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Why was a couch called a davenport?
1 Answer
A couch is occasionally called a davenport when the furnishing in question is a large comfortable sofa that can double as a bed or can be converted into a bed. The name comes from a now-defunct New England furniture manufacturer, A.H. Davenport & Company, which was established in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the late 19th century. Davenport furnished the homes of the richest Americans during what we now call the Gilded Age.
In the 1880s, thanks largely to the Industrial Revolution, the American economy started booming, and when it did, it created a whole new supply of millionaires. Firms like the Duveen Brothers supplied these families with European decor, and manufacturers such as A.H. Davenport & Company furnished their mansions. The term davenport became a synonym for any sofa that looked like the one produced by the popular Massachusetts company.
Find vintage sofas and sofa beds on 1stDibs.
In the 1880s, thanks largely to the Industrial Revolution, the American economy started booming, and when it did, it created a whole new supply of millionaires. Firms like the Duveen Brothers supplied these families with European decor, and manufacturers such as A.H. Davenport & Company furnished their mansions. The term davenport became a synonym for any sofa that looked like the one produced by the popular Massachusetts company.
Find vintage sofas and sofa beds on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024
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Shop for Sofas on 1stDibs
Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered Acid Green and Green Iridescent Velvet 1970
By B&B Italia
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered in Iridescent Acid Green and Green Velvet, mirrored checkerboard effect.
Can be sold individually.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet
British Victorian Max Rollitt Dean Green Velvet and Beige Fabric Sofa
Located in London, GB
The Dean Sofa by Max Rollitt is a wonderful bespoke piece. Making bespoke pieces since 1998, the collection now comprises beds, chairs, tables, lighting and more. These days, it’s M...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Velvet
A pair of "Spirit" Sofas by John Hutton
By John Hutton
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair “spirit” sofas by John Hutton for Dohghia. Covered in a deep rust colored velvet with decorative velvet rosettes across the back. Retains Donghia label.
Condition: Very goo...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Curved Sofa Milo Baughman Jack Lenor Larsen Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stunning mid-century modern five-piece sectional curved sofa Milo Baughman style, in original Jack Lenor Larsen style upholstery. An exceptional sofa both for its form and quality, i...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
1 OF 2 TIMOTHY OULTON HERiTAGE BROWN VINTAGE LEATHER CHESTERFIELD HALO SOFAS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable, Timothy Oulton Designed, over sized Heritage brown leather Chesterfield sofa that is...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Materials
Leather
Trio Modular Sofa by Franz Hero and Karl Odermatt by Team Form AG for COR
By Team Form AG, COR
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Designer: Franz Hero and Karl Odermatt by Team Form AG
Brand: COR, Germany
Era: 1970’s
Material: Beige, Teddy Fabric
Size: 468 cm x 96 cm x 62,5 cm (first pricture)
Seat: High 36cm...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric