Generally, backless sofas are called one of two things: a recamier or a divan. A recamier is a little more refined than a divan, with a scrolled headrest and footrest that makes it similar in appearance to a chaise. A divan is composed of a flat mattress on an elevated frame. Although its origin dates back much further than the recamier, the divan has a more modern appearance.
To help distinguish the two even more, read on!
Recamier
Deriving its name from the French socialite Juliette Recamier, a mainstay of the 19th Century social circuit who famously posed on a recamier for a portrait, the recamier is a backless sofa with a high, curved headrest and a low footrest. Alternatively, you’ll sometimes see recamiers fashioned as backless sofas with scrolled ends, making it accessible for sitting from either side. Today it’s also common to find recamier sofas that omit the arms entirely for a sleek, modern look.
Divan
Originating in Turkey, the traditional divan is yet another example of a backless sofa. This long-exalted sofa is basically a low, slightly elevated mattress (often tufted) that features neither a back, nor arms. A divan is typically scooched up to a wall, and is often outfitted with additional pillows to provide a makeshift back. Its ultra-versatile design makes a divan a choice option for rooms that require flexibility, such as an office doing double-duty as a guest room.
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Lead image by Joyelle West