What is a Davenport and How is it Different Than A Sofa?

Firstly let’s start by clarifying, that the term “Davenport” doesn’t just refer to a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. It is also a type of furniture that might lounge on in a living room that resembles a sofa or a couch.

Well, Davenport is not as commonly found as sofas and couches in modern home furnishings. In today’s world, it is considered an antique piece. While it may not be as common as other seating options, a Davenport is still valued for its unique style and functionality by those looking for a distinctive piece of furniture for their home.

In this article, we will learn more about Davenport, its history, its characteristics, and how it differs from other furniture.

What Exactly is a Davenport?

The description of a Davenport varies depending on the region. In the Midwest and the Adirondack area, older adults might still call any couch a Davenport. In Britain and antique stores specializing in Victorian furniture, a Davenport refers to a style of writing desk.

While in certain regions a Davenport refers to a large, boxy couch with drawers underneath, or it could simply mean any upholstered furniture that is spacious enough to relax on.

The Origin of the Davenport Couch

A Davenport is basically a big couch that can also be used as a bed, providing a cozy spot for sitting and sleeping. Initially, davenport referred to a small writing desk. In the 19th century, A.H. Davenport and Company, a furniture maker in Cambridge, Massachusetts, made a large, square-shaped sofa that was fully upholstered, which quickly gained popularity as a stylish and comfortable seating option in homes across the country. As time passed, the term “Davenport” became widely used to refer to all couches.

Similarly, the company manufactured custom high-end furniture for prominent personalities and notable buildings. They partnered with famous architecture firms such as McKim, Mead, H.H Richardson, and Standford White. In 1902, the Davenport Co. also renovated the White House during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.

In 1914, The Davenport Co. merged with Boston furniture maker and interior design house Irving & Casson. Unfortunately, the company gradually declined due to financial difficulties and changing market trends and shut down permanently in 1973.

Davenport Desk: A Functional Funiture Piece

Davenport desks originated in Great Britain in the late 18th century, first made by upscale furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster Company for a man, Captain Davenport. These desks are also called ship captain’s desk due to the captain’s profession. Davenport desks resemble old slanted school desks but are larger with more features.

The desk has a slanting top that can be lifted on hinges and beneath the desktop there is a storage compartment for paper and writing supplies, along with small drawers and pigeonholes for other items.

Most original desks had leather-covered writing surfaces. Furthermore, additional storage is provided by drawers and cupboards on one side, often hidden by a decorative panel.

The back of the desk supports most of its weight, while two ornately carved legs or pillars hold up the front. Casters on the bottoms made them easy to move.

Davenport desks were moderately popular in the late 18th-century Georgian era and became very fashionable in the mid-19th-century Victorian era.

What is the difference between Davenport and Sofa?

The terms “Sofa” and “Davenport” are often used interchangeably for seating furniture, but historically, they had different meanings.

Origin and Usage: The term “sofa” comes from the Arabic word “ṣuffa,” which means a raised platform with cushions on top. Davenport originally referred to a specific type of sofa, introduced in the 19th century, in some areas while others may refer to a sofa bed or convertible sofa. It

Design and Style: Sofas are long, upholstered seats with arms and back support, available in various styles and sizes. Davenport usually had a large, upholstered seat with back and arms, often with a mechanism to fold down into a bed-like surface.

A Davenport stands out from a typical sofa due to its versatility. It can transform into a bed, serving two functions in one piece of furniture. On the other hand, traditional sofas are primarily used for seating.

Also read, How to Decorate Tall Walls: Creative Ideas for Transforming Large Vertical Spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did they call a couch a Davenport?

A couch might be called a Davenport due to the historical influence of the A.H. Davenport Company, whose high-quality sofas became so well-known that the brand name evolved into a generic term for similar types of furniture.

2. What makes a Davenport different from a regular sofa?

A Davenport might have specific features or styles, like built-in storage, convertible backs, or a more formal design. In contrast, a sofa can come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from modern and minimalist to traditional and ornate.

3. Can I call any sofa a Davenport?

You can call any sofa a Davenport, but it might confuse for some time. It is best to use “Davenport” when referring to specific traditional or vintage styles that match the historical context of the term. For general purposes, “sofa” is the more appropriate term.

4. Can a Davenport be used as a bed?

Some Davenports included features like convertible backs that allowed them to be used as beds. However, not all Davenports have this functionality.

5. Is the term “Davenport” still commonly used today?

Today, the term “Davenport” is less frequently used and tends to be more common in specific regions and among older generations. “Sofa” is now the more widely accepted and commonly used term.