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Couches, Sofas, Chesterfields, etc.

 


Was there a more important piece of residential furniture in the Twentieth Century than the sofa? The sofa was where you entertained guests, you watched TV, read, and napped. If you were a kid, you pulled the cushions off to make a fort. Some of them turned into beds. It was where you had intimate or philosophical discussions with your friends. Not to mention teenage make out sessions. The quality of your sofa indicated your status.

Sofas were around before the Twentieth Century and are still omnipresent today, but I think that century was its heyday. But what is the difference between a sofa, a couch, a davenport etc.?

Davenport – A davenport was simply a high-end sofa that was manufactured by the Davenport Furniture Company of Massachusetts in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The company is no longer in business, but the name davenport became a generic term that is still sometimes used.

Chesterfield – The first Chesterfield sofa was commissioned by the Earl of Chesterfield in the 18th Century and the name stuck. Now what is referred to as a Chesterfield is a leather couch with deep buttons, with arms and back at the same height.

Divan – Divans are Asian in origin named for Middle Eastern government offices where they were usually found. They consisted of a long-raised bench set against a wall that might have cushions against the wall.

Chaise lounge – Sort of a hybrid between a sofa and a chair. Basically, a chair that is elongated enough to allow the sitter to rest their legs on it. The name translates to “long chair” in French.

Futon – This is of Japanese origin. It consists of a pliable mattress on a frame capable of folding. Originally futons were beds that were folded up and stored in a cupboard. Modern western futons fold into something more resembling a sofa when not being used as a bed.

Sofa, Couch, Settee – These terms are all interchangeable being distinguished mainly by geography. The term ‘couch” is used more in North America and Australia. “Sofa” and “settee”  are used more in the UK and India. These geographic differences have become less important as the world becomes more interconnected. The word ‘sofa’ is derived from an Arabic word meaning bench. The word ‘couch’ originated in Middle English from a French word meaning to lie down. The word ‘settee’ comes from an Old English word meaning a long bench.

The first family couch that I was to know was a thing of reverence. We children were not allowed to play on it. I think we were allowed to sit on it, but mostly it was for entertaining my parents’ guests. It resided in the ‘living room’ which the children usually stayed out of; that room being a thing of carpet and cushions. Our family had that couch for many years. By the time we got rid of it, I think the couch, and couches in general, had lost their mystique for me. They were just like any other piece of furniture.

Star Liner


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