To give a chaise sofa bed an Art Deco twist, choose it in a jewel toned velvet, look for channel stitching or a softly curved back, set it on slim metallic or dark wood legs and surround it with geometric pattern, brass and glass. The chaise shape already recalls the elegant daybeds of the 1920s and 1930s, so the transformation is more about finish than structure. Our sofa beds UK include chaise designs that make a natural starting point.
A chaise sofa bed is a hard working piece: a long lounging seat for an evening in, often a storage compartment under the chaise, and a full bed when guests stay. Adding a Deco mood brings glamour to that practicality. The approach works with many pieces from our wider modern sofas UK sale collection, but the chaise has a particular affinity with the period.
The Art Deco era loved the idea of reclining in comfort. Daybeds, chaise longues and streamlined lounge chairs appeared in hotel lobbies, ocean liners and fashionable apartments. They were designed to be looked at as much as sat on, with sweeping lines and luxurious upholstery.
A modern chaise sofa bed shares that silhouette. With the right colour and detailing it can capture the same sense of occasion while also doing the practical job of a guest bed.
Before thinking about style, decide on orientation. Stand facing where the sofa will go and note which side the chaise should sit. In most rooms, the chaise works best on the side away from the door, so it does not jut into the walkway. It can also sit beside a window to make a pleasant reading spot.
Many chaise sofa beds have a reversible chaise that can be switched to either side. This is worth looking for if you might move house or rearrange the room in future.
Velvet is the defining Deco fabric. It deepens colour, catches light along every curve and feels indulgent to sit on. Look for a velvet with a good pile density, as this wears better on a sofa used daily and converted regularly.
Channel stitching, the vertical rows of padded upholstery seen on many period sofas, is one of the clearest Deco references. It works especially well on the back cushions or the chaise end. Scalloped or shell shaped backs are another option, though these are more decorative and better suited to rooms where the sofa is the main focal point.
Emerald green is closely associated with the period. Paired with brass, cream and black it looks rich and confident, and it suits rooms with good natural light.
Deep blues recall the interiors of ocean liners and grand hotels. They work well with polished chrome, white marble and pale walls.
Warm golden tones bring sunshine to a north facing UK room. Combine with black accents and walnut for a graphic, energetic look.
Softer jewel tones suit bedrooms, dressing rooms and guest rooms where you want warmth without drama. Pair with smoked glass and gold.
Small details carry a lot of weight. Slim tapered legs in brushed brass or polished gold instantly suggest the era. Dark stained wood legs with a metal cap are another good choice. Avoid chunky block feet, which make the sofa look heavier and more contemporary.
Piping along cushion edges, curved arms and a slightly raised back all add elegance. Keep to one or two of these details rather than all of them, so the sofa looks considered rather than costume like.
An Art Deco twist does not mean recreating a period set. A few well chosen pieces around the sofa are enough to establish the mood.
Mirrors are a particularly useful addition. Round, arched or fan shaped mirrors bring light into the room and echo the curves of the period. A large mirror on the wall above or opposite the chaise can make a small living room feel more spacious. Our decorative mirrors UK sale include shapes and frames that suit the look.
If you want an additional reclining seat, a separate chaise longue chair in a complementary fabric can balance the room, provided it does not compete for space with the open bed. Our lounge chaise chairs UK include designs that sit well alongside a Deco inspired sofa.
Geometric rugs are a strong way to signal Art Deco. Fan motifs, stepped borders and repeating arcs all work. Choose a low pile or flat weave so the sofa bed opens smoothly, and size the rug so the front feet of the sofa sit on it.
Herringbone parquet or a dark stained floor makes an elegant backdrop. If you have carpet, a rug with a defined border helps anchor the seating area.
Choose tables with Deco references: round tops, mirrored or smoked glass surfaces, fluted bases or brass frames. A side table at the open end of the sofa becomes a bedside table at night, so give it a lamp and a little space for a glass of water.
The coffee table needs to move when the bed opens. Lighter designs and nests of tables are easier to shift than solid marble. Our guide to matching sofa beds with coffee tables for UK living rooms looks at scale and shape in more detail.
A chaise sofa bed opens from the main sofa section, while the chaise usually stays in place. This means the open bed creates an L shape with the chaise. Measure the depth of the open mattress and leave space to walk round it, especially on the side without the chaise.
Check that the door, radiators and any fireplace hearth are clear of the open footprint. Our guide to sofa bed open dimensions in UK homes is a useful reference when comparing models.
Deco rooms come alive in the evening with warm, layered light. A globe pendant or a tiered ceiling light gives the room a centrepiece, while a table lamp with a fluted or pleated shade beside the sofa adds softness. Wall lights in brass or opal glass either side of a mirror complete the look.
Keep bulbs warm white and use dimmers where possible. Velvet shows its depth best in soft, low light, and the effect is especially flattering after dark.
Many chaise sofa beds include a lift up storage compartment under the chaise seat. This is the natural home for bedding, keeping pillows and a duvet ready for guests. It also helps keep the room clear of clutter, which matters in a style that relies on clean lines and polished surfaces.
If your chosen design does not include storage, a velvet ottoman or a lacquered cabinet nearby can serve the same purpose while adding to the look.
The wall behind the chaise sets the stage. A deep, saturated colour such as forest green, midnight blue or oxblood makes a velvet sofa glow and gives the room a sense of enclosure that suits the evening. If you prefer something lighter, a warm off white or soft plaster pink lets the sofa colour lead.
Geometric wallpaper is another option, though it works best on a single wall and when the rug is plain. A fan or arch pattern behind the sofa can be striking, but pairing it with a patterned rug and patterned cushions quickly becomes too much. Choose one place for pattern and let the rest of the room support it.
Simple painted panelling or a picture rail painted in a contrasting shade adds architectural interest without fuss and echoes the linear detailing of the period.
Velvet benefits from regular light brushing in the direction of the pile, which keeps it looking even. Vacuum with a soft upholstery attachment. Small marks can usually be lifted with a slightly damp cloth, blotted rather than rubbed.
Velvet can show pressure marks where people sit most often. These usually ease with brushing and a little time. Rotating cushions, where possible, helps wear stay even.
The aim is a room that feels glamorous but still relaxed. Balance shine with softness by adding a wool throw, linen cushions or a plant or two. Avoid filling every surface with metallic objects. A few strong pieces, a well chosen rug and a beautiful sofa are enough to create the Deco mood. Find sofa beds, mirrors, lighting and tables for the look at Furniture in Fashion.
Most offer a full double sleeping surface from the main section, with the chaise remaining as a seat or bedside surface. A mattress topper adds comfort for longer stays.
Usually the side away from the door, so the chaise does not block the walkway. A reversible chaise gives flexibility if you rearrange the room.
Velvet in a jewel tone is the most recognisable choice. Channel stitching and curved shapes strengthen the effect.
Compact chaise designs suit many smaller rooms. Measure the open footprint carefully and keep surrounding furniture light and easy to move.
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