How To Choose The Right Lounge Chair For Support, Comfort, & Relaxation

Merriam-Webster defines a lounge chair as: ​​”A long chair with a back that can be moved so that the user can sit up or lie down.” But what is the real definition of a lounge chair to the homeowner and designer? I think we can safely translate the meaning of a lounge chair to: a piece of furniture that is not only beautiful, but functional and decorative as well. A statement piece that promotes retreat, rest, and relaxation in the home.

Like many other home furnishings, the scope of style, size, and design of contemporary lounge chairs, as well as design classics, are diverse to say the least. Choices range from ultra modern, to ergonomically shaped and technologically advanced, to Japanese, and Mid-Century designs and everything in between. Well designed lounge chairs exhibit a firm grasp of function with an emphasis on comfort, high performance, and beauty.

Space & Shape

• Small space: best to keep the lounge chair to a compact size to allow for movement in a small space. Lighter colored upholstery can provide the illusion of more space
• Larger space: feel free to go for a lounge chair with drama and presence. Richer, darker colors are acceptable.
• Shape: First consider your desired function. High backed chairs offer a modicum of privacy in a larger room, while at the same time providing support for the head and neck. A horizontally shaped lounger offers a more restful type of design.
• Pieces with artistic flair, or rich details and opulent coverings can act as center pieces with proper placement.

Choosing Upholstery

• Choose matching tones to existing hues in the room already.
• Remember, all fabric upholstery in line of any direct sunlight can cause the material to fade and age.

Chaise Lounge

The chaise lounge is a combination between a daybed and a lounge chair with asymmetrical design and subtle lines. Popular for centuries since it originated during the 17th century Rococo period of Louis XV. During the modern era, when homes began to feature more open floor plans, thus the inclusion of additional furnishings, the chaise lounge hit its heyday and continues to be a highly sought-after piece in home design.

Function

What will your chaise lounge be used for?

• Relaxation- look for back and neck support as well as armrests.
• Multi-purpose- consider one with varying reclining positions and generous upholstery.
• Back support- look for a middle-of-the-road style, not too soft, not too firm (prevents any body issues from getting aggravated). Too soft is unstable, meaning your muscles continue to contract to keep you upright. Too firm irritates nerves and muscles. A recliner with a footrest is optimal.

Placement

Where will your lounge chair be placed?

• Chaise lounges- usually in family rooms or bedrooms. Durable material such as microfiber, canvas, or leather is perfect for these placements.
• Outdoors lounge- choose hardwood, wicker, or metal with weather-resistant fabric pillows.

Style

• Contemporary décor- lounge chair with a chrome base, no arms, and a lower seat height. Sleek finishes paired with plush tufted velvet upholstery.
• Country, American, or Victorian décor- chaise lounges with tufted or full upholstery, wooden frame, arms, and a higher seat level. Fine details all around. 

Usage

• Extra seating- pick a lounge chair that is large enough to hold two or more people comfortably.
• Personal in a bedroom- chose a shape and size ideal for one person to read or relax. 

INDOOR

Classic Wingback

A classic wingback is a very popular style that fits any home if chosen with the right color and shape to match your decor style. Wingbacks have a high back for added neck support, and a slightly sloping back to support the curve of your spine

Eames Lounger

A famous and all -time favorite is the Herman Miller/Eames lounge chair and ottoman, a permanent  fixture in the design world as well as being widely supported by chiropractors. Designed in 1956 with modern upgrades offering larger dimensions and a wider array of covers, shells, and bases, the Eames Lounger is a modern furniture classic. It comes with:

• Leg support
• Head support
• Seat cushion
• Amply proportioned
• Made from high-quality materials
• More modern than conventional armchair 

Egg Chair

A strong, sculptural silhouette is the stand-out feature of the Egg Lounge Chair, which comes in a variety of fabric, leather, and upholstery, plus versions for indoor or out! Developed by architect Arne Jacobsen in 1958. Its shape offers privacy and comfort for reading and relaxing, as well as a striking touch of personality.

Glider

The best reclining rocker style of lounge chair, the Glider is perfect for parents with newborns, seniors with mobility issues, and anyone who likes a little subtle movement for their relaxation purposes.

Karuselli

The Karuselli lounge chair is a contemporary design classic. Developed in 1964 by Yrjö Kukkapuro, the Karuselli offers a beautiful, snug seat, plus an impeccably artful addition to the home.

