Sofas
1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1990s British Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
2010s Italian Sofas
Fabric
Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s German Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Down, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood
Mid-20th Century Belgian Space Age Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Wool
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric
Late 20th Century Swiss Sofas
Leather
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Cotton, Linen, Walnut, Down
Late 20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Fabric
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1950s Italian Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Ash
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Cane, Wood, Walnut
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Birch
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Suede, Wood
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Sofas
Wood
1960s Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Teak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
20th Century English Sofas
Linen
1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
1820s English Regency Antique Sofas
Linen, Mahogany
1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Sofas
Bouclé
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood
20th Century Victorian Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sofas
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Linen, Wood, Paint
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
Late 20th Century Czech Space Age Sofas
Chrome
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Plywood
Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique, new or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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