What is considered a lounge chair?

A lounge chair is a chair made for relaxing. Where a dining chair or desk chair keeps you upright for a task, a lounge chair lets you lean back, stretch out and take it easy. There is no strict technical definition, but most lounge chairs share a few features: a back that is angled further back than a standard chair, deep padding, and either a long seat or a footrest so your legs can rest too.

What makes a chair a lounge chair

Look for these signs:

• A reclined back. Either fixed at a relaxed angle or adjustable.
• Room for your legs. A long seat, a built-in footrest, or a matching ottoman.
• Generous cushioning on the seat and back, and often a headrest or high back.
• A lower, deeper seat than an upright chair, so you sink in rather than perch.

A chair with some or all of these is designed to be lounged in. An ordinary armchair can be comfortable, but if it holds you upright, it is not really a lounge chair.

Common types of lounge chairs

Chaise longue. The name is French for “long chair.” Its seat is long enough to support your legs, so you can stretch out without an ottoman. Some have a raised back at one end only; others have an arm on one side. Chaises work for reading, short naps and as a statement piece.

Lounge chair and ottoman. A reclined armchair paired with a matching footstool. The classic mid-century versions, with a molded wood shell and leather cushions, are among the best-known designs in this category. Many modern versions follow the same idea.

Recliner. A chair whose back tilts back while a footrest lifts from the front. Manual recliners use a lever or handle; power recliners use a button. Recliners are a natural choice for watching TV or putting your feet up.

Club chair. Low, deep and padded, with a slightly reclined back. It is less stretched-out than a chaise but still built for relaxing.

Daybed. Part sofa, part bed: a long upholstered piece, usually with a back and sides, that works for lounging by day and sometimes as a spare bed.

Hanging and rocking chairs. Hanging chairs sway gently like a hammock, and rocking chairs move on curved runners. Both are relaxing in their own way.

Outdoor loungers. Sun loungers, zero-gravity loungers and Adirondack chairs are lounge chairs built for patios, decks and pool areas, often with weatherproof frames and fabrics.

Where to use a lounge chair

Lounge chairs are not just for living rooms. A chaise or lounge chair can make a reading corner in a bedroom or a quiet spot in a home office for a break. Outdoors, loungers set up beside a pool or on a patio give you somewhere to rest in the sun or shade. For bedroom ideas, see what a bedroom chair is called.

How to choose a lounge chair

• Measure first. Chaises and recliners take more floor space than a standard armchair, and recliners need clearance when open.
• Check the fit for your body. Your head should reach the headrest if there is one, and your feet should reach the footrest or ottoman comfortably.
• Think about how you lounge. Reading needs a more upright angle than napping. An adjustable recliner covers both.
• Choose practical fabric. Leather can last a long time with care; tightly woven fabrics and microfiber are often easier to clean.
• Try before you buy when possible. Lounge chairs vary a lot in angle and firmness.

For more on what makes a chair feel good to sit in, see our guide to the most comfortable chairs. If you want an upright chair with a bit of lounge appeal, the types of armchairs guide covers club chairs and wingbacks in detail.

Bottom line

If a chair is designed to help you lean back, stretch out and relax, it counts as a lounge chair. Chaises, recliners, lounge-and-ottoman sets and club chairs are the main indoor types. Pick one that fits your room, your body and the way you like to unwind.