Blue Camelback Sofa
Early 20th Century Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Sofas
Cotton
People Also Browsed
1990s North American Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s English Chinoiserie Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Foam, Down
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century English Sofas
Linen
Mid-20th Century American American Empire Sofas
Fabric
20th Century American Sofas
Linen, Hardwood
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Sofas
Linen, Wood
Antique 1820s English Chippendale Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Queen Anne Sofas
Upholstery, Cherry
Antique 19th Century Regency Sofas
Metal
20th Century American George III Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Linen
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Oak
20th Century British Federal Sofas
Wood, Cotton, Down, Feathers
French Chairs
Walnut
Finding the Right sofas for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021White, brown and gray go best with a navy blue suit. Generally, navy is considered a neutral, so most neutral tones tend to work well.
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