In the realm of furniture, few pieces evoke a sense of elegance, comfort, and timeless beauty quite like the chaise lounge. With its elongated form and inviting design, the chaise lounge has graced homes, palaces, and gardens for centuries, captivating the hearts of both the aristocracy and the common folk. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of this iconic piece of furniture and the story of how a client came to us to restore his very funky, very quirky couch.
History of the Chaise Lounge
The origins of the chaise lounge can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, renowned for their sophistication and love of relaxation, were among the first to develop a precursor to the modern chaise lounge. Known as “kline,” these elevated daybeds were adorned with lavish materials and intricate carvings, reflecting the opulence of the Egyptian elite. As civilizations flourished and transformed, so did the design of the chaise lounge. The ancient Greeks and Romans, known for their passion for leisure and indulgence, further developed the concept. Further down the line as the 20th century dawned, the chaise lounge continued to evolve. Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements introduced new design elements, incorporating clean lines, geometric shapes, and innovative materials.
Today, the chaise lounge remains a beloved and versatile piece of furniture. It has found its way into living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces, adapting to various styles and preferences. From minimalist leather designs to plush upholstered versions, contemporary chaise lounges continue to captivate with their comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Upholstery Restoration for our client
Restoring a chaise lounge is an art that breathes new life into a piece of furniture, reviving its former glory and preserving its historical significance. Our client came to us with a 150 year-old chaise lounge. This chaise longe was upholstered in funky hot pink velvet. Our client decided to stick with a hot pink velvet however they wanted to up the quality. The Lux Velvet By Zepel Fabrics in colour Carmine was the final fabric choice. Made from 100% cotton, The Lux Velvet range features a martindale rub count of 40,000 – a commercial fabric suited for economical luxury. The upholstery of a chaise lounge often requires significant attention. The old fabric is carefully removed, unveiling the underlying padding and springs. The condition of the support system is evaluated and the pattern making begins. Fabric pieces are cut and the buttons are made.
The Finer Details
Buttoning:
Deep buttoning is a classic upholstery technique used to create a distinctive and elegant buttoned effect on furniture. It involves attaching buttons at regular intervals to a padded surface, creating deep indentations and a visually appealing textured appearance. A total of 90 buttons were made for our client and their chaise. Buttons are made using a button machine. The buttons are attached using a long needle and button twine. Deep buttoning can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your upholstered furniture, creating a timeless and classic look. With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a beautifully buttoned surface that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your piece.
Braid:
The braid used to edge furniture is a decorative element that enhances the overall design and adds a finishing touch to the edges of various furniture pieces. It is a carefully crafted trim that not only provides aesthetic appeal but also serves to protect the edges from wear and tear. Once the appropriate braid material is chosen, it is carefully measured and cut to the desired length. Sticking with the hot pink theme, we landed on the Decorative Gimp – Pink, Gold & Green Braid from Castle Trimmings. Decorative Gimp is an essential trimming for both period and new furniture. Also an ideal trim for cushions, lampshades and blinds. The main colour is rose pink with the scroll in bright gold & lime green. The braid is applied to the edges of the chaise using a hot glue gun. The addition of braid to furniture edges not only adds a touch of elegance and sophistication but also serves a functional purpose. It helps protect the edges from fraying, chipping, or other forms of damage, increasing the longevity of the furniture piece. It is a meticulous process that elevates the furniture’s visual appeal while providing a durable and protective edge treatment.
