Skip to main content

Sofas

8,369
8,036
573
to
1,469
9,736
6,548
16,978
9,610
10,158
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
15,736
6,889
6,440
6,298
6,164
6,200
6,073
6,135
6,056
6,094
5,852
5,979
11,633
7,849
4,372
3,575
12,087
3,537
Sofas For Sale
French Vintage Togo Sofa in Black Leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset.
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The Togo collection features an ergonomic design with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Foam

Pumpkin 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset 2010
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Modernist design by Pierre Paulin, the Pumpkin was designed by Paulin in the 70s to represent an organic interpretation to furniture. In line with many other Paulin designs, its insp...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Foam

Midcentury Brazilian Sofa in Brown Leather and Rosewood by Percival Lafer
Located in Karlstad, SE
Four-seat sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s. This sofa consists of a rosewood frame upon which the cushions rest. The cushions are upholstered in brown leather with buttons of ...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Rosewood

Vintage MCM Floral/Bird Yellow 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Medina, OH
Vintage mid-century modern yellow floral/bird sofa. This 3-seater sofa is very unique. This was once reupholstered but does need some TLC again. It has some good bones, see pictures ...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Expertly Restored Adrian Pearsall Armless Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates
Located in Medina, OH
The epitome of mid-century modern design is the Armless Gondola designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s. This specific unit has been expertly restored by Cople...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Cotton, Foam, Walnut

Rolf Benz Vintage Modular Brown Sectional Sofa 1970
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Modular sectional sofa was designed by Rolf Benz and manufactured in Germany. It is a pure 70ties design with timeless modern shape. The fabric is Velou...
Category

1970s German Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Down, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Early Edition of "Superonda" Sofa for Poltronova, circa 1966
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
The Superonda sofa by Poltronova, a result of collaboration with Archizoom Associati, stands as a quintessential emblem of Italian design. Conceived in 1967 by the radical Florentin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Plastic, Foam

Mid 19th century large painted Swedish bench day bed
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century large painted Swedish bench day bed Large rustic Swedish pine bench / day bed circa 1850. Very heavy item. Ideal for a summer house or garden room. Lift up seat wh...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Sofas

Materials

Pine, Paint

Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa and Two Armchairs Set by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Set of Sofa and Two Armchair Manufactured by Cassina Dimensions Sofa: W 78 x D 67 x H 72/42 cm Armchairs: W 78 x D 67 x H 72/42 cm Each 70S-STYLE RELAXATI...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

1930s Danish Art Deco 3-Seater Sofa In Cuban Mahogany By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A striking 3-seater sofa in Cuban mahogany and green velvet fabric by Frits Henningsen. In competition with his teacher Kaare Klint, Henningsen was one of the outstanding Danish des...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Hardwood

French Vintage Togo Sofa in Mid Brown Leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset.
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Foam

Danish 1940's Banana Shaped Curved Loveseat or Sofa Covered in Lambswool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved two-seat sofa or loveseat made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round lines and iconic b...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered Acid Green and Green Iridescent Velvet 1970
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered in Iridescent Acid Green and Green Velvet, mirrored checkerboard effect. Can be sold individually.
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Pair of Gugliemo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Armchairs, 1940s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular pair of armchairs attributed to the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, the upholstery is original from the time but replacement is recommended. Production from the 1940s i...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Venetian Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
The Venetian Sofa is a rare example in Vladimir Kagan’s repertoire that includes loose cushions. The design dates back to 1956, this inviting sofa features rounded shapes and playful...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Italian Settee Sofa 1950's
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Mid-Century Sofa from 1950s Italy. Upholstered recently in a very soft Faux sheep wool, This cozy settee would go beautifully at the end the bed or any other seating area.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

White Leather Corner Togo Seat by Ligne Roset, 1980s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French Togo corner seat by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic togo sofa is now a design classic. This seat comes in its ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Two Seater Togo Sofa in White Leather by Ligne Roset, 1980s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French two seater Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic togo sofa is now a design classic. This sofa comes in ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Minimalist Modernist Knoll Charles Pfister in Gray Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Charles Pfister designed his beautifully proportioned lounge collection in 1971. The timeless appeal and superb craftsmanship reflect his interest in "useful, sculptural, wonderfully...
Category

Late 20th Century Minimalist Sofas

Materials

Steel

1970s Swedish Donald Judd Three Seat Sofa with Custom Cushions
Located in Pasadena, CA
1970s Swedish Donald Judd Three Seat Sofa with Custom Cushions. Striped Fabric Cushions. Fabric Bands Under the cushions for weight support. Measures approx. - H26 x L90 x D33
Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wood

For Allison Sheepskin/Shearling Sofa and two lounge chairs 'Samspel"
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This is for Allison, one sofa and two lounge chairs. Item Reference LU4154138829682 LU4154138829492 This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufact...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin

Danish Modern Settee, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish modern settee from the 1940s, dark stained beech legs with a multicolored, floral themed upholstered and tufted body.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Vintage modular sofa set, 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Seventies design sofa set made from simili leather with a illuminated storage space. Cool chromed tubular details. Very comfortable sofa set with a cool seventies vibe. Very good ...
Category

