Couch
A cushioned seat for multiple people, also used for sleeping.
A couch, also known as a sofa, settee, chesterfield, or davenport, is a cushioned piece of furniture that can seat multiple people. It is commonly found in the form of a bench with upholstered armrests and is often fitted with springs and tailored cushions and pillows. Although used primarily for seating, it may be used for sleeping. In homes, couches are normally placed in the family room, living room, den, or lounge, and are also found in non-residential settings such as hotels, lobbies, waiting rooms, and bars.
- field
- Furniture
- known_for
- Seating multiple people, with variants including loveseat, sectional, sofa bed, and chesterfield
- etymology_origin
- Middle English from Old French 'couche' (to lie down); also from Turkish 'sofa' and Arabic 'suffah'
- common_terms
- Couch (North America, Australia, South Africa, Ireland); sofa and settee (UK and India); chesterfield (Canada, older usage)
Lore & Background
The term 'couch' originally denoted an item of furniture for lying or sleeping on. It entered Middle English from the Old French noun 'couche,' derived from the verb meaning 'to lie down.' The word 'sofa' comes from Turkish, derived from the Arabic 'suffah' ('ledge/bench'), with cognates in Aramaic. furnished with rich carpets and cushions.' The word 'settee' comes from Old English 'setl,' originally describing long benches with high backs and arms, but now generally used for small upholstered seating. Both 'sofa' and 'settee' came into use at the beginning of the 18th century, with 'settee' originally denoting a smaller sofa, though by the 20th century the distinction was lost.
Reader's Guide
The couch is a central piece of domestic and commercial furniture, with a history reflected in its varied terminology. Its significance lies in its adaptability: from the two-seater loveseat to the multi-section sectional sofa, and from the ornamental canapé to the space-saving sofa bed. The couch's construction—frame (wood, steel, plastic, or laminated boards), springs, padding (foam, down, feathers, fabric), and covering (leather, corduroy, linen)—has remained consistent, though not all couches include springs. Its legacy is one of continuous evolution in form and function, serving both seating and sleeping needs across cultures.
Did You Know?
- The word 'couch' originated from the Old French verb meaning 'to lie down.'
- The word 'sofa' derives from the Arabic 'suffah' meaning 'ledge/bench.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Couch?
A couch is a cushioned, upholstered seat built to hold several people at once. It typically features armrests, internal springs, and tailored cushions, and can also double as a sleeping surface.
Where is Couch most commonly placed in a home?
You will usually find a couch in the living room, family room, den, or lounge. Outside residential settings, it shows up in hotel lobbies, waiting rooms, and bars.
What other names does Couch go by?
In the UK and India it is called a sofa or settee, while Canada and older usage favor the term chesterfield. Specific variants include the loveseat, sectional, and sofa bed.
What is Couch's primary purpose?
Its main role is to seat multiple people comfortably in a shared space. It can also serve as a temporary sleeping spot, making it versatile for both daily relaxation and overnight use.
Where does the word 'Couch' originate from?
The term traces back to Middle English, borrowed from Old French 'couche,' meaning to lie down. Related names like 'sofa' derive from Turkish, and 'suffah' from Arabic.
More in Home And Furniture 1-23
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record