The love seat

Defined simply as a settee that seats two, but also known as a tête-à-tête, a causeuse, a confidante, a siamoise and a gossip couch, the form is common in many countries including Britain, France, and America says Katherine Wright, auctioneer and antiques specialist at Lyon & Turnbull

- Katherine Wright

Small settees, now often referred to as love seats, gradually appeared in the 17th century and evolved into a more comfortable replacement for the wooden settle. These small settees allowed for two people to sit together and facilitated private conversations in a public space. On a more practical note, they also accommodated women’s fashions, from the panniers or side hoops of the 17th and 18th centuries to full-blown crinolines of the 19th century.

The earliest types of settee were made from oak and looked very much like an armchair, but of generous double form. The back may have been crested and elaborately carved, over a plain wooden seat; the arms and legs with turned details.

George II and George III examples from the 18th century were upholstered, fitted with a cushion and featured a tall wing-back. The legs would typically have been walnut and of curving cabriole form. As the century progressed, the carving on the legs and feet became more elaborate, featuring details such as mask, shell, or anthemion designs on the legs, while simple pad feet became carved claw and ball.