Fainting couch, Green Gables Heritage Place

Small dark leather couch with one armrest and a wooden frame.

During the mid-19th century, the fainting couch or daybed became popular. This curvier type of sofa evolved because the tightly corsetted ladies of the period would collapse onto it to catch their breath. This couch was often placed close to the wood stove in the kitchen, where people could stay warm during the cold winter.