If there’s one piece of furniture in our home that gets fought over the most, it’s the chaise! We’ve had ours for over eight years now, and it has easily been one of the most coveted seats in the house. This is what I mean when I get on my soapbox talking about investing in quality foundational furniture pieces that will stand the test of time. I truly believe larger upholstery pieces should be sourced from furniture makers who value materials and craftsmanship. This chaise was a splurge for us when we bought it, but it is still in as great of shape as it was the day we brought it home.
Okay … now that my little schpiel is out there, let’s get down to the dirty details!
The Chaise: Before
Our chaise has seen a lot of life—kids plopping down after school, the dog jumping up to nap in the sun, spills from too many fun movie nights. We originally had it in a leopard velvet print, then re-upholstered in a bouclé fabric (I wanted to give it a new look). We recently recovered it in a neutral linen. Now, it sits in our den, tucked into a cozy little nook by the window, making the perfect reading spot. And, let me tell you—if you don’t have a chaise in your home, you’re missing out.
The Chaise: After
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What is a Chaise and Why is It So Useful?
The beauty of a chaise is that its function is somewhere between a chair and a sofa. It provides all the comfort of a couch, but with a more compact footprint. This makes it a great solution for spaces that need flexible seating. Whether it’s in a living room, a bedroom, or tucked into a quiet corner, a chaise creates an intentional space for rest.
Where to Put a Chaise in Your Home
A chaise can work in many different settings. Some of my favorite spots to incorporate one include:
- The Living Room: If you don’t have space for a full sectional but want a cozy lounge option, a chaise is perfect. You can push it up against a wall, or float it in the middle of the room to define a seating area. I love it for this! Since it’s open in the back, it allows a room to feel more inclusive.
- The Bedroom: A chaise at the end of the bed is the ultimate luxury. It’s perfect for slipping on shoes, setting out clothes, or just unwinding before bedtime.
- A Reading Nook: This is where our chaise lives now—by a window, surrounded by shelves filled with books. If you love quiet moments, this setup is for you.
- The Home Office: Adding a chaise to a workspace makes it feel less like a traditional office and more like a curated, functional retreat. I use ours all the time to work on my laptop — the ultimate luxury in any home office!
Choosing the Right Chaise for Your Space
1. Consider the Size
Chaises come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your space before making a decision. If you’re working with a smaller room, opt for a sleek design with an open end. If you have more room to play with, a chaise with a deep seat and plush cushions will be the coziest option.
2. Pick a Fabric That Works for Your Lifestyle
Since chaises tend to be well-loved (and well-used), choosing a durable fabric is key.
- Linen: Soft, breathable, and timeless. We opted for a neutral linen when we reupholstered ours because it holds up well to everyday wear. And, if linen really scares you, you can always have it stain treated!
- Performance Fabrics: Great for high-traffic homes with kids and pets. These resist stains and are easy to clean.
- Velvet: Adds a touch of luxury but requires a little extra maintenance.
- Bouclé: Cozy and textured, but be warned—it’s not the most spill-friendly choice!
3. Style Matters: Traditional vs. Modern Chaises
The right style will depend on the look and feel of your home. Some favorites are below.
Traditional Chaise
For those who love classic silhouettes, vintage charm, and timeless elegance. These pieces often feature tufting, rolled arms, or fringe details.
- Striped Chaise – A versatile pick with a nod to traditional style, but fresh and updated
- Fringed Chaise – The ultimate statement piece with an old-world, heirloom feel
Modern Chaise
For those who prefer sleek lines, structured shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic.
- Minimalist Chaise – Clean and simple, perfect for a contemporary space
- Bouclé Chaise – Modern with a hint of texture for added warmth
Rustic or Worn-In Chaise
For those who want their home to feel inviting, cozy, and effortlessly lived-in. These options often feature linen slipcovers and plush, deep seats.
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- Slipcovered Linen Chaise – Perfect for a relaxed, lived-in look that gets better with time. Here is one more for good measure — loving this blush option for a cute and quaint reading nook!
- Velvet Tufted Chaise – A touch of rustic meets refined, with a plush, inviting seat. This velvet one in this pretty blue is such a fun option as well
The Difference Between a Chaise and a Daybed
People often use the terms interchangeably, but there are some key differences:
- A chaise is designed for one person to recline comfortably, with a backrest on one end
- A daybed is typically larger and can accommodate more than one person, sometimes doubling as a guest bed
Both serve a similar purpose, but if you’re looking for a purely lounging piece, go for a chaise. If you need something that can function as both seating and sleeping space, a daybed is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
I can confidently say that adding a chaise to our home was one of the best furniture decisions we’ve ever made. It’s the ultimate relaxation spot, the most popular seat in the house, and one of those pieces that just makes a space feel more complete. If you’ve been considering one, I say go for it—you won’t regret it. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some guidance.
Shop some of my other fave options below!
