Divan vs. Couch — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on June 8, 2024
A divan is a sofa without a back, often placed against a wall with cushions for support, while a couch typically has a back, armrests, and is used for seating in living spaces.
Difference Between Divan and Couch
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A divan is a type of furniture that serves as a couch or sofa but distinguishes itself by not having a back. Instead, it is often placed against a wall, where cushions can be added for support and comfort. This style is rooted in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, where the divan is traditionally used for sitting, lounging, or sleeping. Couches, on the other hand, are common seating furniture pieces found in living rooms and lounges, characterized by their back support, armrests, and sufficient cushioning for comfort. They are primarily designed for sitting rather than sleeping.
Divans are versatile and can be used both as seating and as beds. Their design makes them suitable for use in various settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, and guest rooms. This flexibility contrasts with couches, which are generally used for seating purposes in living spaces. The absence of a back in divans allows them to be placed in the center of rooms or in non-traditional settings, offering a minimalist and adaptable furniture option. Couches, with their built-in back and armrests, provide a predefined structure for seating, emphasizing comfort and support.
In terms of aesthetics, divans offer a unique look that can complement a wide range of interior design themes, from traditional to contemporary. The use of cushions and throws can easily alter their appearance, allowing for a customized and stylish look. Couches are available in various styles, shapes, and upholstery options, making them a central piece of furniture in home decor. They play a crucial role in defining the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of living spaces.
When considering functionality, divans can be an excellent choice for spaces that require flexible furniture arrangements. Their simple structure allows them to be easily moved and adapted to different uses, such as creating extra sleeping space. Couches, with their more complex and heavier construction, are typically stationary and designed to anchor a living space or conversation area.
Both divans and couches have their unique advantages, depending on the needs and layout of a space. Divans can add an element of versatility and elegance, while couches offer comfort and a focal point in room design. The choice between a divan and a couch ultimately depends on the user's preferences, space constraints, and design objectives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sofa without a back, often used with cushions against a wall
A seating furniture piece with a back and usually armrests
Primary Use
Seating and sleeping, flexible use in various rooms
Primarily for seating in living spaces
Design
Backless, requires wall support or cushions
Includes back support and often armrests
Versatility
Highly versatile, can be easily moved and adapted
Generally stationary, designed for comfort in fixed spots
Aesthetic Appeal
Minimalist and adaptable with cushions for customized looks
Available in diverse styles to anchor and define living spaces
Compare with Definitions
Divan
Originates from Middle Eastern and Asian cultures.
The ornate divan added an exotic touch to their living space.
Couch
A comfortable seating option with a back and usually armrests.
The new couch was the centerpiece of their living room makeover.
Divan
Serves as both seating and sleeping furniture.
The divan offered an extra sleeping option during their house party.
Couch
Available in various styles, shapes, and upholstery.
The leather couch added a luxurious touch to the office lobby.
Divan
Flexible in use and placement within interior spaces.
They used the divan to create a cozy reading nook in the corner.
Couch
Designed for use in living rooms and lounges.
They chose a sectional couch to accommodate the whole family for movie nights.
Divan
A backless sofa, often placed against a wall with cushions.
The divan in the guest room doubles as a bed when needed.
Couch
Anchors and defines the aesthetic of living spaces.
The bright red couch became the focal point of their minimalist living room.
Divan
Can be styled with various cushions and throws.
She refreshed the look of the divan with vibrant new cushions for the summer.
Couch
Emphasizes comfort and support for sitting.
The plush cushions on the couch made it the favorite spot in the house.
Divan
A divan or diwan (Persian: دیوان, dīvān) was a high government ministry in various Islamic states, or its chief official (see dewan).
Couch
A couch, also known as a sofa, settee, futon, or chesterfield (see Etymology below), is a piece of furniture for seating two or three people. It is commonly found in the form of a bench, with upholstered armrests, and often fitted with springs and tailored cushions.
Divan
A bed consisting of a base and mattress but no footboard or headboard.
Couch
A long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on
I sat in an armchair and they sat on the couch
Divan
A long, low sofa without a back or arms.
Couch
A coarse grass with long creeping roots, which can be a serious weed in gardens.
