What Is a Settee?
Learn how to add chic, slim, elegant seating to your rooms.
A settee is a small, slim upholstered seat designed for two people, typically featuring exposed legs and a streamlined silhouette.
A settee – derived from the old English word setl, which was a long oak bench with a carved back – is a smaller, slimmer version of a sofa. Originating in the 1700s, the formal settee was often seen in wealthier homes, providing a spot for a courting couple to chat. Traditionally, it was crafted from wood, sat on raised legs, and had a high, elegant or intricately carved back. Decorative settees were often stuffed or upholstered and were popular throughout the 19th century but were eventually replaced with larger, overstuffed furniture as people's ideas of comfort changed.
Today, settees are back in vogue, mostly because they're versatile, portable, and ideal for small spaces where large furniture might make a room feel cramped.
Settee vs. Sofa: What's the Difference?
Settees typically differ from sofas due to their size. Because settees are meant to seat fewer people, they usually range in width from 50" to 90", although you can find longer ones. Small settees under 70" are perfect for small spaces, while standard ones up to 86" work in most average-sized living spaces. Most settees also tend to have a shallower seat depth than sofas – under 21". For most models, you sit more upright, but you can select a standard, deep, or extra-deep model if you're hoping for more space to lean back.
Common Settee Dimensions
- Width: Most settees measure 50"–90", though they can come in small (under 70"), standard (up to 86") and long (86"+) sizes
- Seat Depth: Settees come in four common depths – shallow (under 21"), standard (21"–28"), deep (29"–35"), extra-deep (over 35")
- Seating Capacity: They typically seat one to three people comfortably
Where to Use a Settee
Designed to accommodate two people, settees are ideal for small spaces and can dress up a nook or provide additional seating in a larger room. Popular placement options include:
- Living room – as accent seating or in a small space
- Bedroom – as a bench at the foot of the bed
- Entryway – for putting on shoes
- Office – as a reading spot
- Guest room – as a small daybed
- Dining nook – pulled up to a table for banquette seating
- Dressing room or walk-in closet – a pretty spot to sit down
Types of Settees
Most settees don't take up a large footprint. With their slim, exposed legs and streamlined look, settees add a sophisticated look to your space. You can choose from different designs:
- Standard Settee – A classic, compact sofa shape with a traditional silhouette
- Curved Settee – Features a gently curved back for a more elegant, sculptural look
- Convertible/Sleeper Settee – Reclines or converts into a double or queen-sized bed
- Armless Settee – A sleek, bench-like design without arms for a minimalist aesthetic
- Bench-Style Settee – Resembles a bench more than a sofa, often with a lower back
You can choose from cozy, casual and comfortable settees, or ones that are more tailored with minimal detailing for a high-end, boutique hotel look.
Settee FAQ
What is a settee used for?
A settee provides compact, stylish seating for small spaces, entryways, bedrooms, or as accent seating in larger rooms.
How many people can sit on a settee?
Most settees seat one to three people, with two-person seating being the most common.
Is a settee the same as a loveseat?
While similar in size, a settee typically has a slimmer profile, shallower seat depth, and more exposed legs than a loveseat, giving it a more formal, streamlined appearance.
Article by Wendy Helfenbaum.
