What did the first couch look like?

No one knows for sure what the first couch looked like. However, couches have been traced back to ancient Greece, where they were called klinai. These bench-like seats, intended for reclining and other activities, were covered with cushions and soft blankets. Some featured ornately carved wood or stone backrests, while others lacked backs entirely. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French “couche,” meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of “divan,” a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of couches.