Today, psychoanalysts continue to invite clients to recline on couches in their offices during psychotherapy, and may use chaises longues rather than more conventional styles of couch out of tradition. Freud's own chaise longue, given to him by a patient, may be seen today at the Freud Museum in London. At the time Freud began to use the chaise longue, it was considered daring in Vienna to recline on a chaise in the presence of non-intimates.
Reclining and not having to face the analyst was thought to be disinhibiting and to encourage free association. Sigmund Freud initiated the use of the chaise longue for this purpose, the idea being that the patient would recline on a couch, with the analyst seated beyond the head of the couch, so that the client would not see the analyst. The chaise longue has traditionally been associated with psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud's chaise longue at the Freud Museum Its name is from its typical use: rest in the middle of the day, when the sun is near the meridian. They were popular in the grand houses of France in the early 19th century. Whether or not they have anything at the foot end, méridiennes are asymmetrical day-beds. Méridienne: a méridienne has a high head-rest, and a lower foot-rest, joined by a sloping piece.The shape of the récamier is similar to a traditional lit bateau (boat bed) but made for the drawing room, not the bedroom. It is named after French society hostess Madame Récamier (1777–1849), who posed elegantly on a couch of this kind for a portrait, painted in 1800 by Jacques-Louis David. It is sometimes associated with French Empire (neo-classical) style. Récamier: a récamier has two raised ends, and nothing on the long sides.Duchesse brisée (French: 'Broken duchess'): this word is used when the chaise longue is divided in two parts: the chair and a long footstool, or two chairs with a stool in between them.They are often used to complement a home's décor such as living or reading rooms, or as a stylish boudoir chair for bedroom seating. Today, the chaise longue is seen as a luxury item for the modern home. It was during the Rococo period that the chaise longue became the symbol of social status and only the rarest and most expensive materials were used in their construction. They were created by French furniture craftsmen for the rich to rest without the need to retire to the bedroom. Settle in.The modern chaise longue was first popularised during the 16th century in France. Finally, complete your space with a cosy throw (or two), a soft rug underfoot and a textured footstool. Our tip? Layer smaller, statement cushions over larger plain ones to create a sense of depth and impact on your couch.
Try letting your personality shine through in your cushion selection by experimenting with clashing patterns and different shapes. Decorate your living space with styles ranging from overstuffed recliners to wing-back chairs. Then it’s time to dress to impress with soft furnishings. Living Room Chairs : Create an inviting atmosphere with new living room chairs. A luxe velvet finish in a bold shade transforms any sofa into a statement centrepiece, whereas a more minimalist look calls for neutral tones and a natural-looking materials like cotton or boucle. The fabric and colour of your sofa can define the whole look of your living room. These cool but compact couches are also ideal for smaller spaces, with simple space-saving click clack mechanisms that smoothly fold out into comfy sleep spots by night. And when they’re just too comfortable to leave? Our sleek sofa beds are perfect for extending their stay. Is sociable seating your thing? For a living room that’s always guest-ready, we recommend choosing a large L-shaped corner sofa with plenty of space for friends and family to gather. And with a variety of fabrics to choose from, matching the upholstery to your decor is easy, too.
Here at MADE.COM, you’ll find a wide range of stylish sink-in sofas – from our iconic 3-seater and 2-seater settees, to comfy corner couches. But where to start with finding the right one? That’s where we come in. There’s no doubt about it – buying a sofa is an investment.