"I'll stick to the chaise longue."

This entry was inspired by Downton Abbey. In Season Two, Episode Seven, the Crawleys and the residents of Downton Abbey discuss the changes that have taken place due to the Great War.

Says Isobel Crawley:
"I like the new fashions. Shorter skirts, looser cuts. The old clothes were all very well if one spent the day on a chaise longue, but if one wants to get anything done, the new clothes are much better."

"I'll stick to the chaise longue," replies Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Dame Maggie Smith).

In honor of Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, I offer a selection of chaises longues. I wonder which one she would prefer . . .

 Maison Jansen recamier covered in a Fortuny cotton.

New York City apartment designed and decorated by architect Carlos Aparico.

Photography by William Abranowicz.

Architectural Digest (April 2011).

English Regency chaise.

Living room of a 1902 Manhattan townhouse.

Interior design by Lee Mindel of Shelton, Mindel and Associates.

Photography by William Waldron. 

Elle Decor (December 2008).

A white Napoleon III chaise longue. 

Garden room of New Orleans home of Rivie and Cathy Cary.

Interior design by Gerrie Bremermann.

Photography by Tria Giovan.

 Pierre Deux fabric on chaise in guest room of Kay O'Toole.

Interior design by Kay O'Toole, owner of Kay O'Toole Antiques and Eccentricities in Houston.

Photography by Tria Giovan.

 Chaise longue by Le Corbusier in upstairs study of architect Michael Graves.

Photography by John Bessler.

Traditional Home (April 2011).

 A French chaise longue.

Manhattan apartment of Aileen Mehle, the society columnist known as "Suzy".

Interior design by Mario Buatta.

Photography by Scott Frances.

Architectural Digest (January 2012).

 Louis XVI chaise longue.

Home of San Antonio, Texas designer Gwynn Griffith.

Photography by William Waldron.

Elle Decor.

Custom chaise in Bergamo faux fur.

Park Avenue apartment.

Interior design by David Kleinberg.

Interior architecture by Peter Pennoyer Architects.

Photography by Simon Upton. 

Veranda (April 2011).

 A French bulldog named Tulipe on a vintage chaise longue covered in a Brunschwig & Fils check.

Interior design by Todd Richesin.

Photography by Werner Straube.

Traditional Home (November 2011).