The term applied to a small sofa designed to seat two individuals originates from its initial purpose. This furniture piece, appearing in the 17th century, was not initially conceived as a seat for romantic couples. Instead, it was designed to accommodate the voluminous skirts fashionable at the time. Its width allowed women to sit comfortably without crushing their elaborate garments.
Over time, as fashion trends evolved and skirts became less expansive, the function of this seating changed. With smaller dimensions than a full sofa, it became associated with intimacy and closeness, naturally lending itself to seating couples. This shift in perception and utilization led to the association with romance implied by its current designation. The association reflects a cultural understanding of the furniture’s capacity to facilitate proximity and connection.
