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As wealth increased, the need for comfortable multiple seating naturally
led to the sofa, including the 18th century version of the day
bed, known as the chaise lounge. The latter was adopted as a
household component that could take the place of virtually everything
else, serving as a chair, bench and bed. It was the best place for a
delicate lady, with tightly laced undergarments, to swoon due to lack of
circulation. It was equally important for the ladies of entertainment
to compose suggestive displays when in a semi-formal setting. The
opportunities and benefits were infinite. Perhaps the first
psychoanalytic sessions took place on a sofa or chaise lounge. The
furniture was an opportunity for householders of significant means to
demonstrate their wealth. The sofa represented the open arms of a host,
welcoming his guest as he shared in his success and abundance. From
1805 to 1810, antique sofas became increasingly luxurious, and
even bold in design. The fabric could be colorful and floral, as well
as cushioned. (You can sometimes find original material that was saved
and made available to collectors as ebay fabric, or through other
auction media.) The frame and legs were stylishly decorated. As the
decades passed, the upholstery techniques advanced to includes springs
and buttons.
