Chaising comfort: The ‘fainting couch’ come back into style

Fainting couch, lounge chair or chaise – whatever you tag it, this elongated chair is showing up once again in homes and showrooms. The chaise, whose origins stretch back to the daybeds of ancient Egypt and Greece, had fallen out of favor. But new looks are making it more appealing to today’s furniture buyers.

“What is it about the chaise that makes it irresistible? We believe it is the mere thought of having the time to recline with a book or cup of coffee that makes this classic silhouette a must,” says Comer Wear, director of marketing for Century Furniture.

As with all furniture, bargain products start around $250 and prices go to more than $2,000.

The Oliver chaise from Century’s Signature Collection offers the perfect place to plop. “The chaise represents time to be leisurely,” she says.

“We consider our ‘Social Sofa’ a modern take on the chaise,” says Zack Taylor, president of Wesley Hall.

Constructed of a bench-made maple frame and reliable eight-way, hand-tied springs system, the piece is part of Peter Jacob’s collaboration with Wesley Hall.

“The Social Sofa’s sole purpose is to connect us with others,” he says.

With just one arm and a curled back, Baker’s chaise from the Milling Road Collection is reminiscent of the Victorian fainting couch. The sophisticated, feminine Nadine chaise from Bernhardt is cozy and covered in a scarlet velvet, with wraparound wings.

“It offers a comfortable cocooning feel,” says Bernhardt’s director of brand development, Heather Eidenmiller.

At High Point’s fall market, Lee Industries was showing a two-armed model in its Claude Jewel fabric, and Klaussner Furniture had several chaises ranging from the more traditional Flynn to a contemporary armless double-wide swoop of a seat.

C.R. Laine’s transitional track-arm chaise would be appropriate in any setting. So would the Oliver chaise from Century’s Signature Collection.

Hickory Chair has several in its various designer collections, including Alexa Hampton’s Curtis chaise and Suzanne Kasler’s Leigh armless chaise. For a more classic look, there is Cisco Brothers JD garden chaise, with a long arm and rounded, tufted back.

If you are looking for a chaise for confessing your Freudian dreams, Currey and Company’s Parlour lounge is perfect. And Calvin Klein’s Curator is a nod to daybed heritage and offers a sleek spot to stretch out.

To confirm the resurrection of this historic recliner, designer Bunny Williams’ furniture collection, Beeline, will be debuting a chaise in the spring.

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 5:00 PM.