I call it a couch. I never knew what the difference was and someone commented that she liked that I called it a couch and not the “s” word. I was intrigued enough to google it. If I can use the internet to watch kittens dance, I can use to learn the difference between a couch, sofa, and chaise.
A couch has no arms and was a fainting couch for the ladies in corsets to faint into. A sofa has arms and is not meant for a person to recline in. A chaise is a couch-like chair with back support and length enough to extend the legs. I have a chaise. I’m on it right now as I write this post. I love my chaise. I definitely agree with the definition of chaise.
I don’t agree with the definition of sofa. I ask each of you who has a sofa–a padded, upholstered bench with arms not intended for reclining-how many times you’ve stretched out on you sofa and reclined? As if on a couch?
This is a fascinating topic to me. If you start reading the different histories you learn about the different cultural influences on the pieces of furniture. The influence of fashion on functionality of furniture. Fainting couches or chaises for the ladies in their corsets. I wonder if someone has capitalized on a fainting couch for the Spanx generation? Which may I digress for a moment…that Spanx lady is genius. It’s cool to wear a girdle if you call it Spanx.
Back to the couch…sofas were called Davenports and some include in the definition that a sofa often includes a pull-out bed, different from the couch-like futon. Really, google it. So many bits and pieces about the places we rest our asses.
Even with my new found humble knowledge, I will call it a couch.
ohbloodyhell8 