couchs

A couch is a piece of furniture designed for seating multiple people. It typically features a long seat, a backrest, and armrests, and is used in living rooms, lounges, and waiting areas. In many regions, the terms couch and sofa are used interchangeably, though some places prefer one term over the other. The word couch comes from Old French couche, meaning a bed or lying-down place, while sofa derives from the Turkish or Arabic word for a long bench or couch.

Construction and materials: Most couches rest on a wooden or metal frame, with springs, webbing, or foam padding supporting the seat. The upholstery is usually fabric or leather, and cushions may be foam, down, or advanced synthetic fillings. Frame quality, joinery, and cushion density influence durability and comfort. Care depends on material; fabric couches may require regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning, while leather couches need conditioning and wipe-clean maintenance.

Variations: Common types include standard sofas with two to four seats, sofa beds (sleeper sofas) that convert into beds, reclining couches with built-in mechanisms, and sectional sofas composed of multiple modules. Other terms such as settee or divan refer to similar seating, often with differing historical connotations. Materials range from solid wood or metal frames to a wide array of upholstery fabrics and colors.

History and context: The modern couch evolved from earlier upholstered seating and divans in Europe and the Near East. Mass production in the 19th and 20th centuries expanded availability, and innovations in cushions, springs, and fabrics increased comfort. In contemporary interiors, couches are central to social and domestic spaces and come in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary minimalism.