Lazy Boy

The King of all lounge chairs, the classic ‘lazyboy’, probably THE most popular lounge chair of all time (in America at least!). While it does seem like a super soft version of a lounge chair, chiropractors insist that it meets all the criteria of a good support chair: head and feet are supported and you can move into a flat supine position if desired.

LC4 Chaise Lounge

The LC4, also known as the “relaxing machine”, is one of the simple, tubular designs created in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. This lounge chair is the perfect balance of form, function, geometry, and art history.

Womb Chair

For the ultimate in curved lumbar support, the Womb chair is named for how comfortable and secure you feel in it. It’s one chair you can trust to be well-made, supportive, and comfy enough to sit in long-term.

​​OUTDOOR

Chaise Lounge Outdoor Use

For unrivaled comfort and relaxation outdoors there are few styles that can match the casual elegance of a chaise lounge chair made specifically for outdoor life. Featuring full-body support and an angled back, the shape of an outdoor chaise lounge is ideal for relaxing or dozing. A chaise lounge:

• Sits closer to the ground than a bench, outdoor deep seating sofa, or a standard rocking chair.
• Getting in and out of a chaise lounge is easier if you can squat lower to the ground.
• Yacht Club chaise with arms (stackable) has contoured comfort with cushions so you can comfortably relax.
• A side table is the perfect accompaniment for an outdoor set-up. 

Size of Space

• Chaise lounges cover a good amount of square footage.
• Smaller decks or patios may not be the right fit for a chaise lounge set.
• Length is the most important measurement when planning your outdoor area as you’ll need plenty of space to accommodate a chaise lounge.
• Don’t forget to include the width measurement of the spacious armrests.
• When arranging a set of chaise lounges in any outdoor space leave around two to three feet between each chaise for easy access.
• Account for additional space behind and in front of each chaise lounge so you can navigate around without any obstructions.

Material

What to look for when considering the materials of your outdoor lounge chairs:

• Material comfort
• Ability to withstand the elements
• Value and longevity
• Appearance of the material
• Maintenance required

Softwoods

Softwoods are in abundant supply and are inexpensive to manufacture. Because of this, they’re not the most ideal for long-term outdoor furniture.

• Softwoods are moderately comfortable.
• Softwoods may deteriorate over time.
• Softwoods change appearance with age.
• Softwood placed outdoors must be varnished regularly to maintain looks.

Hardwoods

• Hardwoods are fairly comfortable.
• Hardwoods will not dent or scratch easily.
• Hardwoods  are longer lasting.
• Hardwoods have a polished appearance.
• Hardwood must be stained and varnished to maintain quality.

Wicker

Wicker is a traditional material but take these longevity issues into account.

• Wicker can be damaged when exposed to the elements over time.
• Wicker has a distinctly rustic look.
• Wicker is a bit difficult to clean.

Teak

Teak is the most durable wood option for outdoor furniture.

• Teak is a comfortable material option.
• Teak is resilient and can remain outside, as it produces its own oil.
• Teak can last several years if properly maintained.

Polywood (HDPE)

Polywood, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is an extremely durable plastic used to construct weather-resistant, high-quality furniture. Some polywood these days is made from plastic containing recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles.

• Resistant to wind, water, and rust. You can leave it outside all year.
• Plywood is manufactured to last for decades.
• Available in a wide variety of colors.
• HDPE lumber is simple to clean.

Style

• Stackable Yacht Club Chaise with Arms– This quintessential outdoor chaise lounge offers adjustable positioning, folds flat for easy stacking, and is available in a variety of fade-resistant colors.
• Yacht Club Wheeled Chaise– The two convenient wheels on the back legs make for easy relocation. This version is ideal for families who need to stow away or reposition outdoor furniture as the seasons come and go.
• Adirondack- Folds flat for easy transportation and storage. Contoured shape to provide comfortable seating.

• Gemma Sun Lounger- a trendy design in a modern silhouette, offering the perfect amount of support. Covered with durable acrylic canvas fabric that is treated to resist stains, mold, mildew, and harsh UV rays while still providing a soft and smooth finish.

Summary

Indoors or out, the lounger is a chair and a bed all in one. Made in styles to make everyone happy, comfortable, feel supported, and nurtured, while coming in styles and designs to suit any manner of decor. As always, choose a look and feel that brings you joy and consider shopping second hand first to keep our economy going circular and our environment safe.

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