Chaise Longue, Meridienne, Recamier or Daybed? Reclining Seat Terms Explained

Furniture in Fashion sets out the practical differences between four reclining seat terms that are used almost interchangeably in UK retail listings. The distinction is structural rather than stylistic: a chaise longue carries one arm and a partial back, a meridienne places two arms of unequal height at each end, a recamier carries two arms of matching height and little or no back, and a daybed is a full sleeping length platform with support on three sides. Our analysis explains why the shorthand has collapsed, how each shape behaves against a wall, in a bay window and in an open plan room, and which configurations suit the room depths common in terraced houses and new build flats. It includes a specification table matching each form to its usual footprint, orientation requirements and best placement, along with guidance on handing, circulation clearance and delivery access. No proprietary sales data or survey fieldwork is used....