Skip to main content

Sofas

8,245
8,043
581
to
1,327
9,668
6,505
16,869
9,501
10,042
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
15,631
6,869
6,418
6,276
6,148
6,182
6,057
6,120
6,039
6,077
5,834
5,963
11,635
7,802
4,363
3,510
12,004
3,546
Sofas For Sale
Organically Shaped Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Wiener Werkstätte, modular sofa, leather, Austria, 1980s This sofa is fully executed in a black leather that contributes to a unified look. The construction consists o...
Category

1980s Austrian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa model '442/3', fabric upholstery, chromed steel, The Netherlands, 1962 This modest sofa is based on a solid construction featuring clear lines and g...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel

Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Brass, Iron

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Bordeaux Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Jacquard, Fabric, Wood

Elegant Danish Sofa in Light Blue Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric by Evolution21 "Capri", Denmark, 1950s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Beige Nubuck Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Caramel Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Halden Armchair in the Style of 1930's Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Halden armchair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Halden armchair is inspired by the Norwegian border town of the same name at the mouth of the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Danish Three Seat Sofa in Red Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, oak, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. A nice detail...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Modern Conchula Armchair, Swivel, DEDAR Rose, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Swivel Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Conchula armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mohair, Oak

Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa model '442/3', fabric, steel, The Netherlands, 1962. A sofa design by Pierre Paulin made into realization in 1962. The sleek fusion of steel and bla...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel

Danish Banana Sofa in Bright Blue Tufted Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Banana sofa, fabric and oak, Denmark, 1960s. This two seat sofa is executed in a bright blue fabric with wooden legs. The sofa has a high and curved backrest. The back gracefully flows into the armrests, creating a slightly curved shape. The piece shows traits of traditional furniture...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Kho Liang Ie for Artifort Sofas in Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, sofas model 'C683', fabric, coated steel, The Netherlands, design 1968 A classic midcentury sofa designed by Indo...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Model 150 BS
Located in Raleigh, NC
An incredible serpentine sofa from Vladimir Kagan designed in 1950. This example was originally upholstered in white leather with white lacquer bases, circa 2000. Now restored in a...
Category

Early 2000s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Retro Style Velvet Sofa W/Oversized Curvy Arms
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa has an impactful Silhouette. The oversized softly curved arms and back work in either formal and more casual settings, it has relaxed comfort in mind. It’s grand, curvy and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Lacquer

Guillerme & Chambron Sofa in Teal Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron, sofa, oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautiful two-seat settee by Guillerme & Chambron, in solid oak. The back of the seat has been beautifully finished with woode...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Howard Keith Grand Sofa in Soft Purple Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Howard Keith, sofa, fabric, United Kingdom, 1970s Grand voluptuous sofa by Howard Keith, designed in the 1970s. This sofa with a deep seat is a true delight to sit and relax in. The thick armrests, seat cushions and low back support the sitter exquisitely. The design of the sofa is grand, bulky and sturdy. Due to its characteristic features, the grand sofa...
Category

1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Metal

Modern Grass Armchair, Brown Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Faux Fur, Oak

Modern Conchula Day Bed, Beige Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Conchula day bed is a room-d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Wool, Bouclé, Wood, Velvet, Cotton

Hvidt and Mølgaard-nielsen for France & Søn 'Minerva' Daybed in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, 'Minerva' daybed, teak, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1957, production 1960s. This elegant daybed or sofa is named 'Minerva'...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Handcrafted Sofa with Architectural Silhouette and High Resistance Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa is a time capsule of style. Taking cues from the most fashionable scarves in history, it’s subtle and layered composition create a dynamic and effortlessly stylish presence...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofas in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofas, fabric, chrome-plated steel, Switzerland, design 1954. These comfortable three-seat sofas are designed by Robert Haussmann for De S...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rare Environ Tre Sculptural Sofa by Edoardo Landi, Gruppo N, Nikol, Italy 1971
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare Sculptural sofa by Edoardo Landi for Nikol Internazionale, Italy 1971 With this sofa you not only get comfort in your home, but also a great work of Art. The sofa creates a shell-like environment that cocoons the sitter. With your own imagination, the sofa can be set up in different ways. This sofa would look beautiful in a Mohair or bouclé Fabric Each sofa is 230 cm in length, 100cm width, the hight is 60cm, seat height 35cm. When setup like a corner 230cmx330cm Born in Modena in 1937, Italy, Landi studied architecture in Venice and attends the School of Industrial Design in Venice between 1962 and 1964. In 1959, he founds Group N with Alberto Biasi, Manfredo Massironi, Toni Costa and Ennio Chiggio. Landi’s work is based on the use of geometric shapes with programmed inclinations or separations, through which he manages changes in the viewer's perception. The artist develops retinal fatigue and optical illusions in some of his works, causing a closer relationship between the viewer and the work. In 1963, he participates with Grupo N at the IV Biennale Internazionale d'Arte di San Marino, where they receive their first prize. Since 1968, his works have been present in international exhibitions in Rome, Oslo, Tokyo, Budapest, Bologna, Paris, Milan and other cities. Since 1971 he has been interested in graphic design and the use of Industrial objects in interior design. Often this sofa is sold as an Ennio Chiggio sofa but is not from his hand, however the sofa was produced by Nikol wich Chiggio also designed for. They were also both a member of the art movement Gruppo N...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Contemporary Velvet Sofa with Oversized Curvy Arms
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa has an impactful silhouette. The oversized softly curved arms and back work in either formal and more casual settings, it has relaxed comfort in mind. It’s grand, curvy and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Lacquer, Velvet

Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Sofa in Oak and Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, three-seat sofa, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s. This sofa is characterized by a splendid design that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aestheti...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Discreet Seaming
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa makes a bold statement with its clean and captivating design, delivering an effortlessly cool finish. The poised back enhances its built-in seat cushion, complemented by d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Modern Twins Day Bed, White Woven Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins day bed and curved sofa s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Velvet, Cotton, Bouclé

Superb Mohair 'Lady' Sitting Room Set Designed by Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1951
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Sumptuous and extremely rare 'lady' living room set designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex ,Italy in 1961. The set consists of a super rare and extremely elegant , three seat elliptical form, 'Lady' sofa ,the largest size produced complete with a matching pair of very early (artisan wood frame) production 'Lady Chairs '. Please note the coffee table is not included with this set. This set has been recovered in an extremely elegant high quality 'Musco' 00 mohair fabric by the famous Dutch textile manufacturer 'De Ploeg' . The fabric creates a warm luxurious organic glow as the mohair pile...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel, Brass

Danish Four Seat Sofa in Teak and Olive Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Four seat sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Typical Scandinavian Modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The way the armrests bent outwards remind of the designed by Folke Ohls...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, teak, Scandinavia, 1950s This understated sofa is an iconic example of Scandinavian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalist...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Sunbrella Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, walnut, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period. T...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Terracotta Jacquard, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Capri Sofa by Johannes Andersen Reupholstered in White Teddy Fur
Located in Berlin, DE
This is an absolute iconic piece of Scandinavian Midcentury Modern design. Johannes Andersen designed the Capri series consisting of a sofa, armchairs and a coffee table all produced...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Modular Sofa in Brown Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sectional sofa, fabric, Europe, 1970s This high-quality sectional sofa contains three regular elements, one corner element, and one ottoman, making it possible to arrange this sofa ...
Category

1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or settee, leather, chromed steel, Austria, 1960s This subtle and modest sofa is designed by the talented Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spal...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 This wonderfully aged two-seat sofa has a beautiful all-over patina. Highly comfortable d...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofa in Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofa, fabric and chrome plated metal, Switzerland, design 1954. This comfortable three-seat sofa is designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti 'Larissa' Sofa in Purple Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, three-seat sofa, fabric, acrylic, chromed metal, Italy, 1969 This eccentric sofa named ‘Larissa’ epitomizes a beautifu...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Modern Grass Curved Sofa, Nobilis Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass curved sofa takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

Modern Twins Day Bed, Beige Wool Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins day bed and curved sofa s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Velvet, Wood

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, DEDAR Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, fabric, ultrasuede, wood, Italy, 1970s. This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo and consists of a three-seater, two-seater, a...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Ultrasuede, Wood

De Sede Sectional Sofa Model ‘DS-15’ in Patinated Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa model 'DS-15', leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This high-quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains both one corner element and six regula...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger Modular Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger, modular sofa model ‘Eurochair’, leather, chromed steel, Switzerland, 1970s This sofa is created by...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Modern Twins Day Bed, Beige Cotton Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins day bed and curved sofa s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Velvet, Bouclé, Cotton

Eccentric French Sofa in Teak and Cognac Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, leather, France, 1960s A French sofa defined by a pronounced geometric structure of clear lines and distinctive carvings. The wide armrests are detailed in a subtle mann...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Teak, Leather

Maison Regain Sofa in Elm and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, sofa, elm, fabric, leather France, 1960s This sofa by Maison Regain is an elegant and well-proportioned piece within a simplistic construction that allows it to fit seamlessly into any interior. The designer decided to stay modest with decoration by implementing tufted buttons on the seat and armrests which add a textured look to overall design. The back is vertically structured by means of evenly spaced leather...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Elm, Leather

Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Sofa in Elm and Checked Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sofa, elm, checkered fabric, Italy, 1975. Cubic ‘Artona’ sofa by Italian designer couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa. This sofa shows absolute st...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Arne Norell Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, sofa, brown leather, wood, Sweden, circa 1960s This sofa is refined, modern with a robust touch. A well-designed sofa by talented Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-197...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Faux Fur, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Four-Seater Sofa in Black Leatherette and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Four-seater sofa, leatherette, steel, Europe, 1960s. Sizeable sofa that could easily seat four or more people. This sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overal...
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Steel

Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, sofa, model ‘Cannaregio’, multicolored upholstery, Italy, 1987 Large ‘Cannaregio’ sofa, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassi...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Danish Four Seat Sofa in Teak and Moss Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Typical Scandinavian Modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The triangular silhouette of the armrests underlines the modern dimensions of thi...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs: Find Mario Bellini Sofas, Togo Sofas, Vladimir Kagan Sofas and Other Seating for Sale

Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique 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. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. 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.

Recently Viewed

View All