The word settee is derived from an old English word, setl, meaning a long bench with a carved back.  Today, a settee remains a long bench, but upholstered,  with a back and arms. It is smaller than a sofa in size.

Settees are a type of couch dating to the 18th century and became popular during the reigns of King Louis XV and XVI. They often have a shaped front and a high back with a band of polished wood arounds the arms, frame and back. Settees have a long, single seat instead of separate cushions. In French, settees are often called canapés.

 

Satinwood, also known as yellow, was a very expensive tropical hardwood with a glossy finish. It was used in fine cabinetwork and decorative veneers. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, satinwood was in vogue.  Its light tones provided a perfect canvas for veneers or painting.  Native to India, Sri Lanka and parts of the Caribbean, it is still available today as a luxury wood item.