Derived from the French term for "long chair," chaise lounges are the ultimate leisure instrument. They conjure ideas of faraway seaside resorts, relaxing vacations, and five-star bliss.
However, the chaise lounge chair wasn't always part of the patio scene. It became popular as indoor furniture during the Victorian era. Today, it is a common fixture on poolside patios and seaside decks.
Its most noticeable feature is its angled back design and long seat that invites you to stretch out. You can even adjust the incline and lay flat on it or customize it to your comfort.
Thanks to its elegant French charm, a chaise lounge chair can instantly luxe up the look of your seaside resort or beachside property.
Give your guests the royal treatment they deserve with the help of our detailed chaise lounge guide that tells you everything you need to know about this unique chair
Tips for Buying the Perfect Chaise Lounge Chair
Follow these steps before investing in a chaise lounge for your hotel or property.
Step 1: Examine Your Outdoor Space
Survey your outdoor space and see if your layout is suitable for a chaise lounge. Outdoor chaise lounges aren't shaped like ordinary furniture.
They are:
- Angled
- Longer than usual furniture
- Can be adjusted to lie flat
They're likely to consume more patio real estate than their counterparts.
They won't fit comfortably into small balconies or compact patios, so ensure your property has sufficient space to accommodate a lounger or two.
Besides fitting the lounger in your outdoor area, you'll need to consider whether there's enough room for your visitors to move around it. Hotel patios and poolside areas get a lot of foot traffic during certain seasons. Ensure there are at least 36-inch pathways around your chaise lounge chair so your guests do not have to stumble around the crowded furniture.
You'll also want to factor in the theme or style of your outdoor area. Chaise lounges range from modern to traditional, so choose a style that complements your patio design. If your property has a modern, minimalist atmosphere, choose a set with a sleek design, such as this one. If it exudes a more rustic vibe, this 3-piece wicker set will make your guests feel right at home.
Step 2: Choose the Right Material
Not all chaise lounge chairs are the same — some brave the weather better than others, owing to the material used in their construction.
When choosing outdoor furniture for your property, you want to ensure it lasts and is unfazed by adverse weather. Always choose weather and outdoor-resistant materials for your chaise lounge.
If your property is in a wet or humid region, the following materials are most suited:
- Synthetic wicker: made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for robust weather protection
- Aluminum: Anti-corrosive and naturally reflective
- Teak: Naturally repels water and is resistant to warping, decay, and UV damage
Chaise lounge chairs made from synthetic wicker are designed for outdoor use. They're resistant to peeling, fraying, fading, and warping. Teak has similar qualities thanks to its high concentration of natural oils. Besides, its natural grain assumes a silvery patina finish under prolonged sunlight, making it look as elegant as ever.
Aluminum is a lightweight material that stands strong in extreme weather. Most chaise lounge chairs with aluminum frames have a powder-coated covering that shields them from UV damage.
Besides the outer material, you should consider the role of upholstery and cushions in your outdoor furniture. Harsh sun and moisture can quickly ruin your upholstery, leaving it looking drab and worn: not something your guests will look forward to using.
Instead, opt for high-quality materials like Sunbrella, which are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. This vibrant fabric doesn't shy away from the sun and resists fading and decay. It is also known to dry quickly and repel moisture. These factors keep it looking fresh for your guests and make it the ideal year-round fabric for your chaise lounge.
Step 3: Consider Design & Color Options
The right aesthetics can transform your outdoor lounge area into a destination where your guests want to stay for hours. Choose the theme for your resort patio and select matching chaise lounge chairs.
If you want your hotel patio to emanate romance and luxury, get a California-style chaise lounge that embodies this philosophy. This Sunset West La Jolla Chaise Lounge set, which includes an end table, perfectly fits this style. Match it with an overstuffed outdoor sofa and add elegant textures like a rug or a blanket for an opulent feel.
Alternatively, you can create a more minimalist rustic motif for your patio. This Aruba II Sling stacking chaise chair has a beautifully contoured design with a regal sling fabric that would look great in your minimalist retreat.
Color is another important factor to consider. Chaise lounge chairs come in numerous colors, allowing you to play with contrasts and styles. Oceanfront patios will shine in cool-toned colors like teal, turquoise, or lime.
Alternatively, you can add contrast using neutral tones. Silver, warm gray, tan, and even warm white can add an air of understated grandeur to your beachside resort patio. For a bolder look, choose colors like tangerine, scarlet, or even an artsy, striped print to keep things interesting.
