Difference Between a Chaise and a Sofa

Choosing Between a Sofa and a Chaise

While living room sofas are a popular pick for furnishing comfy seating areas, chaises are another excellent choice. Both are suitable for napping or kicking back after a long day, but each one brings its own fashionable and functional qualities to your space. Knowing the differences between these pieces can help you choose the ideal seating option to suit your lifestyle, layout and decorative theme.

Overview

Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about chaises vs. sofas, including:

What is a Chaise?

A chaise lounge, also known as a chaise sofa, was a popular seating choice in 16th-century France and still exists in many homes. The word chaise translates to “long chair.” Structurally, it’s a couch that is similar in length to a loveseat and lacks a backrest at one end. A chaise allows one person to sit upright or stretch out but can also seat two or three people side-by-side for short periods.

What is a Sofa?

Often the focal point of a living room layout, sofas are the classic seating option we all know and love. Simply put, a couch is a cushioned bench with armrests. Many feature two, three or even four plush cushions and can seat anywhere from two to five people or more. Sofa backrests extend across the entire back of the furniture frame, offering more spacious back support than a typical chaise.

Common Uses for Couches and Chaise Lounges

Typically, these two furnishings serve different purposes within a layout. For example, their wider dimensions, soft upholstery and plush cushions make sofas perfect for settling in and watching TV with friends and family members. A daybed couch or a sleeper sofa can also serve as a comfortable resting spot for those who live in studio apartments or need to accommodate overnight guests.

Chaise lounges, on the other hand, typically complement the sofas and other furniture in a room. You might consider adding an upholstered chaise to your home office, den, formal sitting room, or even at the foot of your bed to establish a cozy break spot, reading nook or lounge area. You can even use outdoor chaises to boost the glamorous, relaxing look of your pool house or patio.

Can You Use a Chaise as a Couch?

Since chaise lounges have smaller frames and often lack a wide enough backrest for multiple people, using them as couches can be difficult. Sofas have the soft cushions and supportive frames you need to stay comfortable during long movie marathons and get-togethers with loved ones. Padded chaises work better as temporary relaxation spots in entryways, foyers, home lounges and halls.

If you like the idea of a chaise lounge and the perks of a couch, consider opting for a sectional with a chaise lounge attachment at one end. Small chaise sectionals and sofas offer the same comfort as a standalone couch while freeing up floor space in small layouts. Meanwhile, larger seven-piece sectionals with chaise lounges provide ample seating in roomy finished basements and family rooms.

Choosing a Chaise Lounge or Sofa to Suit Your Style Preferences

While both these versatile seating options can suit almost any interior design style, one of them might work better for your chosen aesthetic. Generally speaking, couches are a fitting choice for a casual setup like a modern-style media room or home theater. However, you could add a contemporary chaise to these spaces for extra seating that complements the other cutting-edge decor.

Most people associate chaise lounges with elegant layouts like traditional family rooms, vintage-style parlors and formal sitting areas. To create a beautiful blend of classic and modern design elements, consider using a mid-century modern or transitional lounge to accent your sofa set. If your taste leans more glamorous, a stunning navy chaise sectional featuring chrome legs is a fitting choice.

Choosing a Chaise vs. a Sofa

If you’re still on the fence about deciding between chaises vs. sofas, consider details like how many people you need to seat and the dimensions of the room you’re decorating. Chaises can be the perfect compact seating solution for a small space but may be unable to accommodate all your guests and relatives.

On the other hand, larger gathering and entertainment areas may require couches or sectionals. A chaise can make a practical accent to the other furnishings in these spaces. Take these factors into account before making your choice between a sofa or chaise lounge. You might also consider bringing home a couch or sectional with a chaise attachment to enjoy the best of both worlds.