The chaise lounge, whether indoor or outdoor, makes an elegant way to relax after a long day. Many a luxurious summer evening has been spent by weary homeowners stretched out in front of the pool on these monuments to creature comfort, perhaps with a cool drink or a good book in hand. They are good for cooler months as well.

Something like a blend of an ottoman and a recliner, the chaise lounge has a long seat and an adjustable back. The back part of the seat can be laid flat or angled upward at a range of degrees. They may or may not have arms, and double lounges are available when seating more than one.

Buying a pool lounge chair shouldn’t have to be any more stressful than using one. Chaise lounges are available in a vast plethora of styles, colors and materials, so it should be a matter of relative ease to find one suited to one’s particular tastes and lifestyle. A number of different factors should be considered when selecting the right lounge for your patio.

Material

Material is an especially important consideration when buying a chaise lounge. Which material you choose will have important implications for the look and aesthetic integrity of your seating area as well as for the performance and properties of the chair.

The frame of the chaise may be:

• aluminum
• wicker
• steel
• teak
• wrought iron
• wood
• plastic
• resin

The seats themselves may be made of:

• cushion
• metal
• wicker
• sling
• wood
• teak
• plastic
• resin

Different materials are appropriate for different functions. Aluminum is, for example, durable but lighter than steel or wood. But steel and wood are appropriate for a sturdier chair, especially if wind is an issue where you live.

All of these materials have distinctive looks, as well. The materials in the chair should at least be compatible with the materials and look of your patio. For instance, a wood chaise might look fetching if you also have a wood table in the vicinity, and a maroon seat cushion might gently offset a generally dark-hued patio. But if you have bright colors elsewhere in the area, you might want to stick to more subdued colors for your seat.

Arrangement

Chaise lounges can be arranged together with other pieces, as we have alluded to. Placing an end table between two chaise chairs provides a convenient place to lay a drink, book or cell phone, and a chaise lounge can be placed adjacent to a lounge set when seating large parties. Pushing a series of lounges together gives guests a convenient place to chat and soak in sun.

A patio umbrella with its accompanying stand or base are also a good way to add shade and style to the seating area. They also provide a convenient way for guests to escape the sun for a while if need be. Cantilever umbrellas work especially well with chaise lounges, because the base can be planted behind the chairs and out of sight even as the voluminous umbrella affords a lounger needed shade.

One of the most striking characteristics of the chaise lounge is its versatility. These chairs can be configured with other furniture items in almost limitless arrangements, and often look quite handsome doing it. Which arrangements work for you is a matter of your needs and preferences.

Storing a lounge

Inclement weather and periods of disuse may make storing a chaise lounge necessary at some point. Properly storing and protecting the chairs will lengthen their lifespan and preserve their appearance. Some chaise lounges are designed specifically to be foldable and stackable for easy storage.

If these don’t suit your needs, for whatever reason, and if storage space is at a premium where you live, you might consider patio furniture covers. These covers are typically made of tough material that can survive the harshest weather. They are also typically water repellent yet ventilated to ensure the lounges stay dry and free of mold. They fasted easily and securely, especially if purchased from the manufacturer of the chair itself.