to furnish your home by adding or choosing a chaise longue as a seat in the living room or hobby room, you must always keep the dimensions in mind. The measurements of most models on the market are 150 cm in length, between 60 and 75 cm in width and between 70 and 85 cm in height. Another element to consider when choosing a chaise longue is the material. Regardless of the use of the armchair, it is good to make sure that the materials with which it is made guarantee resistance, robustness and longevity. The chaise longues produced today are mainly made of synthetic materials such as polyester or natural materials such as cotton and leather. There are also mixed solutions in which the armchairs are made for some parts in fabric and in polyester. The choice of material also implies ease of cleaning, just as the model with removable padded parts is easier to manage, allowing the covers to be washed in the washing machine. Regarding padding, the most common material is foam rubber which does not deform and always provides adequate support. The padding is important because it affects the comfort of the seat and its ergonomics. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the thickness and the presence of a layer of soft languine to give the right softness to the seat.

As regards the support structure, the traditional chaise longue is made of wood, but there are many models made of aluminium, steel and even wrought iron for exteriors. Of all the materials for the structure of chaise longues, stainless steel is the most efficient, resistant and also adapts to various styles.

Finally, when choosing a good chaise longue, it is necessary to consider versatility or the possibility of adjusting the inclination of the backrest or footrest, as well as the presence or absence of armrests which improves the degree of comfort and the relaxation experience. However, a lot also depends on personal taste, on the type of furniture in which it will be placed, on the main function and also on the budget since there are armchairs with low prices up to luxury models, particularly prestigious and refined in their models and materials.

Another element to consider when choosing a chaise longue is the material. Regardless of the use of the armchair, it is good to make sure that the materials with which it is made guarantee resistance, robustness and longevity. The chaise longues produced today are mainly made of synthetic materials such as polyester or natural materials such as cotton and leather. There are also mixed solutions in which the armchairs are made for some parts in fabric and in polyester. The choice of material also implies ease of cleaning, just as the model with removable padded parts is easier to manage, allowing the covers to be washed in the washing machine. Regarding padding, the most common material is foam rubber which does not deform and always provides adequate support. The padding is important because it affects the comfort of the seat and its ergonomics. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the thickness and the presence of a layer of soft languine to give the right softness to the seat.

As regards the support structure, the traditional chaise longue is made of wood, but there are many models made of aluminium, steel and even wrought iron for exteriors. Of all the materials for the structure of chaise longues, stainless steel is the most efficient, resistant and also adapts to various styles.

Finally, when choosing a good chaise longue, it is necessary to consider versatility or the possibility of adjusting the inclination of the backrest or footrest, as well as the presence or absence of armrests which improves the degree of comfort and the relaxation experience. However, a lot also depends on personal taste, on the type of furniture in which it will be placed, on the main function and also on the budget since there are armchairs with low prices up to luxury models, particularly prestigious and refined in their models and materials.