Pronounced as Shayz Long, the Chaise Longue is believed to have its roots in the 16th century France. Design experts also believe it was inspired from the hardwood daybeds of the ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome where reclining in public was an acceptable norm. By the late 15th century, French designs were being incorporated into the daybed with focus on accommodating a lounging/relaxing posture. The Carolean period witnessed elaborately carved backs, ornamental crests, caned seats, and paw legs being introduced in the daybeds in the 1600s England. The William & Mary era borrowed heavily from the curvaceous Queen Anne style chairs with the addition of elegant cabriole legs to the daybed, while the French kings introduced upholstery into the beds. Transforming aesthetically with the Regency, Empire, and Grecian styles many centuries later, the daybeds in 1800s came to be known as Meridiennes or Chaise Longue. Whether it’s the Rococo revival or the Voctorian era extravagance, the chaise longues continue to be an integral part of our lives, redefining luxury and comfort with their graceful and genteel silhouettes.
