Chaise Longue

Chaise longue or ‘long chair’ has become a classic furniture item and is an upholstered sofa in the shape of a chair that is long enough to support the legs.

Popularly used as a daybed, depictions of them occur in ancient Egypt and Greece as well as in Roman times.

Modern versions include the Duchesse brisee (English: ‘broken Dutchess’) which is a chaise longue divided into two parts – a chair and a footstool. It can also come as two chairs with a stool between them.

The Recamier has two raised ends but is open on both sides. It is associated with the neoclassical style of the French Empire and was named after Madame Recamier, a French society hostess who in 1800 was painted reclining on one. The shape is similar to the traditional ‘lit bateau’ (boat bed) but is designed for the drawing room not the bedroom.

The Meridienne is a style of chaise longue that has a high headrest and a lower footrest. This type was popular in the grand houses of the early 19th century France and the name denotes its use – as a place to rest in the middle of the day when the sun is at its height at the meridian.