Custom Comfort from Italy: The Area Chaise by Midj

A recent special order that stopped at Switch before heading home. Here’s why we love it, and how to design your own.

Midj Area Chaise in aqua fabric with pale gray metal legs, front view, at Switch Lighting & Design in Cincinnati

Every so often, a custom order comes through our doors that we can’t resist showing off. This one just arrived from Italy on its way to a client’s home: the Area Chaise by Midj, in a soft aqua fabric with pale gray legs.

The Area Chaise was designed by Studio Pastina, the Rome-trained duo of Domenico Santoro and Francesca Puddo. It’s a study in contrasts. It has a long, low seat on slender metal legs. A half-back and a single arm cushion fold around you like the corner of a pillow. It looks crisp and architectural from across the room and soft up close. It’s made in Italy with the craftsmanship Midj has been known for since 1987.

Three-quarter view of the Midj Area Chaise showing its half-back and single arm cushion

Open on one side, on purpose

The chaise’s half-back leaves one end open. You can sit upright in the corner with a book, stretch out full length, or perch sideways for a conversation. It’s finished on every side, including the back, so it can float in the middle of a room as easily as it sits against a wall.

Back view of the Midj Area Chaise, fully upholstered on all sides

Made to order, made yours

This aqua version was designed for one particular home. Yours can look completely different. Every Area Chaise is built to order, so you choose:

    • The upholstery: a wide range of fabrics in different colors and textures, from bold to quietly neutral
    • The frame: metal legs in a range of colors to blend in or contrast

We have the latest Midj fabric swatches and catalogs, straight from Italy, here in the showroom. Our team will help you find the combination that suits your room and the way you live.

Overhead close-up of the aqua upholstery on the Midj Area Chaise
Kraft Midj In Italy hang tag on red string beneath the Area Chaise, with Midj shipping boxes behind
Tagged and fresh from Italy.

Where it belongs

Put it at the foot of a bed, in a sunny corner for reading, or as a statement in a living room. The Area collection also includes a sofa, armchair and ottoman, so you can build a complete lounge setting. For designers and architects, it’s equally at home in hospitality and contract spaces: lobbies, lounges and waiting areas where comfort and design share the room.

Light it right

At Switch, furniture and lighting belong in the same conversation. Pair the chaise with a floor lamp for reading or a sculptural pendant overhead, and we’ll help you design the whole corner.

The Midj Area Chaise in the Switch Lighting & Design showroom, with pendant lights and furniture beyond

Two ways to start your own

    • Visit us: Stop by our downtown Cincinnati showroom, Tuesday through Saturday, to browse the latest Midj swatches and catalogs in person.
    • Meet virtually: Call 513-721-8100 or email info@switchcollection.com to schedule a virtual consultation, and we’ll walk you through fabrics, finishes and options from wherever you are.

Trade professionals are always welcome.


📍 126 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · 📞 513-721-8100 · ✉️ info@switchcollection.com

Switch Lighting & Design. Lighting. Furniture. Design.

Bertie Ray III co-founded Switch Lighting & Design in 2008 with Drew Dearwester. He leads business development, client relationships, and commercial projects, and recently led the showroom’s re-merchandising, partnering with architects, designers, developers, and homeowners across Cincinnati.