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Why was a couch called a davenport?

1 Answer
Why was a couch called a davenport?
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.
1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024
Shop for Sofas on 1stDibs
Bend Sofa With Exposed Wooden Back
By Paulo Antunes
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa stands out with its distinctive combination of geometric shapes. Upholstered in smooth velvet fabric and designed with plush, padded seats, it offers unparalleled comfort. ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

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Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Sherrill Chippendale Style Mahogany & Leather Floral Upholstered Sofa
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Sherrill Furniture Traditional Camelback Sofa. Features a mahogany frame wrapped in brown leather and floral upholstery with brass nailhead trim. The sofa body is...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Sofas

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Leather, Mahogany

Made To Order Classic Style Sofa with Tufting In Eden Green Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This luxurious sofa offers a modern interpretation of a classic design, distinguished by its deep, all-over button tufting across the back, arms, and front base. Upholstered in a ric...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

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Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Contemporary Channeled Fleure 3 seater Sofa in Emerald Green Velvet Brass Legs.
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Award winning Fleure Signature Edition is our latest revival of the award winning Fleure 3 Seater Sofa, reimagined in this premium cotton velvet upholstery. This signature piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas

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Brass

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 96
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 72"
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

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