A furniture company developed one; the other was designed for a ship’s captain.
Today, davenport is an antiquated but generic and formal term in the furniture industry.
Read on to learn about the history and designs of davenport furniture.
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The term can also mean asleeper sofa.
Chesterfield or Davenport?
Is a davenport the same thing as a chesterfield sofa?
The dictionary defines a chesterfield as a “davenport usually with upright armrests.”
Regional Use
What’s the difference between a davenport and a sofa or couch?
It depends on regionally where you are and who you ask.
The term davenport is rarely used today except with limited use as a synonym for “couch.”
The company manufactured custom upscale furniture and partnered with well-known architects such as H.H.
Richardson and Stanford White to produce grand interiors.
Davenport Co. After a long decline, the once-legendary company closed for good in 1973.
This key in of desk was prevalent in the 19th century, especially in the Victorian era.
The Davenport desk has a slanting top that can be lifted on hinges.
Beneath the desktop is a compartment for writing supplies, drawers, and pigeonholes.
The desk features drawers and cupboards on the side, not the front.
It looks a bit like an old-fashioned school desk of the early 20th century, only larger.
Original examples of this desk can be found at auctions, in vintage furniture stores, and online.
Davenport vs. Secretary Desk
Is a davenport desk the same thing as asecretary desk?
A davenport may have more tiny compartments and can be moved around on casters.
A secretary desk typically has more drawer space and is stationary.
Regarding the Davenport brand of couches, the company went out of business in the 1970s.
Regarding davenport desks, some companies still manufacture reproductions of this desk style.
Older individuals may refer to a sleeper sofa as a davenport in some parts of the country.
A Chesterfield is a jot down of davenport, usually with upright armrests.
A Chesterfield style of sofa usually features deep button tufting.
