Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What did the first couch look like?
1 Answer
No one knows for sure what the first couch looked like. However, couches have been traced back to ancient Greece, where they were called klinai. These bench-like seats, intended for reclining and other activities, were covered with cushions and soft blankets. Some featured ornately carved wood or stone backrests, while others lacked backs entirely. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French “couche,” meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of “divan,” a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of couches.
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
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Shop for Sofas on 1stDibs
Nefelibata Composition 6 Curved Pink Sofa
By Adrenalina
Located in Milan, IT
The Nefelibata Composition 6 curved pink sofa by Stormo Studio features a sinuous, flowing design that challenges traditional sofa shapes. Upholstered in jaquard fabric (nautilus col...
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
$25,875 / item
Swedish Empire Painted Parcel Gilt Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A glamorous Swedish Empire style settee from the early 19th century (circa 1820) as a painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, three ba...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Empire Sofas
Materials
Gold
Swedish 19th Century Painted and Parcel Gilt Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Swedish 19th Century Louis XVI/Gustavian settee featuring a painted, parcel gilt frame and gorgeous upholstery of alternating ivory and gold stripes. Note that the fabric is worn but...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Sofas
Materials
Textile, Wood, Paint
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969
It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather.
The patchwork pieces are sust...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
A mid century modern walnut wood case sofa attr. Milo Baughman, circa 1950
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern case wood sofa attributed to Milo Baughman, circa 1950. The wooden case structure is most likely walnut, while the upholstery is likely original, in a sage green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
