Henredon Down Sofa
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Silk, Down
Late 20th Century Console Tables
Wood, Burl
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Upholstery
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Metal
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Louis XVI Loveseats
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood
Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Bohemian Sofas
Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Feathers
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Beech
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 2000s Portuguese Colonial Revival Dinner Plates
Porcelain
20th Century American Georgian Settees
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood, Fabric, Silk, Upholstery
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Cane
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Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas
Textile
Vintage 1980s Sofas
Cotton
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Chenille, Cane, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Rustic Sofas
Suede, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Feathers
Late 20th Century Modern Living Room Sets
Suede, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s American Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany, Down
Vintage 1980s French Provincial Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Cotton, Wood
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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