A dizzying array of fainting couches

During the Victorian era, women laced tightly into their curve-creating garments often needed somewhere to land when their fashion choice left them faint of breath. That spot often was the fainting couch.

“They were largely decorative parlor furniture and often had one arm and an asymmetrical, upholstered back,” says William Yeingst, chairman of the Division of Home and Community Life at the National Museum of American History in Washington, one of the 18 museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution. The National Museum’s furniture exhibits help track the history of furniture in the United States.

Today we call the fainting couch by another name — “chaise lounge” — and its design has largely remained identical to those introduced in the mid-19th century.

And we sit, rather than collapse, upon them.

“Thirty years ago or so, the lounges were used by psychiatrists for their patients to lie down on,” says interior designer Judy Sussman of Judy Sussman Designworks in Phoenix.

But now you’ll find chaises gracing living rooms, bedrooms, even outdoor patios.

“I think the reason it’s stayed around is it’s really a comfortable piece of furniture,” says Sussman. “When you sit on it, you sort of half sit and lie down, whereas sometimes chairs don’t really fit your back. It’s very relaxing.”

And it fits modern and traditional settings.

“Fainting couches are a more formal version of the chaise,” says Jeanette Rochealla of La-ZBoy Furniture Galleries in Phoenix. Carved wooden legs, an intricately designed velvet, and a braided bullion fringe trim around the bottom of the elegant chaise bring class and design to a traditional living room.

But the more modern designed chaise — with or without a back, and often in vibrant patterned fabrics like stripes and polka dots — can be used as a focal piece in a bedroom, or come as part of a sectional in a family room.

“People are still using them in bedrooms,” says Rochealla, “but also in living rooms and foyers. You can change the fabrics to match your decor.”

The price range for chaises varies — depending on whether you buy an outdoor version (under $100) or a high-end, classic design at a furniture store ($1,000 or more).

“I would recommend going to antique stores,” says Sussman. “You can find a classic chaise there from $100 to $150. But you have to be very diligent when looking for a classic piece. Just look and look — it’ll pay off.”

Resources

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

15836 N. Scottsdale Road, Phoenix (602) 426-5292

3055 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 831-1848

1430 S. Power Road, Mesa (480) 830-3300 www.la-z-boyaz.com

Judy Sussman Designworks

4131 N. 24th St., Phoenix (602) 955-2599