Selecting the right type of furniture is an important part of setting the tone for your home. When it comes to putting a living room together, the couch is one of the key elements. It's where you gather, receive guests, and probably spend most of your downtime. If you're looking for a versatile and elegant sitting space for reading or lounging poolside, a chaise longue is a good option for you.
Chaise longue (pronounced "shez long") simply means "long chair" in French. Historically, the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese have all used variations of this chair for comfort and sometimes to represent status (via Summer Classics). Not much has changed. This long chair with a reclined back is still used in modern times, both indoors and outdoors, to bring comfort and style to a space.
The word "couch" also has its roots in French. It comes from the Old French word "couche" meaning "a bed, lair" according to EtymOnline. Couches have evolved to be more comfortable through the years as society began to challenge the religious ideal that comfort was sinful (via BuildDirect). Since then, comfort has been the name of the game.
What's the main difference? A chaise is a flexible, statement piece, while a couch is more a traditional and functional piece. This article explores both options and lays out what you need to know about them.