Sofas
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
1880s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Upholstery
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Mahogany
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
1980s European Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
2010s English Louis XVI Sofas
Wood
19th Century English Antique Sofas
Brass
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric
1970s American Vintage Sofas
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass, Steel
1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
Late 20th Century French Sofas
Leather
1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1940s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
19th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Walnut
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
1960s Italian Baroque Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
2010s Dutch Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam, Wood
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
20th Century English Edwardian Sofas
Leather
20th Century Italian Art Deco Sofas
Leather
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Palisander
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Sofas
Suede
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Teak
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Sofas
Leather
1650s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Brass
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Latex, Rubber
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Early 20th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
18th Century English Georgian Antique Sofas
Beech
2010s Latvian Sofas
Fabric, Plywood
Late 19th Century French Antique Sofas
Linen, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Rosewood
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Sofas
Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech, Fabric, Wood, Lacquer, Upholstery
Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 19th Century Austrian Black Forest Antique Sofas
Wood, Antler
19th Century British Georgian Antique Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
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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