1970s Belgian Space Age Vintage Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Circa 1780 Antique French Louis XVI Carved Settee Sofa Canapé
Located in Shippensburg, PA
LOUIS XVI CARVED AND SCRUBBED PARCEL-GILT CANAPÉ France, circa 1780 cambric not removed to examine for signatures Item # 404GPQ12L A lovely Louis XVI period canapé from the last qu...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Michael Taylor Style Wicker Rattan Sofa New Performance Upholstery
Located in Mckinney, TX
Add a touch of classic design to your retreat, whether by the water or in the mountains, with this stunning Michael Taylor style mid-century wicker rattan sofa, meticulously reuphols...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wicker, Rattan

Mario Bellini two sofas Model "Le Bambole" for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Pair of fabric sofas, from the Le Bambole series, designed by Mario Bellini in 1972, Italian production, bearing the B&B brand. The 1970s marked a period of significant cultural and...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Set of Guillerme et Chambron Sculptural Oak Sofas for Votre Maison, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The best design characteristics of Guillerme and Chambron meet in this beautiful set of oaken sofas. The duo’s designs are exceptional for a wide array of reasons, starting from the ...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Contemporary Limited Edition Red Leather Sofa and Footstool Set by Rolf Benz
Located in Tarleton, GB
Rolf Benz Sofa and Footstool in Red Leather Introducing the stunning limited edition Rolf Benz Red Leather Sofa and Footstool, originally a special customer commission from the reno...
Category

1990s German International Style Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Midcentury 3-Seater Sofa in Solid Oak attributed to Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and sought after sofa attributed to Danish Designer, Henning Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak, Hand carved in brutalist style seeking inspiration from art & crafts and...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Brass

De Sede Sofa DS 600
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
De Sede Sofa DS 600 in leather
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Antler, Leather

Anfibio sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovanetti 1970
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Iconic Anfibio sofa. Designed for Giovanetti by Alessandro Becchi, 1970. This sofa bed has an amazing patine on the original leather. No weak spots or holes in the leather. Rare ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

A Classic Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa With Rosewood Legs Model 4907
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa, model 4907, with six rosewood legs. Nine feet long.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

DIALOGO Modular Sofa - Swivel Seats, Wooden Table & Brass Base by Storagemilano
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Crafted with versatility in mind, this modular sofa ensemble features: a) Two plush swivel seats, expertly upholstered for comfort. b) A sleek Canaletto walnut table boasting a conv...
Category

2010s Italian Sofas

Materials

Brass

Roberto Sebastián Matta, Seating System Model “Malitte”, Italy, 1966
Located in Barcelona, ES
Roberto Sebastián Matta Seating system model “Malitte” Named after Malitte Pope, Matta´s wife Manufactured by Gavina (1966-1968) and Knoll International (1968-1974) Italy, 1966 Foam,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Foam

American Designer, Large Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved green fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in the US, 1950s. Seat height: 16”
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Tor Wolfenstein, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and green velvet sofa, designed by Tor Wolfenstein and produced by Ditzingers, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height: 17.5”
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Floating Seat and Back Sofa in Mohair by Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
The Floating Seat and Back Sofa s a unique and iconic piece of furniture designed by the American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan. This sofa is known for its distinctive shape, whi...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Large Retro Hotel Lounge Distressed Leather Sofa
Located in Tarleton, GB
Retro Hotel Lounge Brown Distressed Leather Sofa  Infuse your living space with the timeless elegance of the Retro Hotel Lounge Distressed Aniline Leather Sofa sourced by The Rare C...
Category

1980s British Art Deco Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

Vintage LC2 black leather chrome frame 2 seat sofa loveseat by Le Corbusier
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage 2 seat sofa or lovseat by Le Corbusier. Model LC2 in black Leather in very good vintage condition shows use and patina. Triple chrome plated steel frame. All straps are good ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

First edition three seater leather sofa by Mario Marenco, Arflex, Italy, 1970s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A first edition three-seater Marenco leather sofa by Arflex from the 1970s, designed by the talented Mario Marenco. Introduced in 1970, this sofa showcases a modular architecture, c...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti 'Avedon' Sofa in Turquoise Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti 'Avedon' sofa, fabric, wood, metal, Italy, 1980s A truly wonderful piece that breathes the elegance of Italian Post Modern design. This design by Mauro ...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jean Royère style curvy cognac pleather sofa, 21st century
Located in View Park, CA
A curvy cognac pleather sofa with a bombastically bulging edge and back after Jean Royère, 21st century. Featuring girthy wooden legs and a 70s orange underlay upholstery. Immaculate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Mid Century Modern Designer- Mel Smilow - Solid Walnut Case Sofa circa 1950s
Located in Ocean Grove, NJ
Rare solid walnut case sofa by American designer, Mel Smilow. Mel Smilow is a lesser know designer from the mid century time period, but he created some amazing minimalist but beaut...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

