The tête-à-tête was dreamt up in France in the 19^th century to nurture intimate conversations. Chatting with a friend while leaning across a cocktail table isn’t conducive to whispering secrets. Behold the tête-à-tête: a perfect opportunity to share all the juicy gossip with a friend, with little room for the secrets to be overheard. The furniture style is also called “le confidant” – a place for confidential conversations.

The tête-à-tête became wildly popular in the Gilded and Victorian eras because it was also perfect for couples that were courting. It encouraged private conversations while also keeping the conversationalists from touching! It’s far too easy to put your hand on your lover’s knee while sitting on a sofa – but with an arm rest between you as a modesty barrier, parents and chaperones are suddenly much more comfortable. For this reason, there was a tête-à-tête in virtually every formal parlor, sitting room or large entry way.

While less popular now, we still spot tête-à-têtes from time to time, making it an unexpected delight! They work nicely as a centerpiece in a large sitting room or can serve as a bridge between two sitting areas by allowing seating that faces in two directions.