The History of Loveseats

Loveseats, or two-seater sofas, are extremely common in modern homes. But when and why did they originate? Loveseats first debuted in the 17^th century and consisted of solid wood, although they were later upholstered. They also weren’t originally intended for couples as the name implies, but rather to give extra seating room to a single lady who, at the time, would have been wearing a cumbersome skirt that featured voluminous layers and hoops. As fashions changed and slimmer skirts became popular in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, people realized that the loveseat could comfortably accommodate more than one individual. Couples began to take advantage of the loveseat to sit close together, subtly flouting the conservative social values of the time that forbid most contact between unmarried men and women. This practice gave rise to the term “loveseat.” In the 19^th century, the loveseat was seen as a sign of wealth, since only upper class homes featured the two-seater sofas. Today, loveseats are usually part of a larger living room set or used in smaller homes and apartments where space may be an issue.