3-Piece Italian Modular Sofa in Zebra Print Upholstery, circa 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
3-Piece Italian Modular Sofa in Zebra Print Upholstery, circa 1970. Pieces look great pushed together as a sofa but also can stand alone as chairs. The book-matched channel tufting g...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Scandinavian Modern Teak & Off White Leather Small Sofa Attributed to Ekornes
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Scandinavian Modern small leather sofa Attributed to Ekornes comprised of a teak frame and off-white leather removeable seat, back, and arm zippered cushions. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials however, it is not signed or marked in any way. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, we have re-dyed the leather in its original color. There are some signs of wear on right hand cushions. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, late 20th to early 21st Century. This sofa is SCREAMING with Scandinavian Modern Magnificence!!! We have a FABULOUS vintage Scandinavian Modern style small leather sofa Attributed to Ekornes for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. It’s not quite as small as a loveseat but it’s not as large as a traditional sofa. It does have three seat cushions, they’re just a little more “snug,” which is actually quite nice…so we’re calling it a small or petite sofa. It is comprised of a phenomenal teak frame bearing a beautiful front apron and flared arms. It holds three seat, three back, and two arm cushions, all removeable, zippered, and wearing a lovely off white leather. And there are hidden Velcro strips on the sofa deck and on the underside of the arms for added stability to hold the cushions tightly in place. And the bottom dust cover has two zippers so you can access the springs for convenient cleaning, etc. NICE!! The back of the sofa features a leather padded cushion between the teak back legs featuring vertical stitched details and the sofa sides are solid leather panels surrounded by teak frames. The arms swoop down and the leather arm cushion wraps around the top and side of the arms and connects to the hidden Velcro strap on the underside. Can we just say… GORGEOUS!!! It is the epitome of Scandinavian Modern beauty!!! It is going to be wonderful in your living room facing your coffee table, in a family or sitting room surrounded by Danish décor and other furnishings, or in the den or study flanking the fireplace. It bears superior comfort, exquisite style, and a quintessential Scandinavian Modern style you are sure to love for years to come! Most people know that Ekornes is a Norwegian company. What you may not know is Ekornes began in the mattress industry. The journey starts in 1934 with founder J.E. Ekornes. At that time, Ekornes was manufacturing springs for furniture companies in the area, and soon after, all throughout Norway. In 1947, Ekornes made a huge leap into the production of wooden furniture frames and parts for day beds and sofa beds. And soon after, they began production of their own mattresses. Their foamed plastics changed the mattress industry. By the time 1966 came around, Ekornes was releasing its newest and first collection of lounge furniture. This made Ekornes the first furniture manufacturer in Norway! Ekornes quickly became a household name in their country and in 1971 the Stressless Recliner was introduced. At the time, no one at Ekornes knew that the introduction of this early model Stressless chair would soon become the bulk of their business. Just 5 years after, The Stressless Brand alone hit the 100 million Norwegian Krone mark! In 1994, Ekornes celebrated its 60th anniversary and by 1996 the Stressless Chair had been on the market for 25 years. In March of 2001, Ekornes opened its famous showroom "Ekornes Bua" in Alesund, Norway and between 2002 and 2007, showrooms were opening up all over the world: Sao Paulo, Paris, Las Vegas, Berlin, and several more cities in Europe, Asia, and The United States. They are still in production today. Can you really go wrong with teak and leather? We think NOT!!! Comfort, convenience, quality, and a classic style created to withstand the hands of time!! We LOVE this teak & off white leather sofa...
Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Teak

Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original patinated leather upholstery. Legs of oak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Chrome Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Chrome Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 36 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height of 26.75 inches All pieces of furnitur...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J Robert Scott Ivory Fabric
Located in Countryside, IL
Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric This sofa measures: 78 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 22 inches About Photos:...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric - Pair Each sofa measures: 78 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 22 inches About ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Vao Sofa 380 by Paolo Castelli
Located in Boston, MA
Three-seat sofa with a sinuous shape and ample dimensions, supported by a structure with legs made of discarded eco-friendly solid ash with an acetic finish, whose imperfections give...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Ludvig Pontoppidan, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Sofa, Light Gray Wool, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Ludvig Pontoppidan, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Sofa or Settee, Light Gray Wool, Mahogany, 1950s Danish cabinetmaker sofa designed by Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark circa 1950s. This ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Cini Boeri, Bengodi, Velvet Sofa, Arflex, 1974
Located in Paris, FR
Cini Boeri (1924-2020) Bengodi A rectangular three-seater sofa covered with velvet upholstery, the seat and back each with two cushions on six feet. Original edition by Arflex. Ita...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Oscar Backless Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Backless Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 95 x D 101 x H 40 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modula...
Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

3-seater leather sofa 'Dieses' by Antonio Citterio & Paolo Nava
Located in PARIS, FR
3 or 4-seater sofa model 'Dieses' in black leather by designers Antonio Citterio (1950-) & Paolo Nava (1943-) for B&B Italia. The structure is in metal and the covering in original b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Sofas

Materials

Leather

Wood Oscar Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Oscar Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 210 x D 85 x H 76 cm Materials: Fabric Pierre Frey Esteban Meringue, High Gloss Mahogany Wood Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar N...
Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Oscar End Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar End Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 115 x D 105 x H 84 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modular so...
Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

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.

Recently Viewed

View All