If you’ve spent more than a few minutes looking at Liberator chaises, there’s a good chance you’ve already run into this problem:
ARIA and ESSE sit in a very similar place in Liberator’s lineup—both best sellers, but from different eras.
ESSE is a long-established classic. ARIA is a newer best seller that’s risen quickly in popularity. They’re both well-built, comfortable, and capable of dramatically changing how certain positions feel.
But they’re designed for very different kinds of people, and once you see why, the choice usually stops being confusing.
The Difference Isn’t the Shape. It’s the Role.
Most comparison guides jump straight into dimensions and curves. That stuff matters—but it’s not where the real decision happens.
The real difference between ARIA and ESSE is what role you want this piece to play in your life.
ARIA: The One That Stays in Your Room
The first thing people don’t realize about the ARIA is that most owners don’t think of it as “sex furniture” most of the time.
It lives in the bedroom as a bench. That’s intentional.
When the mood hits, it unfolds into a full tantra chaise in seconds. No dragging furniture around. No trying to hide a sculpted lounge when you’re done.
The ARIA also includes an extra washable slipcover. Beyond protecting the chaise from messes and everyday wear, the slipcover lets the ARIA disappear into your bedroom as a simple end-of-bed bench.
ARIA isn’t about pushing you into a position. It’s about letting things unfold naturally.
ESSE: The One That Knows Exactly What It’s For
The ESSE doesn’t try to blend in. And honestly, it doesn’t need to.
Its fixed S-curve shape is built for a specific purpose: putting your body where it needs to be, without effort or adjustment. You don’t have to stack pillows or constantly shift around—the curve does the work for you.
Both versions come with a removable headrest that doubles as a positioning pillow. The Regular ESSE also includes a mini-scoop that can be used on its own or combined with the chaise for even more ways to play (the Slim version skips this piece).
There’s also a Bondage Edition of the ESSE, featuring discreet Velcro® attachment points, removable side rings, and ties for those who want to explore restraint without committing to visible hardware.
ESSE is for people who already know what they like—and want a piece that keeps up.
Size & Structure: What the Numbers Actually Mean
ESSE vs ESSE Slim
At first glance, it’s easy to think the difference is just width—but the change in center height is what really alters how each chaise is inclined and how it feels in use.
ESSE Regular
63"L × 24"W × 28.5"H (with headrest)
Center height: 8.5"
ESSE Slim
68"L × 22"W × 22"H
Center height: 11"
The Slim version sits higher through the middle, which many people find easier to straddle and quicker to “lock into” position. The Regular sits lower and feels more cradling, especially when paired with the mini-scoop.
Neither is better—they’re just different kinds of support.
ARIA Regular vs ARIA Plus
With ARIA, the choice is simpler. Both versions have the same shape and height. The only difference is width.
ARIA Regular
Bench: 60"L × 18"W × 18"H
Chaise: 72"L × 18"W × 27.5"H
ARIA Plus
Bench: 60"L × 22"W × 18"H
Chaise: 72"L × 22"W × 27.5"H
If you want more surface area or extra room to move, go Plus. If not, Regular feels just as balanced.
Comfort, Support & Weight Capacity
This is one area where the differences are more subtle than people expect.
Both the ARIA and the ESSE are built around fully supportive polyurethane foam, paired with a protective inner liner and a machine-washable micro-velvet cover. In terms of materials and overall build quality, they’re more alike than different.
ARIA is rated to support up to around 600 lbs. And ESSE is rated up to around 700 lbs, offering a bit more margin for heavier use or higher-intensity movement. The difference isn’t dramatic—it’s more about how the shape guides the body rather than a major change in firmness.
Rather than one being “better supported” than the other, the real distinction comes down to intent.
ARIA is designed to support you comfortably.
ESSE is designed to position you more deliberately.
So… Which One Is Should I Choose?
Choose ARIA if:
- You want something that blends into everyday life
- Discretion and ease matter as much as function
- You’re new to sex furniture or want something forgiving
- You prefer comfort over structure
Choose ESSE if:
- You want clear positioning and firm support
- You enjoy experimenting with angles and intensity
- Higher weight capacity matters
- You’re interested in bondage or more advanced play
One Last Thing Worth Knowing
Both ARIA and ESSE ship in plain, discreet kraft brown boxes, with no branding or product descriptions on the outside. No surprises. No awkward deliveries.
Shopping with Thorn & Feather means your privacy is always respected, from checkout to delivery.
