A fainting couch is a backless couch with typically one end raised to recline upon. Though couches like this might have been made prior to the 19th century, the fainting couch wasn’t commonly referred to as such until the 19th century. The fainting couch was made for women, especially since so many women in the 1800s wore corsets. Corsets kept a woman breathless, making it much more likely she would faint. Some homes, and hotels even had fainting rooms, where women could catch their breath on a fainting couch.

The fainting couch is similar to the chaise lounge. Some feature an un-upholstered foot section as well, and look like a small narrow day bed. Most sat on four carved wooden legs. The most popular style today does not feature a foot section. Instead it merely looks like an extended chair and is about 5-6 feet (1.52-1.83 m) in length. Various fabrics can cover the modern fainting couch, though velvet or microfiber tend to be the preferred upholstery fabric.

Some modern versions of the fainting couch have a partial back. About half to a third of the top half of the fainting couch may have an upholstered rising back with a suggestive feminine curve. This provides additional support for the upper body as you recline on the fainting couch. Though we fortunately don’t need a fainting couch for practical purposes any more, they can make for comfortable and unusual seating in a home. Yet if you plan to share the couch with someone else, the person who sits at the backless portion of the couch may feel a bit uncomfortable.

Sometimes people enjoy using a fainting couch in their bedroom instead of their living room. Restless sleepers may enjoy having an extra spot to catch a snooze. The headrest of the fainting couch can also provide a way to sleep in a semi-seated position, which is difficult to do in a bed. Though a recliner supplies approximately the same support, many prefer the elegance of a fainting couch to the bulky aspects of recliners.

As with all furniture, the fainting couch will vary considerably in price. Very inexpensive models with cheap fabric may be purchased for about 300 US dollars (USD). More expensive models, covered with velvet or leather are likely to be more durable, and may ultimately be better bargains. Some versions, especially from designers may have you fainting at the price.

You can also look for antique fainting couches. These are not in short supply since they were popular furniture items through most of the 19th century. Most antiques stores will have a fainting couch or two, and don’t overlook EBay, which often has a wide selection. If you plan to really use the fainting couch, look for sturdy legs, fabric in good repair, and cushions that still exhibit some spring. 19th century couches were not always known for their comfort.