There are a wide variety of outdoor chaises available, from strap to cushion, woven to padded.

That’s “shayz” lounge, if you want to be proper; “shayz long” in French; which is where the term originated. Leave it to the French to create luxury out of the need to sit. Historically, the most important people got to sit on the “chaise lounge” which is pretty much how it is today. Think about it, who always gets the chaise? Okay, maybe they are important in their own minds only.

There are a wide variety of Outdoor Chaise Lounges available, from strap to cushion, woven to padded. When shopping for a chaise lounge, first determine how it will be used.

Is this a curl up with a good book and a tall glass chaise? Consider the St. Lucia Double Adjustable Chaise by North Cape. It’s a cushy retreat, all posh with pillows surrounded by elegant Wicker; the perfect place to hide and escape into the latest bestseller.

Is this a bon-bon and pool boy with palm frond chaise? We all know the pool boy is just a myth, but sometimes a little decadence is in order. Try Cast Classics for lavish luxury: it would be difficult to find anything more sumptuous than the Shambala Wicker Collection offers a chaise lounge with its strikingly designed all weather wicker, topped off by Cast Classic’s tailored cushions. Don’t want wicker? Check out the Deauville, a work of art in cast aluminum, available with cushions or a no maintenance Sling.

Is this a chlorine, sweat and lotion chaise? You don’t have to sacrifice style for utility. Tropitone’s Millenia Strap Chaise Lounge (pictured right)... an easy care aluminum frame makes this the perfect poolside chaise. Check out some of Tropitone’s other offerings as well; their years of experience providing furniture for resorts and hotels has resulted in a variety of chaise lounges built specifically for sunbathing by the pool.

Is this an “OMG my teenagers have their friends over again” chaise? It’s a proven fact that the teenage brain doesn’t function like an adult brain, so don’t let them at the expensive stuff. Telescope Casual has a chaise lounge in its Cape May Sling Dining Collection, available in a sling or strap version that can take any tomfoolery that might arise. This chaise is reasonably priced and built for abuse; Telescope includes it in their retail and contract catalogs. Available with or without arms, the chaise stacks for easy storage and the slings are replaceable if someone gets a little too rambunctious.

Is this an “I don’t want this to blow into the neighbor’s yard” chaise?  Steel frames, Wrought Iron and Cast Aluminum will be your best bet if you are in a high wind area. Don’t be afraid of steel or wrought iron; treated with special primers, today’s iron furniture resists rusting. And if you do get a spot of rust it is so easy to repair with a little sand paper and spray paint. One to consider: the Maddox Collection Chaise by Woodard. The wind won’t move it, but you can easily put it where you want thanks to the wheels.

Is this a “the kids are finally in bed, let’s snuggle and gaze at the stars” chaise? Is there anything more beautiful than the silence that falls after that last little monkey has fallen asleep? Share it with your honey on a beautifully rendered cast aluminum chaise by Gensun. Choose any of their classic designs like Grand Terrace (pictured right) or Florence, top it off with a luxurious Gensun cushion and sigh a deep sigh.

Is this a “my lover, my lady is the sea” chaise? Who doesn’t like to be reminded of a sun-filled week on a luxury cruise? And who doesn’t like teak? Royal Teak Collection’s classic steamer chaises will put you right back on deck. The steamer chaise has four reclining positions and can be folded flat for storage. These chaises are also beautiful at that beach or lake house.

This is just a small sampling of the variety of Chaise Lounges available. Just keep in mind how you will be using your chaise, where it will be placed and the “look” you are trying to achieve. There is a perfect chaise for you.