Couch facts for kids

Couches come in many kinds of colors such as red.

A couch, also known as a sofa or settee, is a type of furniture. It's made for more than one person to sit on at the same time. Most couches have armrests on both sides. You'll often find couches in a living room or in front of the TV.

A Look Back in Time

Long ago, in the 1600s and 1700s, a couch was more like a long, raised seat for resting. One end would be high enough to support your head. Later, in the late 1700s, some couches started having an arm on one side.

Ancient Greek couches often had beautiful, flowing designs. Many had ends that curled up, called "scrolled" ends, and short legs. Over time, during the Victorian age, these older styles changed. They were replaced by the "overstuffed" sofa, which was much softer and fuller.

The "Couch Potato"

Since couches are often placed in front of the TV, they became the main spot for watching shows. This led to a fun, informal term: "couch potato." A "couch potato" is someone who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch. They don't do much physical activity. The name comes from how potatoes don't move at all! This term is a type of slang.

The word "couch" itself comes from an old French word, couche. This word meant "a bed" or "a lair." It also came from coucher, meaning "to lie down."

Different Kinds of Couches

You'll find many types of couches in homes today. The most common are:

• Love seats: These are smaller couches, perfect for two people.
• Sofas: These are larger and can seat more than two people.

Other types include the divan or the "fainting couch." These often don't have a backrest. Couches are usually sold with cushions. These cushions make them bouncy, comfy, and add a decorative touch.

• John Gloag, A Short Dictionary of Furniture rev. ed. 1962. (London: Allen & Unwin)

Images for kids

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  A three-cushion couch in an office lobby

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  Loriot's sofa at the Deutsche Kinemathek museum, 2012

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  A Kubus sofa by Josef Hoffmann (1910)

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  A two-seater upholstered loveseat

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  A leather couch

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  Sofa steel production malayer

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  An upholstered couch

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  English Settee, c. 1770

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  Roman style couch for reclining

See also

In Spanish: Sofá para niños