About Couches

Couches are functional pieces of furniture that are meant for more than one person and usually seat two to four, depending on the type. Couches are typically found in the home in living rooms, studies and general-use rooms.

Identification

Couches typically have the same appearance, though they can vary depending on the designer of the furniture. They all have a back with cushioning that can be built into the frame or exist as unattached, heavy pillows. Seats feature the same type of cushioning. Couches have arm rests on either end and are set on small legs.

Types

There are a few types of couches, each one being able to seat a different number of people. The love seat is a smaller couch made for two people. The sofa, also known as the settee, is larger and seats more than two. Other types of couches include the sofa bed, the divan and the chaise lounge, which has only one arm rest and is longer than other couches.

History

Up until the 10th century, the couch looked more like a lounge or simply a bench with no backing. Instead, the armrests were high enough to rest upon. In ancient Rome, couches were used in dining rooms to eat on. During the 20th century, the couch changed designs and became the piece of furniture we know today. They are not called couches everywhere, though. In England, for example, they are known as sofas or settees.

Function

The couch is used for relaxing, lounging and napping. It is large enough so that more than one person can sit comfortably, but also for a single person to lie down and stretch out. In modern times, the couch is often positioned with the television in mind and is used to sit on while watching a program.

Features

Couches are always upholstered. Most commonly, couches feature either leather or textile upholstery. The cushioning in a couch is often cotton, though there are other fillers, including feathers, some kind of hair (horse hair, for example) or other natural products.