Consider adding cushions to your outdoor furniture to make them more inviting and welcoming for your guests.
Step 4: Think About Maintenance
Spills and stains are unavoidable in hotel outdoor spaces. Instead of dedicating valuable staff hours to maintain your loungers each week, pick outdoor chaise lounges that require less care.
Wicker, teak, and aluminum require less maintenance than other materials. A quick wipe down with soap and water now and then keeps them looking brand new.
You also don't want upholstery that needs to undergo abrasive cleaning, as this can cause it to lose vibrancy. Upholstery like Sunbrella is resistant to mildew and mold, making it easy for your hotel guests to keep the outdoor space fresh and bright.
Despite the resilience of outdoor furniture materials, you should still cover your chaise lounge chairs when not in use. Most modern chaise lounge sets are stackable and collapsible, making them convenient to store. Choose these to avoid prolonged sun and salt air damage, especially if your property is by the beach.
How Do You Measure a Chaise Lounge Chair?
Measuring your chaise lounge can help you organize your outdoor layout more effectively. You'll also need to measure your chaise lounge chair if you plan to add cushions or covers. Here's how to measure a chaise lounge.
- Width: To measure the width of your chaise lounge, first measure inside the frame and then between the arms. Always measure left to right.
- Height: Divide your lounger's frame into two sections. Measure the height of the first section, which includes the back or reclining portion. Then, measure the height of the bottom part beyond the connector.
- Depth: To determine the depth, measure from the base of the front leg to the deepest point of the back leg or wheel. Then, measure from the ground to your chaise's highest point (upright).
Additional Measuring Tips
- Include a 1" allowance for both the depth and width measurements of your chaise lounge.
- When ordering loungers in custom sizes, round up or down to the nearest ½ inch.
- Use a solid carpenter's tape instead of a flexible one for accurate measurements.
- Always measure new chaises for custom cushion requirements. Cushion materials stretch over time, so measuring them based on your present chaise can backfire.
How Long is a Chaise Lounge Chair?
Understanding standard chaise lounge sizes can help you arrange your outdoor layout better.
Chaise lounge dimensions are often similar to those of a loveseat, although chaises are typically closer to the ground. The seat height of a chaise lounge is normally 11–12 inches, and overall, its height is around 35–40 inches.
A chaise lounge's length ranges from 73 to 80 inches from top to bottom, and the seat alone measures between 42 and 48 inches.
Chaise lounge chairs are usually designed to accommodate a single person, although some modern designs include twin seats. The standard width of a single chaise lounge chair is 25–30 inches.
Replacement Cushions for Outdoor Furniture
Replacement cushions are lifesavers for outdoor furniture. This is especially true in commercial poolside or hotel patios, where a regular stream of guests and visitors throughout the day can leave your cushions appearing worn out.
Even the most premium cushions can seem weathered after prolonged sun and outdoor exposure. Cleaning them regularly will ruin their vibrancy. Having a replacement cushion for outdoor furniture means having custom-styled cushions of the same chaise lounge size but in various colors and shapes! When they get dirty, you can replace them with a fresh set.
Tips for Buying Replacement Cushions
Measure your existing cushions precisely to find the perfectly sized replacement for your outdoor furniture. Ensure you measure the cushion or inside foam, not just the covers. This is because fabrics stretch out with regular use, resulting in incorrect measurements.
The best part is that you can have a set of cushions in different colors from the same palette.
For example, if your existing cushions are a sky blue color, your replacement cushions can be of a similar hue or tone, such as:
- Turquoise
- Powder blue
- Baby blue
- Ocean blue
This allows you to retain the style of your hotel's patio while giving it an aesthetic lift.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Chaise Lounge Chair for Your Property
Chaise lounges make great patio companions, but following the above steps when choosing them makes all the difference. Assessing your outdoor space and selecting the right materials, designs, and color options play crucial roles in creating a luxurious atmosphere for your guests.
With our detailed chaise lounge guide, you can confidently choose chaise lounge chairs that complement your property's decor while surviving the rigors of outdoor use.
Whether you're furnishing a coastal resort, beachfront property, or a hotel patio, investing in high-quality chaise lounges and replacement cushions will keep your outdoor space inviting and enjoyable for years to come.
Source your chaise lounge chairs from a trusted retailer like Modern Patio Design. We're a reputed online retailer offering a wide range of commercial-grade outdoor furniture. Visit our website to locate a piece you love, or contact us for personalized assistance.