Our first historical encounter with what we would recognise as a sofa evolved from the continental tapestry. Significant progress in 16th century technology meant that opulent gold-threaded patchwork war-scenes were no longer considered a necessary component of home insulation. Rather, there was much joy to be had in the celebration of this newfound freedom: the material was taken down from the walls and draped expertly around various pieces of furniture. The couch was born. Derived from the Old French couche or coucher (meaning ‘to lie down’, as in, “voulez vous coucher avec mon ami? Il s’appelle Jeremy.”), the couch would be laid upon by men and women of a more delicate, horizontal inclination. Once it was discovered that sitting upright was not only comfortable but also more socially conducive, horsehair, feathers and straw were replaced in 1828 by the spring. http://www.english-sofas.co.uk/article... - Halil