History Of Corner Couches
When you see the sign “corner couches for sale”, have you ever thought about where they come from? Have you ever wondered about the evolution of the furniture we use on a day-to-day basis? If you are interested in the history of corner couches for sale, keep reading as we cover the origins of the corner couch design.
5Star Furniture’s couch range has transformed into something of a contemporary interior staple, and if you do not own one, you definitely know someone who does. It fits perfectly into a corner, with some additional add-ons making it into the desired shape you would like. Couches are now the centrepiece of a living room. The couch has to be comfortable, functional, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing. Ticking all these boxes is not easy; however, if you are on the lookout for a couch that is both versatile and comfortable, look no further than a modular sectional.
If you are currently indecisive about the design, as many of us are, then this corner couch for sale is perfect for you. It consists of various individual pieces put together like a jigsaw puzzle; modular couches are not only flexible but also adaptable. You can split the couch into separate parts that can be continuously recombined in various ways, allowing you to rearrange your living room easily.
The Victorian Origins Of The L-Shaped Couches
The sectional/modular couch, also known as the L-shaped couch, consists of multiple seating sections. These include a longer chaise lounge resembling a section at its end. Furthermore, people often use the words sectional, modular, and corner couches interchangeably. The corner couch dates back to the 19th century. However, it only gained regional popularity at the time.
Hunker, the designer of the sectional couch, reckons it originated in Virginia. Consequently, heavy military influence in the region shaped its design. Furniture needed to perform well on the battlefield and remain easily portable. Additionally, it had to separate easily and move between camps. Therefore, these features are also suited to home use. Thus, manufacturers began producing early corner couches. However, corner couches for sale remained limited at the time.
Although military origins made corner couches utilitarian, they later adopted decorative features. For instance, they included wood-carved ornamentation and tufted fabrics. Moreover, Victorian design often showcased lavish wealth during a prosperous period. This prosperity extended across England and its colonies. In addition, designers drew inspiration from Medieval motifs and the Gothic Revival. As a result, rooms featured heavy decoration. Consequently, the growing middle class also participated in these grand displays.
During the Victorian era, the loveseat and chaise lounge dominated living spaces. However, over time, designers in Virginia combined these pieces. As a result, they formed the sectional couch. Furthermore, the sectional couch became a mainstay in many Western living rooms. Consequently, it remained popular for years to come.

Modern Design As A Reaction To World War 1
The First World War marked the end of the Victorian era, and with it came significant economic and social shifts worldwide. Affects how people view art and design. The Bauhaus School of Art is one particularly influential reaction to WWI. Founded by Walter Gropius, who was a German architect. Following the destruction of World War I, Germany decided that it had to adapt to the ever-changing governing structures of Western Europe.
Accompanying this ‘driving out of the past’, design and art were transformed. All of us desire objects that are both beautiful and functional, whilst also representing this new world. The main goal of the Bauhaus group was to begin from scratch. It led to the minimalistic and sometimes brutalist aesthetic we now know as modern design. The sectional couch remained uncommon until the turn of the century; the relatively new design saw increased demand in the 1930s and 40s. An important figure in the newfound popularity of sectional couches was Gilbert Rohde, an American designer for the pioneering modern furniture company Herman Miller. Gilbert was influenced heavily by the Bauhaus school and the Art Deco movement.
He was a crucial figurehead in the modern design of furniture as “an expression of the simple and ancient desire to make useful and beautiful things, suited to their purpose and the tools and materials and their availability”. Gilbert would go on to heavily influence many designers of future generations.

Continued Evolution
The Sectional/Corner Couches We Know Today

From the 1980s onwards, the living room and the history of the corner couches changed. There was a gradual shift from entertaining guests to watching TV. Consequently, the TV became the living room’s focal point. As focal points shifted, the need for modular furniture that supports conversation decreased significantly.
Instead, the couch became a solid constant among moving guests, rather than a movable object. As a result, designers made it deeper, larger, and more solid. Consequently, it lost modular flexibility, leading to the L-shaped couches. Moreover, florals, crushed velvet, and drab neutrals often covered these couches. Thus, corner couches for sale lost their original appeal and are now for relaxation and watching TV.
Furthermore, corner couches remained popular into the new millennium because they easily filled large spaces and provided comfort. During the early 2000s, designers featured dark suede or leather to match faux Tuscan-style décor. Later, from the 2000s to 2012, corner couches for sale appeared in beiges, light greys, and whites. Consequently, these colours became staples of Farmhouse and Californian design.
Ultimately, corner couches have stood the test of time and remain in high demand. Therefore, the next time you relax on your couch, remember its extensive history. As a result, you may begin to see your furniture as a reflection of your daily life rather than just an object.
About 5Star Furniture
5 Star Furniture consists of a dynamic team selling furniture since 2005. Not only is the furniture affordable, but most of the products are also made in RSA. Corner couches at this store also have a history and have changed and evolved. Meaning that the furniture you buy will support a small South African business. Thus, you further contribute to our economy.


The Victorian Origins Of The L-Shaped Couches