Chaises

Chaises are seating furniture designed for a single occupant. The term comes from the French word chaise meaning seat, and in English it is used to describe certain chair forms with historical or stylistic associations. The plural chaises is used when referring to more than one chair.

Common forms include dining chairs, armchairs (fauteuils), and lounge chairs. A distinct form is the chaise longue or chaise lounge, a long, reclining chair designed to support the body as it stretches out the legs. Materials range from wood and metal to upholstered frames using fabric or leather; construction may rely on traditional joinery or modern fasteners, and padding varies in thickness and firmness.

Design considerations for chaises emphasize proportion, comfort, and fit with other furniture. Some chairs are highly ornamental, reflecting stylistic movements such as Baroque or Rococo, while others prioritize ergonomics, stackability, or ease of production.

History and usage: Chaises have ancient precedents as one-person seating, but the French term became prominent in decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries. In European furniture, styles such as the fauteuil (armchair) and bergère (enclosed upholstered chair) contributed to modern concepts of seating. Today chaises appear in homes, offices, and public spaces in a range of materials and forms.