Divani

Divani is the Italian plural form of divano and denotes sofas or couches. In English-language furniture contexts, divani is sometimes used to refer to Italian-style sofas, particularly when describing design catalogs or interiors that evoke Italian design.

The term divano itself has historical roots in the broader Mediterranean and is commonly traced to the Turkish divan, a long upholstered bench or couch used in official or ceremonial spaces. Through Persian and other intermediaries, the word entered Italian usage to describe a fixed seating unit for living rooms.

In modern usage, a divano is a freestanding sofa in a living area. Common variants include the divano letto (sofa bed) and the divano modulare (modular sofa). Materials range from fabric to leather, with a wide array of styles from classic to contemporary. The term encompasses a range of sizes and configurations designed to accommodate multiple people.

Divani are central to many Italian and international living-room designs, serving as primary seating and focal points in interior schemes. The plural divani is used when referring to multiple sofas. As with other furniture terms, the exact style and construction of a divano can vary by period, region, and manufacturer. See also divan (furniture) for related historical forms.