Modern Chaise Lounge

Is the phrase 'modern chaise lounge' a contradiction in terms? Not at all.

Cleopatra reclined regally on one, the French court spent most of their day on them, Hollywood vamps pouted on them and today, style-conscious homeowners have them in their living rooms, bedrooms and around their patios and pools. They are of course chaise lounges - supremely relaxing items of furniture the dimensions of a day bed but with a raised back for lounging on.

Chaise lounges have a long and illustrious history dating back millennia. So it says a lot for their appeal and value that even today new designs are constantly coming out. And the great thing is that it can be truly said that the modern chaise lounge is every bit as elegant and functional as its predecessors.

The original chaise lounge favored by French aristocracy at the court of Louis XV were often richly brocaded or upholstered and classical rococo in style. Today's items are sleek svelte sometimes minimalist and crafted from stainless steel and covered with suede or leather.

Modern Loungers are often armless and either minimalist or featuring bright solid colors. Some could truly aspire to be works of art, as pleasing on the eye as on the reclining body.

Others seem to defy gravity and almost float in the air with padded headrests for total relaxation. Yet others are crafted from glass fiber and feature removable seat cushions so you change the color and mood of the piece.

But for all the style and embellishment, the concept is the same - a piece of furniture designed for one thing only - relaxation. An adjustable back imbues it with the ultimate versatility making it equally perfect for sleeping or reading.

Often these modern chaise lounge are of a sinuous curving shape like something you'd expect to see on a space ship. They mould perfectly to your body offering the ideal reclining position.

Other popular styles include armless loungers made from leather or suede. For the truly modern home, you could choose a slinky undulating masterpiece of chrome and leather. It would fit in perfectly with the steel and glass furniture and flat screen TV.

But for sheer contemporary chic check out the Corbusier Lounger crafted from white Italian leather and with a steel base. While for the poolside, many connoisseurs consider the creme-de-la-creme to be the aluminum frame all weather resin wicker chaise - a perfect blend of style and functionality.

And as for outdoor chaise lounge, these have always been much simpler in style than the indoor item. At its most basic, the patio chaise lounge is just a reclining deck chair. But they come in modern styles too made of tubular steel or the latest plastics in a dazzling array of styles and colors.

So if you ever thought that the chaise lounger was an old-fashion item that belongs on the movie set of Sunset Boulevard, think again. Today's modern chaise lounge is a masterpiece of beauty and functionally that will grace any home or patio.