Fainting couch

A fainting couch is a modern term describing a couch with a back that is traditionally raised at one end. The back may be situated completely at one side of the couch or may wrap around and extend the entire length of the piece much like a traditional couch. However, so-called "fainting couches" are easily differentiated from more traditional couches, having one end of the back raised.[1]

Méridienne (c. 1750-1760).
Red upholstered fainting couch.

The style of couch referred to popularly as "fainting couches" were popular in the 19th century as a revival of ancient furniture styles.[1]

  • The term "fainting couch" is not documented as being in use until the 20th century. There is nothing to suggest in advertising of the Victorian era that any article of furniture was created specifically for people to use when feeling faint and this should only be considered a myth.[1]
  • Popular speculation explains the predominance of what are now called "fainting couches" in the 19th century as a result of women fainting because their corsets were too tight, restricting blood flow. This does not have historic support; it has been proposed instead that these "day beds" (as they were referred to at the time) were in imitation of Roman and Grecian daybed designs.[2]

See also

References
  1. Mendelsohn, Meredith (18 October 2013). "A Short History of the Fainting Couch". New York Times. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  2. Celiberti, Stephanie (21 August 2019). "Make No (Whale)Bones About It: Debunking those Corsetry Myths". lancasterhistory.org. Retrieved 8 November 2022.

Further reading
  • Gloag, John (1962). A Short Dictionary of Furniture (rev. ed.). London: Allen & Unwin.
  • Ellis-Christensen, T.; Wallace, O. (7 July 2014). "What is a Fainting Couch?". homequestionsanswered.com. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
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