French Country · Encyclopedia · Antique Furniture and Seating
Chaise Lounge
A long reclining chair, from the French chaise longue to mid-century modern loungers.
Sofas, Settees & Daybeds · Indicative US retail $600–$6,000
At a glance
- Family: Sofas, Settees & Daybeds
- Periods most often found: Antique French chaises longues date mostly from 1760 to 1900; modern designs from 1928 onward.
- Typical price: about $1,800; range $600 to $6,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, frame, upholstery
What it is
The chaise longue, literally "long chair," is a seat for reclining. The French 18th century invented the duchesse brisée, a chaise in two or three parts, and the méridienne; the 20th century reinvented the form with Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand's LC4 (1928), Eileen Gray's designs and mid-century loungers in teak and rattan.
How to identify and date it
For modern designs, look for maker labels and serial numbers (Cassina for the LC4 since 1965); many copies exist with lighter steel and poorer stitching. For antique chaises, check the frame joints, carving and upholstery layers; a duchesse brisée should have all its parts.
Periods and styles
Antique French chaises longues date mostly from 1760 to 1900; modern designs from 1928 onward.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most chaise lounge examples ask around $1,800. Simple or worn pieces start near $600, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $6,000. The main value drivers are: maker, frame, upholstery. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Check the frame
- Identify the maker
- Inspect upholstery and cushions
- Measure length
Living with it
A chaise longue suits a bedroom corner or a sunroom, by a window with a throw.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.