7 Stunning Chaise Designs That Redefine Relaxation
- knownforlounges
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
Several homeowners have long prized furniture that invites a slower pace. The chaise, with its generous stretch-out silhouette, has earned a place in living rooms, bedrooms and verandas alike. Below are seven standout chaise designs that balance form, comfort and practicality.
1) The French Classic: Récamier and Méridienne
The chaise took shape in France and splintered into distinct forms such as the Récamier, with two raised ends, and the Méridienne, which pairs a high headrest with a lower footrest. These archetypes still read as refined without feeling fussy, especially when re-upholstered in linen, bouclé or wool blends. Their history is more than trivia; it explains why these pieces feel at home in bedrooms and quiet corners rather than as main lounge seating. The terms and origins are well documented in design histories.
2) The Modernist Icon: LC4 Chaise Longue
If you want a chaise that doubles as a design statement, the LC4 by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret remains a benchmark. The tubular steel frame and adjustable recline offer a surprisingly ergonomic rest, while its leather sling or hide sits lightly within contemporary rooms. Despite being unveiled in 1929, it still appears in current interiors and museum collections, which speaks to the clarity of the idea rather than nostalgia alone.
3) The Double Chaise for Social Spaces
A double chaise lounge creates a broad island for two to sprawl or a family to pile onto during a film. You’ll see versions with twin returns forming a gentle U shape, or a wide bench style seat sized for side-by-side lounging. Brands and retailers define the form differently, but the essence is generous width and a seat that welcomes shared lazing. When planning a room, measure access paths and coffee table reach; a double can easily become the hero piece if circulation is considered from the start.
4) The Outdoor Adjustable Chaise
For courtyards and pool decks, look for adjustable backs, hard-wearing finishes and dimensions that suit a towel and a summer paperback. Typical outdoor chaises are about 198 cm long with low seat heights around 33 cm, so they read sleek rather than bulky on a compact terrace. Pair powder-coated aluminium with quick-dry foam, or opt for teak that will silver gracefully in coastal air. Side tables at similar seat height keep sunscreen and a drink within easy reach.
5) The Curved, Textural Chaise
Curves have been on a run, and with good reason. A softly arced chaise sits comfortably in open-plan spaces, easing traffic flow and softening sharp room geometry. Textural fabrics such as bouclé or chenille add visual depth without loud pattern. The current return to tactility in upholstery points to long-term appeal rather than a quick fad, particularly when neutral tones keep the profile calm.
6) The Sectional with Chaise Return
A sectional with an extended return solves everyday lounging while keeping a clean outline. Decide early whether you need a left-arm or right-arm chaise, guided by entry points, views, and where daylight falls. Getting this call right prevents the classic mistake of a return blocking access. Designers often treat the chaise end like a mini daybed for reading, while the straight run handles guests. Clear naming conventions for left or right returns can help during quoting and delivery.
7) The Slimline Armless Chaise
In apartments or narrow terraces, an armless chaise lounge sofa is a quiet workhorse. The open edge avoids visual clutter and makes the piece feel lighter. Prioritise good seat depth for full-length lounging, supportive foam wrapped in feather or recycled fibre for give, and a durable fabric with a martindale rating suitable for daily use. A small lumbar cushion can address posture without adding bulk.
Room Planning Tips
Flow first. Leave at least 800–900 mm for walkways around the chaise end in open-plan rooms.
Balance the view. Angle a chaise toward the nicest outlook or art wall so it anchors the room.
Layer texture. A wool rug under a curved chaise builds warmth without visual noise.
Think in pairs. Two compact chaises can frame a fireplace more gracefully than one oversized sofa.
Mind the mix. If you already own l shape lounges, a stand-alone chaise can live in a bedroom or study as the quieter companion piece.
Where It All Lands
The best chaise is the one that matches how you rest. If afternoon naps are sacred, go wider and softer. If you like posture support for reading, add a firm roll cushion and keep the back a touch higher. Outdoor lazing calls for adjustable backs and weather-worthy fabrics. And if family movie nights rule the week, a double-width option will save the sofa squabble.
Whether you lean toward a classic French profile or a stripped-back modern frame, the chaise remains a reliable shortcut to comfort. It suits compact units and sprawling homes across lounges in Australia, and slots easily beside bookshelves, under windows or near the pool. If you’re weighing up a sectional with a return or a single sculptural piece, a well-chosen chaise can settle the question with style.
Shop Today:
Looking for more ideas and practical advice for buying and styling chaises and sectionals? Explore buyer guides and design notes at Known For Lounges, the home of custom made lounges in Sydney. You can also browse pieces sized for compact apartment-friendly frames or generous loungers that suit family spaces, and finish with fabrics tailored to daily living.