How much is a fainting couch worth?

How Much are Victorian Fainting Couches? Victorian fainting couches can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $5,038, while the lowest priced sells for $1,495 and the highest can go for as much as $14,156.

What is an antique fainting couch?

A fainting couch is a backless couch that typically has one end raised, against which a person can recline. This type of couch might have been made before the 19th century, but the term “fainting couch” wasn’t commonly used until the 19th century.

How old are fainting couches?

The style of couch referred to popularly as “fainting couches” were popular in the 19th century as a revival of ancient furniture styles. Some people today believe that houses would take this to the level of having separate fainting rooms, where these couches would be the featured furniture.

What are the fainting couches called?

Today we call the fainting couch by another name — “chaise lounge” — and its design has largely remained identical to those introduced in the mid-19th century. And we sit, rather than collapse, upon them.

Why are they called fainting couches?

During this time, Victorian women, who often fainted from wearing tight corsets, would rely on this particular style of sofa to recover. The sofas were staples in what were supposedly called fainting rooms at the time.

What is the difference between a chaise lounge and a fainting couch?

Lest we insult vintage furniture artisans; there is a distinction to be made between the fainting couch and the as popularized chaise lounge; the shape and placement of the back of a fainting couch running alongside the longer edge of the couch (as it would with any couch) whereas the back of the chaise lounge favors …

Where should a fainting couch be placed?

Strong positions for a fainting couch are near a picture window, fireplace or piano. In a bedroom, a fainting couch works well at the foot of the bed or across from the bed with its back to a wall or window.

Why did they have fainting couches?

A fainting couch is a form of a daybed with a raised back and a curvy wooden frame. This piece of furniture was used for relaxing or taking naps throughout the day so as not to mess up a freshly made bed.

How can you tell if a couch is antique?

Sometimes the cushions themselves help determine whether the sofa is old. An old worn-out cushion stuffed with horsehair and springs that look old is likely a true antique, whereas a vintage print fabric on a cushion, but in wonderful, fluffy shape, likely indicates the sofa was either restored or isn’t old.

What were couches called in the 1800s?

“Couch,” derived from French in the 1300s, meant a bed for most of its history, though by the 19th century it denoted something like a chaise-longue with a low back and one end-piece. “Davenport,” meaning the same as “sofa,” is a late 19th-century term, probably taken from the name of an American manufacturer.

How do you style a fainting couch?

Add a standing lamp with fringe, a chandelier on a dimmer switch, a vanity with light bulbs around the mirror, frosted wall sconces to cast a glow, or a sleek chrome table lamp for a modern accent. Sheers or lace hung under the drapes for a light-drenched effect go with a fainting couch.

Are old couches worth anything?

Retail value is typically the highest price you’ll see for vintage furniture, while the wholesale value is the price a dealer would give you for a piece of vintage furniture. This value is often 30-50% less than the retail value. Auction value varies but is usually between the wholesale and retail value.

How can you tell how old a couch is?

Flip the sofa on its side and look for tags or stamps on the fabric or on the exposed areas of the frame. On newer pieces, the tag may be on or underneath removable cushions or the skirt of a couch.

How can I tell what style my antique furniture is?

One of the best ways to identify an antique style is by observing the piece’s legs and feet. Early 17th-century furniture typically featured bun- or ball-style feet. Ball- and claw-style feet are typical of 18th-century furniture, particularly Chippendale, although Thomas Chippendale did not create the design.