| The chaise lounge, that luxurious French chair of yore | | | | much cheaper than either an outdoor or indoor lounger. |
| is all wet, literally. No one back in the late 1700s would | | | | So when someone asks if you own a chaise lounge, |
| have had the slightest clue that in the 21st century we | | | | you can honestly reply in the affirmative! Models run |
| would have taken their beloved furniture and | | | | from around $20 to $50+ for fancier designs that |
| repurposed it for aquatic purposes. The chaise lounge | | | | includes cup holders, flip top headrests, rear-support |
| has indeed undergone some major changes in design. | | | | arm chamber and other bells and whistles. Typically, |
| From its original form came slight variations like the | | | | they inflate manually, though a bike pump works just |
| Duchesse Brisee and the Recamier, but these were | | | | as well for those with a lesser lung capacity (or |
| not earth-shattering to say the least. Then, it became | | | | patience). Also look for non-scratch safety valves and |
| an accepted part of patio furniture as the more broad | | | | a quick deflate feature. |
| definition of a "chaise longue" or long chair, was | | | | When you think about a plastic float that you sit on in |
| embraced. Now, you can enjoy the relaxing form of a | | | | the pool, they're basically one in the same right? Well, |
| chaise lounger in your bedroom, your living room, your | | | | that's not entirely true. The chaise lounge design is |
| backyard and in the swimming pool. | | | | what makes this pool companion better than other |
| As you can imagine, the differences between an | | | | rafts, noodles and floats. For starters, unlike a noodle, |
| indoor, an outdoor and a pool chaise lounge are many. | | | | paddle board and other small floats, the extended |
| Water loungers are more closely akin to the outdoor | | | | length chaise lounge allows you to lie entirely above |
| seating in general in its ability to be waterproof. | | | | the water surface. The result is a more even tan, |
| Beyond that, however, the material varies significantly. | | | | along with keeping the chilly water below at bay. But |
| These floating seats are made from inflatable plastic, | | | | unlike a regular raft, the head and armrests provide |
| usually PVC vinyl that is both durable and will not easily | | | | some very welcome neck and back support. Unlike a |
| rip. Also, there is obviously no need for legs of any kind | | | | chaise lounge, where you are supported in a sitting |
| on a chaise lounge which floats on water. To consider | | | | position, basic rafts require that you lie flat to be |
| it a chaise lounge, then, it needs to still have the very | | | | balanced. This can lead to neck and back discomfort if |
| basic recline and headrest features. A pool chaise | | | | you need to prop yourself up, and it's also harder to |
| lounge also typically comes with connected armrests. | | | | start upright if you do. Plus, by lying flat on your back |
| Some floats are longer like traditional loungers so that | | | | you're forced to look directly into the sun. Lying on |
| you can lie with your legs fully extended. Some of | | | | one's stomach isn't a much more comfortable solution. |
| these also have cutouts for feet, so you can choose | | | | Its appearance in all areas of indoor, outdoor and |
| to submerge your legs at will. Other chaise loungers | | | | recreational furniture shows the true lasting power of |
| are more chair-like and compact, lacking the long base. | | | | the chaise lounge. Though many of today's models are |
| On these floats, your legs will hang and your waist will | | | | a far cry from what French designers once intended, |
| be somewhat submerged as your center of gravity | | | | the chaise is just as popular now as it was then, |
| will be shifted lower. To be certain, while they are not | | | | though it continues to evolve in form and function as |
| interchangeable in the slightest, a pool chaise lounge is | | | | our needs as a culture change. |