Chaises are literally long chairs that encourage people to recline. A chaise, also known as a chaise lounge, is one of the most comfortable seating options for a business. Offering a chaise chair to a guest demonstrates your hospitality and concern for their comfort. An elegant steamer chaise lounge in teak can demonstrate your style. A well-chosen modern chaise can show you're not afraid to take risks.

When shopping, you may be surprised to find so many style options on your chaises list. By zeroing in on the style you prefer, price range and whether you require an outdoor or an indoor chaise, you can find one to satisfy all your needs.

When looking at chaises information, think about the following points:

1. Consider the comfort factor. Particularly if you order online from a chaises provider, you won't have the opportunity to test out your purchase until it arrives at your door.

2. Look for durability. A chaise in a creamy velvet may sound appealing for your office, but may not be the most practical idea if it's difficult to clean.

3. Think about your portability needs, especially with outdoor chaises.

Action Steps
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Make a design statement with elegant chaises

When you think of a chaise lounge, you might think of a fainting couch from old movies. You can still find chaises featuring ornate details, such as a curved arm toward the left or the right, sumptuous fabrics, fringe and bolster pillows. More updated incarnations of the chaise lounge for interiors, while still traditional, may eliminate the extras and concentrate on comfort and clean lines.

I recommend: The Angelic Recamier Chaise in classic tufted upholstery is well-suited for a psychiatrist's office or a luxury hotel room. The Corbusier Chaise from Everything Furniture offers sleek yet comfortable seating in black leather and chrome for a modern office.

Bring comfort to your guests with outdoor chaises

Chaise loungers placed around a hotel pool or in a small outdoor seating area invite visitors to relax. Look for highly durable chaises in heavy plastic, wood or metal, particularly if they will face the elements. In high wind areas, consider heavier models that won't move around in a storm.

I recommend: The Carmel Chaise from Restoration Hardware is made of rustproof aluminum, has weighted legs and offers five positions for seating. The Montauk Lounge Chair from Home Decorator's Collection is also adjustable and available in whitewash or cherry finishes.

Choose chaises you can move from place to place

Perhaps you prefer chaise lounges with portability options. Some chaises are naturally heavy and designed to be stationary, while others have wheels for easy relocation. A lighter chaise in a heavy-duty plastic can be easy to drag to a different spot so that an area can be cleaned or for storage.

I recommend: The Poly-Wood South Beach Chaise is a lightweight yet sturdy plastic chaise that adjusts in five positions and comes in fun colors. Chairs 1000 is a chaises provider offering a unique Recycled Plastic Lounge Chaise with optional wheels and a variety of color options. The lightweight Folding Chaise Lounge from Outdoor Garden Furniture folds up completely so you can take it anywhere or easily store it during the off-season.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Factor in the cost of cushions for chaises if the seats will be uncomfortable without them.