Howard Baring Sofa
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary British Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
People Also Browsed
1990s North American Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Glass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Antique 1880s English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Antique 1730s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Oak
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
Antique 1810s French Empire Daybeds
Linen, Walnut, Wood
20th Century Danish Neoclassical Dinner Plates
Porcelain
20th Century French Floor Lamps
Crystal
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Italian Romantic Settees
Silver Leaf
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Cabinets
Iron
Recent Sales
Antique 1890s British Sofas
Fabric, Birch, Walnut
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Sofas
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Living Room Sets
Upholstery
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
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.
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