Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Related Questions
- What is the difference between a davenport and a couch?1 Answer
- What is an antique Davenport desk?2 Answers
- What is a Davenport desk used for?1 Answer
- What is a sectional couch?1 Answer
- What is a couch table?1 Answer
Shop for Sofas on 1stDibs
Anfibio Sofa Bed In Cognac Leather By Alessandro Becchi For Giovanetti Collezion
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible Anfibio sofa bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovanetti Collezione Italy 1971. This stunning cognac leather upholstery fits perfectly with the white teddy fabric on the mattr...
Category
Vintage 1970s Sofas
Materials
Leather, Bouclé
"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Natural Linen and Wood Feet, Small Size
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece.
The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chaise Longues
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Edward Wormley Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Great Plains Wool Velvet
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Great Plains, Wool Velvet "Dreamer Marigold" Sofa was stripped down to frame with new foam and reupholstered.
Dimensions:
94" length
34" deep
29"...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Mohair
Michael Taylor Style Wicker Rattan Sofa by Wicker Works
By Wicker Works
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Organic modern rattan sofa hand-crafted by The Wicker Works in Italy. Made in the California coastal manner and style of Michael Taylor designs. Known as the "Classic Square Back" mo...
Category
20th Century Italian Organic Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan, Hardwood
Italian Sofa in Peach Corduroy Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, corduroy velvet, wood, Italy, 1970s
This delicate sofa has a cozy and bulky appeal. An dark orange to peach velvet has been used to cover the seating. The textured surface of ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Otto Schulz or John Kãrnhage, Sofa, Sweden 1940's
By Otto Schulz
Located in Säffle, SE
Lovely shaped Sofa from early 20th mid-century.
The sofa is attributed to both Otto Schulz and John Kärnhagen on different occasions.
The sofa can be bought as is, or custom orde...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Birch