Divan
A legislative body, council chamber, or court of justice in the Ottoman Empire or elsewhere in the Middle East.
Couch
Express (something) in language of a specified style
The assurances were couched in general terms
Divan
A long backless sofa, especially one set with pillows against a wall.
Couch
Lay down
Two fair creatures, couched side by side in deepest grass
Divan
A counting room, tribunal, or public audience room in Muslim countries.
Couch
Lower (a spear) to the position for attack
To arms! cried Mortimer, and couch'd his quiv'ring lance
Divan
The seat used by an administrator when holding audience.
Couch
Treat (a cataract) by pushing the lens of the eye downwards and backwards, out of line with the pupil.
Divan
A government bureau or council chamber.
Couch
(in embroidery) fix (a thread) to a fabric by stitching it down flat with another thread
Gold and silver threads couched by hand
Divan
(also dī-văn) A coffeehouse or smoking room.
Couch
A sofa.
Divan
(also dī-văn) A book of poems, especially one written in Arabic or Persian by a single author.
Couch
A sofa on which a patient lies while undergoing psychoanalysis or psychiatric treatment.
Divan
A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan).
Couch
The frame or floor on which grain, usually barley, is spread in malting.
Divan
The council chamber where this court is held; by extension, any court of justice.
Couch
A layer of grain, usually barley, spread to germinate.
Divan
Any council or assembly.
Couch
A priming coat of paint or varnish used in artistic painting.
Divan
A couch- or sofa-like piece of furniture made of a mattress lying against the wall and either on the floor or an elevated structure.
Couch
To word in a certain manner; phrase
Couched their protests in diplomatic language.
Divan
(dated) An establishment that serves cigars and coffee, and may offer other amenities such as books, newspapers, and chess.
Couch
To cause (oneself) to lie down, as for rest.
Divan
A collection of poems, especially one written by an author in Arabic or Persian.
Couch
To embroider by laying thread flat on a surface and fastening it by stitches at regular intervals.
Divan
A book; esp., a collection of poems written by one author; as, the divan of Hafiz.
Couch
To spread (grain) on a couch to germinate, as in malting.
Divan
In Turkey and other Oriental countries: A council of state; a royal court. Also used by the poets for a grand deliberative council or assembly.
Couch
To lower (a spear, for example) to horizontal position, as for an attack.
Divan
A chief officer of state.
Couch
To lie down; recline, as for rest.
Divan
A saloon or hall where a council is held, in Oriental countries, the state reception room in places, and in the houses of the richer citizens. Cushions on the floor or on benches are ranged round the room.
Couch
To lie in ambush or concealment; lurk.
Divan
A cushioned seat, or a large, low sofa or couch; especially, one fixed to its place, and not movable.
Couch
To be in a heap or pile, as leaves for decomposition or fermentation.
Divan
A coffee and smoking saloon.
Couch
An item of furniture, often upholstered, for the comfortable seating of more than one person; a sofa.
Divan
A long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall)
Couch
A bed, a resting-place.
Divan
A Muslim council of state
Couch
The den of an otter.
Divan
A collection of Persian or Arabic poems (usually by one author)
Couch
A preliminary layer, as of colour or size.
Divan
A Muslim council chamber or law court
Couch
(brewing) A mass of steeped barley spread upon a floor to germinate, in malting; or the floor occupied by the barley.
A couch of malt
Couch
Psychotherapy.
He spent years on the couch going over his traumatic childhood.
Couch
, a species of persistent grass, Elymus repens, usually considered a weed.
Couch
To lie down; to recline (upon a couch or other place of repose).
Couch
To bend the body, as in reverence, pain, labor, etc.; to stoop; to crouch.
Couch
(transitive) To lay something upon a bed or other resting place.
Couch
(transitive) To arrange or dispose as if in a bed.
Couch
(transitive) To lay or deposit in a bed or layer; to bed.
Couch
(transitive) To lower (a spear or lance) to the position of attack.
Couch
In the treatment of a cataract in the eye, to displace the opaque lens with a sharp object such as a needle. The technique is regarded as largely obsolete.
Couch
To transfer (for example, sheets of partly dried pulp) from the wire mould to a felt blanket for further drying.
Couch
To attach a thread onto fabric with small stitches in order to add texture.
