Furniture comes in endless styles and serves a variety of functions in our homes. When looking for a new piece to add visual interest or extra seating, you may come across terms like “chaise,” “divan,” “daybed,” and “settee.” Though they sound similar and overlap in some ways, these furnishings are quite distinct. Understanding the nuances helps ensure you select the right one to meet your needs.
What is a Chaise Lounge?
A chaise lounge is an upholstered couch designed for relaxing and reclining. Its distinct shape features one long seat for a single person to stretch out on and an incline on one end for comfort. Chaise lounges may or may not have a backrest and armrests.
Some key characteristics of chaises longues include:
- Elongated bench-like shape with one end raised
- Upholstered in fabric, leather, or other material
- Can stand alone or be connected to other seating
- Often made of wood, metal, or other rigid frame for support
- Can be customized with wheels for mobility
Chaise lounges are ideal for providing a relaxing spot to read, take a nap, or lounge casually. The incline offers supportive ergonomics for the back, while the elongated seat allows you to fully extend your legs. Chaises can be tailored to specific spaces, like corners, and many can double as spare beds.
What is a Divan?
A divan is also a long upholstered seat but differs by having uniform height from end to end. Divans are closely associated with the Middle East and frequently used for conversational seating there.
Characteristics of divans include:
- Uniform firm bench with no back or arm rests
- Can be freestanding or built into surrounding architecture
- Often covered in leather, velvet, or brocade fabrics
- Generally at floor height, but some have short legs
- Rectangular, square, or angled shapes
Divans provide adaptable, informal seating well-suited to large living spaces. Their low profile encourages lounging and group interactions. The lack of a backrest also facilitates unfettered conversation. Divans work well in family rooms, dens, libraries, and studios.
Defining a Daybed
A daybed is a decorative couch meant for sitting and reclining during the day. It serves as a lightweight sofa substitute in spaces where a permanent bed isn’t needed.
Daybeds have these distinguishing attributes:
- A raised bed-like frame with endboards
- May or may not have pop-up trundle bed inside
- Often includes bolsters, cushions, pillows
- Intended for daytime use, not overnight sleep
- Versatile for sitting up or lying down
- Made of wood, metal, or other structural material
- Upholstered or decorated fabric covering
The adaptable daybed works well in spare bedrooms, dens, sunrooms, or other informal living areas. Trundle options maximize seating and sleeping capacity for guests. The daybed’s delicate profile makes it ideal when a room can’t accommodate a full-size sofa or bed.
What is a Settee?
A settee is a small sofa designed to seat two to three people. Settees can be styled with or without armrests and a backrest.
Attributes of a traditional settee include:
- Snug upholstered bench for two or three
- Available with or without arms and backrest
- Often decorated with tufting, skirts, and cushions
- Made of wood, metal, or other sturdy frame
- Shorter and more compact than a typical couch
- Can have open, enclosed, or partially exposed sides
The practical settee supplies light, space-saving seating perfect for cozy corners. Its compact size also makes it easy to move to different spots as needed. Settees lend an intimate feel to seating areas and provide a unique alternative to loveseats.
Key Differences Summarized
While chaise, divan, daybed, and settee share some qualities, they suit different design schemes and needs:
- Chaises emphasize comfort and leg support for lounging
- Divans enable floor-based group interactions
- Daybeds pull triple duty as sofas, beds, and seating
- Settees maximize seating in tight spaces
When choosing among them, consider your priorities. Chaise lounges promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Divans encourage connection through open, casual seating. Daybeds add flexibility on a budget. Settees maximize seating space creatively.
With their distinct profiles, each fills a particular furnishing niche. Once you determine your needs, you can select the one that best delivers on style, function, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of places to put a chaise lounge?
- Master bedroom sitting areas
- Dressing rooms
- Spa-like bathrooms
- Living rooms
- Dens
- Screened porches
- Pools and patios
What fabrics work well with a divan?
- Leather
- Velvet
- Brocade
- Kilim tapestry
- Cotton or linen for a casual effect
What design styles incorporate daybeds?
- Cottage
- Coastal
- Eclectic
- Traditional
- French Country
- Bohemian
- Shabby Chic
Where can you place a settee in your home?
- Entryways
- Kitchens
- Dressing rooms
- Nurseries
- Small bedrooms
- Home offices
- Dorm rooms
What are chaises, divans, daybeds, and settees typically made of?
- Wood frames like oak, maple, birch
- Metal frames such as iron, steel, brass
- Occasional stone, concrete, or acrylic frames
- Upholstered cushioning using foam, down, polyester
How do you decorate with these furnishings?
- Layer pillows, throws, and bolsters
- Add seating cushions or mattresses
- Use room coordinating patterns and fabrics
- Incorporate carved legs, skirts, or nailheads
- Place in optimal natural lighting
- Float in center of room or place against wall
- Angle chaise sections for conversation
In Conclusion
Chaise lounges, divans, daybeds, and settees each offer unique styling and functionality. Chaises excel at providing ergonomic reclining. Divans facilitate group interactions. Daybeds deliver adaptable seating plus sleeping space. Settees maximize seating in smaller footprints. With their different strengths, these furnishings fill diverse needs. Evaluating your priorities helps reveal which option suits your home decor and lifestyle best. Once chosen, integrating one of these statement pieces opens new realms for relaxing, socializing, and entertaining.
References
- https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/furniture/sofas-couches-and-loveseats/what-is-a-chaise-lounge/
- https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g793/chaise-lounge-chairs/
- https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-divans/
- https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/furniture/sofas-couches-and-loveseats/what-is-a-divan/
- https://www.pbteen.com/blog/what-is-a-daybed/
- https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/design-101-guide-to-daybeds/
- https://www.thrivefurniture.ca/blogs/interior-design/what-is-a-settee
- https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-settees
