The Georgian period spanned the reigns of English Kings George I – George IV in England, from 1714 until 1820.  Georgian furniture is known for elegance, simplicity, fine quality, balance and lack of ornamentation.

 

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.