Couch
To phrase in a particular style; to use specific wording for.
He couched it as a request, but it was an order.
Couch
(archaic) To lie down for concealment; to conceal, to hide; to be concealed; to be included or involved darkly or secretly.
Couch
To lay upon a bed or other resting place.
Where unbruised youth, with unstuffed brain,Does couch his limbs, there golden sleep doth reign.
Couch
To arrange or dispose as in a bed; - sometimes followed by the reflexive pronoun.
The waters couch themselves as may be to the center of this globe, in a spherical convexity.
Couch
To lay or deposit in a bed or layer; to bed.
It is at this day in use at Gaza, to couch potsherds, or vessels of earth, in their walls.
Couch
To transfer (as sheets of partly dried pulp) from the wire cloth mold to a felt blanket, for further drying.
Couch
To conceal; to include or involve darkly.
There is all this, and more, that lies naturally couched under this allegory.
Couch
To arrange; to place; to inlay.
Couch
To put into some form of language; to express; to phrase; - used with in and under.
A well-couched invective.
I had received a letter from Flora couched in rather cool terms.
Couch
To treat by pushing down or displacing the opaque lens with a needle; as, to couch a cataract.
He stooped his head, and couched his spear,And spurred his steed to full career.
Couch
To lie down or recline, as on a bed or other place of rest; to repose; to lie.
Where souls do couch on flowers, we 'll hand in hand.
If I court moe women, you 'll couch with moe men.
Couch
To lie down for concealment; to hide; to be concealed; to be included or involved darkly.
We 'll couch in the castle ditch, till we see the light of our fairies.
The half-hidden, hallf-revealed wonders, that yet couch beneath the words of the Scripture.
Couch
To bend the body, as in reverence, pain, labor, etc.; to stoop; to crouch.
An aged squireThat seemed to couch under his shield three-square.
Couch
A bed or place for repose or sleep; particularly, in the United States, a lounge.
Gentle sleep . . . why liest thou with the vileIn loathsome beds, and leavest the kingly couch?
Like one that wraps the drapery of his couchAbout him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
Couch
Any place for repose, as the lair of a beast, etc.
Couch
A mass of steeped barley spread upon a floor to germinate, in malting; or the floor occupied by the barley; as, couch of malt.
Couch
A preliminary layer, as of color, size, etc.
Couch
An upholstered seat for more than one person
Couch
A flat coat of paint or varnish used by artists as a primer
Couch
A narrow bed on which a patient lies during psychiatric or psychoanalytic treatment
Couch
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
Common Curiosities
Can a divan be used for sleeping?
Yes, divans can double as beds due to their flat, backless design.
How do you style a divan?
Divans can be styled with cushions, throws, and rugs to enhance their appearance and comfort.
Are couches suitable for small spaces?
Couches can fit in small spaces if chosen appropriately, though divans may offer more flexibility in tight areas.
Is there a difference in the cost between divans and couches?
Costs vary widely based on design, materials, and brand, with both divans and couches available in a range of prices.
What is a divan?
A divan is a sofa without a back, often used with cushions against a wall for support.
What makes a couch comfortable?
The design, including supportive back and armrests, as well as cushioning, contribute to a couch's comfort.
What is a couch?
A couch is a piece of furniture designed for seating, featuring a back and usually armrests.
Can divans and couches be used interchangeably?
While they serve similar functions, their design differences make them suited to different uses and settings.
How do I choose between a divan and a couch?
Consider your space, design preferences, and functional needs when deciding between the two.
Are divans common in modern interior design?
Divans are used in modern design for their versatility and minimalist appeal.
How do I maintain a divan or couch?
Regular cleaning, avoiding direct sunlight, and following the manufacturer's care instructions help maintain their condition.
Can both divans and couches be custom-made?
Yes, both divans and couches can be custom-made to fit specific design requirements and spaces.
Do couches always have armrests?
Most couches have armrests, but there are designs without them, focusing on a minimalist or specific aesthetic.
Where can I place a divan in my home?
Divans can be placed in living rooms, bedrooms, or any space that benefits from flexible seating and sleeping arrangements.
What materials are used in divans and couches?
Both can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and different types of upholstery.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
